2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Review | Buyer Guide
VW Debuts Jetta with Diesel Power
Are diesel engines the way to better fuel economy? Volkswagen happens to think so. Rather than developing a gas/electric hybrid, like the Toyota Prius, the German automaker is focusing on clean diesel technology. At a press introduction in Santa Monica, California, VW unveiled its 50-state, diesel-powered, Jetta TDI.
In Europe, over half the cars sold are powered by diesels, but Americans have been slow to accept this type of engine. Diesels have gotten a bad rap for being noisy, smelly and sluggish. Maybe that was true at one time, but it’s no longer the case. Diesel technology has advanced a lot in recent years, and diesel fuel is now cleaner.
Volkswagen uses a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged diesel in the Jetta. It generates 140 horsepower and a whopping 236 lb-ft of torque. This is a modern diesel with common-rail, direct-injection fuel delivery, which improves combustion and reduces pollutants. But up until now, diesels have not been able to meet strict emissions standards for nitrogen-oxides (NOx) in states like California. VW solved this problem by incorporating a storage chamber, which temporarily holds these emissions, that the engine then burns off.
The EPA estimates that the Jetta TDI will get 29 mpg in the city and 40 on the highway. But Volkswagen thought that these estimates were on the low side. They hired an independent company, AMCI, to test the Jetta in “real world” conditions. AMCI rated the car at 38 City and 44 Highway. This seems more realistic. At the press introduction, my driving partner and I achieved 39.2 mpg driving up and down the canyons near Malibu. However, much better fuel economy is possible. An Australian couple, John and Helen Taylor, have averaged 58.2 mpg, in their drive around the U.S. to set a Guinness record.
Behind the wheel of a Jetta TDI, you would be hard pressed to find many differences between it and its gas-powered sibling. There is no loud clatter from the engine, and no offensive diesel odor. The TDI is not as quick off the line when you start off, but it makes up ground in a hurry, and the power comes on strong, as soon as the revs reach 1500. The TDI merges on to the freeway with lots of gusto, and pulls like a trooper when climbing steep grades.
Volkswagen offers the Jetta TDI in sedan and SportWagen versions, and it can be had with a six-speed manual transmission or with the DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) automatic. I tested a sedan with the DSG. For those who face a lot of stop-and-go traffic, the DSG is a good alternative. It delivers very smooth shifts in the automatic mode, but can be manually shifted when you want more control. The manual shifts are very quick and positive.
In other respects, the TDI is similar to its gas-powered sedan and wagon counterparts. It comes nicely equipped with a 10-speaker sound system, satellite radio and 16-inch alloy wheels. The interior is well finished and will accommodate four adults in reasonable comfort. The storage in both versions is large. And the Jetta TDI is a car an enthusiast can enjoy. The steering is quick and responsive. The handling is precise and delivers the goods on a twisty road. Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) is standard. The ride, while slightly firm, is well controlled.
Pricing for the Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen starts at $21,900 and 23,590, respectively. This is about $2000 more than gas-powered Jettas, but the extra cost is offset in part by a $1300 federal income tax credit. All Jettas come with three years, or 36,000 miles of free scheduled maintenance.
Snapshot Review
Excellent Fuel Economy
No-Hassle Diesel Engine
Fine Interior
Very Good Handling
