General Motors (GM) thinks you still might want to buy a diesel car or SUV. Diesel sales, especially among sedans, have slumped since 2015 after it was revealed that Volkswagen's popular TDI diesel models had passed the U.S, air pollution emissions test only by cheating. Volkswagen and its subsidiary Audi as well as Mercedes-Benz did not sell any 2017 sedans with diesel engines.

Now General Motors is offering a diesel option in the fastest-growing U.S, automotive segment: compact SUVs. The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox—introduced to New York auto writers at an event this week—will feature an optional four-cylinder 1.6-liter, 137 horsepower diesel engine. Its corporate sibling GMC Terrain will also offer the diesel option. The headline number with this engine is 39, the EPA rating for fuel mileage in highway driving.

Dan Nicholson, GM vice president for global propulsion systems, noted that the 39 mpg highway rating topped competitors Nissan Rogue (35 mpg highway) and Toyota RAV4 (30 mpg) in their hybrid gas-electric versions. Some independent analysts believe shoppers will shy away from the extra initial cost of diesel versions. Jack Nerad, executive editorial director of Kelley Blue Book.

2,195 more than a comparable gasoline-powered version. So with the Volkswagen episode in the past and current diesel offerings in honest compliance with EPA testing, should you consider a diesel if you are shopping for a new car, If you fit one of these categories below, you should at least do the research and compare the economics of diesel versions versus gasoline engines.

You have a long commute mostly at highway speeds. Not only do diesels put up good fuel mileage on the highway, you don't have to stop and refill the tank as often. GM says the new Equinox diesel has a range of 577 miles to the next refill starting with a full tank.

You need to tow a boat, trailer or camper. The strong torque of diesel at low speeds makes it ideal for towing. If you have heavy towing to do, consider a large pickup like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or its competitor the Ford F-150—both of which will have diesel options soon. You think quick acceleration makes a car fun to drive. That same strong torque means plenty of zip when you hit the accelerator in a diesel vehicle. In a brief test drive, the new Equinox diesel lived up to that image.

The 2017 Allroad is so good at all things, we made it one of our recommended premium SUV models despite not being a true SUV. We may have named it one of our recommended Premium SUV models in the 2017 Daily News Autos Awards, but frankly, that’s because this raised wagon does everything most luxury SUVs can do, but with more style and drivability. 44,000 MSRP, it’s a relative bargain in comparison to premium SUV models with a similar level of space and comfort.

The ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’ comes in wagon form too under the name BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon. BMW’s iconic 3 Series is still the benchmark for entry-level luxury cars - whether or not it’s actually the best one - and the wagon variant is no exception. In fact, it’s the only true wagon left in its class, as all the other automakers have gone with lifted ride height and plastic body cladding to feign rugged capability.

42,950. Sounds like a steal to me. Buick may have a hit on their hands with the 2018 Regal Tour X, an affordable, stylish alternative to lifted luxury wagons. It’s a brave new world for the Buick brand, and for the first time in years, they’re bringing a wagon model back.

When it comes to luxury wagons, none are longer or more elegant (or rather, more expensive) than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Believe it or not, Mercedes-Benz does make a wagon version of their new E-Class sedan, no matter how much they attempt to hide it with a lack of any marketing whatsoever. 62,300 MSRP, you could feel smarter than everyone else too. Available in 3- or 4-cylinder, all-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive, and with a raucous performance model, there’s a quirky Mini Clubman for everyone.