2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

March 2009. The fuel efficiency champion at Volkswagen is, without a doubt, the new Jetta TDI (*est. $22,270), powered by a 140-horsepower turbodiesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a very healthy (especially among economy cars) 236 pound feet of torque. The Volkswagen Jetta TDI's Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy ratings are 30 mpg city and 41 mpg highway, although test drivers report average fuel economy of anywhere from 32 to 38 mpg, with highway mileage as high as 46 mpg. The Volkswagen Jetta TDI's low-emissions engine utilizes VW's clean-diesel technology, making it emissions compliant in all 50 states without the use of urea-based injection like Mercedes-Benz's BlueTec diesel engines. Reviewers are impressed with the new diesel's smoothness, quietness and good throttle response, not to mention its hybrid-like fuel efficiency. The Jetta TDI is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, but a six-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox is available as a $1,100 option.
As was the case with many hybrids upon their introduction, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI is eligible for a $1,300 tax credit. Unfortunately, Volkswagen has reduced basic warranty coverage for all its 2009 models to three years, 36,000 miles from last year's four years, 50,000 miles, but now offers no-charge scheduled maintenance for the warranty period. The Jetta TDI can be shopped against hybrid alternatives, such as the 2009 Toyota Prius (*est. $22,000 to $24,270) or 2009 Civic Hybrid (*est. $23,650), but reviewers make a strong case for the Volkswagen Jetta's lower costs and better tax credits. Like its conventionally powered stablemates (covered in a separate entry), the Jetta TDI offers upscale, comfortable interior accommodations, high build quality, lots of standard features and the type of distinctly engaging European driving experience that's normally associated with costlier vehicles. The Volkswagen Jetta includes a full suite of safety features and is rated a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Edmunds.com compares a Volkswagen Jetta TDI to a Toyota Prius, with discussions of the comfort and driving experience as well as fuel economy. Popular Mechanics also does a Jetta TDI vs. Prius comparison, with more attention to the fuel efficiency of the two cars. About.com and Autoblog.com have informative single-car reviews of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Non-model-specific reviews can be found at Edmunds.com, ConsumerGuide.com and Consumer Reports, with coverage of the general pros and cons of all Jetta models. MotherProof.com test drives a Volkswagen Jetta TDI but focuses on the cabin comfort and everyday driving experience rather than the diesel engine. In addition to its own review of the TDI, Cars.com links to other auto writers' reviews for additional opinions.