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Tags: 2009, jetta tdi, review, volkswagen, volkswagen jetta tdi

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Volkswagen Jetta TDI Review
The cheating’s over. After selling a 2006 Jetta TDI well into 2008 because of federal emissions regulations in effect for 2007 models and up, Volkwagen has finally introduced the 2009 model with a brand-new turbo diesel engine. Better yet, the new car costs $2,475 less than the outgoing one.

For 2009, the German automaker offers no less than 16 variations of the Jetta, including sedan and wagons models, the GLI, and excluding the old-school City Jetta.

Torque, the magic ingredient
Diesel engines have always relied on torque to motivate the vehicles they’re bolted into. In recent years, though, progress seems to have escalated as all new turbodiesels boast stump-pulling low-rpm torque numbers.

And the TDI is no exception: 2.0 litres, 140 horsepower, but 235 lb-ft of torque. That’s quite a step from the previous TDI, a 1.9-litre unit rated at 100 hp and 177 lb-ft. And I still remember the diesel VWs of the ’80s, which developed a puny 52 horses in naturally-aspirated spec and 68 horses with a turbocharger.

The oil-burning Jetta gallops to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds, which is just a little slower than with the 2.5-litre engine. The TDI’s power curve peaks at 4,000 rpm but seems to drop like a stone right after that; redline is 4,500 rpm.

But unlike high-revving, twin-cam 4-cylinder engines that are virtually gutless at low revs, the TDI’s torque steps in right off the line to get the car moving along swiftly. The result is that under normal driving circumstances, you don’t feel much of a difference between the TDI and 2.5 engines. When you listen to the car at idle and during acceleration, it’s still unmistakably a diesel, but it’s quieter than before.

The all-important number here is its fuel consumption average. Well, in our hands, the TDI is averaging 7.4 L/100 km, which is pretty good considering we didn’t do much highway mileage. We seriously doubt you’ll rack up 1,100 km on a single tank like VW is claiming (which is basically the 55-litre tank averaging 4.8 L/100 km), but if you’ve got a light right foot, you’ll get close to a thousand kilometres for every tankful.

The Jetta has always been a driver’s car, as far as compacts go. One has to admire the car’s precise steering, slick 6-speed manual and sharp reflexes. It’s not as engaging as a Mazda3, or at least the Jetta doesn’t entice you to adopt a dynamic driving habit, but it definitely is a good long-distance cruiser. Read Article
Volkswagen Jetta TDI Review



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BoredBored - 9/17/2008 6:18:18 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Cost per mile calculations should be considered more now that diesel prices have finally dropped recently. Regular grade fuel is running as low as $4.05/gal around me, but diesel is $4.09/gal at the same stations!, a far cry from the $.30 - $.80/gal cost ABOVE premium grade that we had from late winter to mid summer.
This makes me want a diesel even more. And for those that swear by hybrids, hybrid-diesels are just a minimum 2 years away.

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aarononymousaarononymous - 9/17/2008 10:06:27 PM
+2 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
make it a DSG sportwagon and I'm sold...

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dr1v3rdr1v3r - 9/18/2008 6:02:29 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
The Jetta does indeed come in a Sportwagen Tdi with DSG or a 6 Speed, when can you sign up? lol


WhattheWhatthe - 9/17/2008 10:57:51 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
One Sweet audi!
Really, this is a great economy car. And I mean that in a good way.

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huu76huu76 - 9/19/2008 12:43:42 AM
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Its funny that VW uses AMCI to inflate their mileage to 38/44mpg from 29/40mpg. Still well short of the Prius' 48/45 rating. The Camry Hybrid gets about the same combined mileage as the TDI.

If a Rabbit sells for $21,990 then the Jetta will still be more expensive than the more efficient Prius which is $22,000.

The longer Germany hangs on the diesels, the further they'll fall behind. The Jetta TDI will just cannibalize gasoline Jetta sales. Practically no one with an open mind will choose a diesel over a hybrid.

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NBCGLXNBCGLX - 9/19/2008 4:38:50 PM
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Actually, it's because I have an open mind that I would consider the Jetta TDI. In fact, I would never buy a hybrid. For one, they do not at all drive like a "normal" car because they are absolutely gutless, particularly on the highway. Two, none of the hybrid cars have any driving feel, which isn't that shocking since the cars that they are based on don't have any driving feel to begin with. Three, the overall environmental impact of a hybrid is worse than most gasoline-powered cars, despite the excellent gas mileage.


huu76huu76 - 9/19/2008 7:00:17 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
Textbook excuses straight from the German driving manual.

I guess a Prius burning 7 barrels of oil a year vs the Jetta's 11 is more env't unfriendly. What's your car battery made of? Can you put a solar panel on your diesel to refill the tank? The Prius will have one for the A/C and the A-bat exhibitioned one already.

You forgot to mention that Toyota's sole purpose for existing is to mine nickel from Sudbury for their hybrids.

I doubt you've even driven a diesel if you think hybrids are the only vehicles that don't drive like normal cars.

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huu76huu76 - 9/19/2008 7:01:18 PM
+1 BoostDrop the Boost Up the Boost
I forgot to ask, when does it take an open mind to accept 100 year old technology but discount the latest breakthroughs?

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