On the questionable benefits of mechanical complexity

As all of you know, I like small cars. In fact, I love little, tiny, Japanese hatchbacks that last forever and that some people think will get me killed and swear our children will never ride in. As a consequence of this, I am always on the look out for beautiful new products like the new competitors the Toyota Yaris and the Honda Fit(which may be coming in a hybrid). Both of these hatchbacks cost around $13,000 and get about 40 miles/gallon, which is nice.

Yet, my SUV-driving boyfriend may be slowing convince me that diesel is the way to go, not hybrid. After all it's not as if the US doesn't have plenty of sources for diesel and some of the new diesels get mileage rates that are better than the hybrids. Also, it is way more fun to say you run your car on this than it is to brag about having a hybrid.

PS. As some might have guessed, the post title comes via surrelevent.