The VW and Audi TDi diesel vehicles are probably the most economical cars on the road, getting about the same or better economy than the new hybrids. They are the best way to go when looking to save money on fuel. The VW TDi's especially are growing in popularity in the U.S.. There are some complaints though. Like not having the power needed to pass someone on the road. This has all changed in recent years. There are several upgrades that can be made to the TDi's to improve power, and to actually improve fuel economy even more. I will touch on these subjects briefly.
The first TDi Performance mod that comes to mind is an upgraded chip or tuning box. Both of these items, the VW performance chip and the VW tuning box change how the fuel is delivered to the engine. For a VW performance chip to be installed, the TDi's computer must be removed and sent to someone who can solder in the new chip with the new program. A VW tuning box will simply be connected under the hood where it can intercept the signals going to the engines ecu and alter them. Most people will say that the upgraded chip will do the most for you, but the tuning box is the more common upgrade just because it is so much easier to work with. Also the tuning boxes are well liked because they can be removed and have no trace of ever being there so that warranty work can be done.