Test Drive: Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Thursday, June 18th, 2009
(Photo Source: VW)
By: Ryan Konko
With everyone today concerned with global warming and the environment one of the greenest decisions you can make is to buy a…diesel.
Wait…a diesel? Yes a diesel. The TDI engine gets great gas mileage, and is rated at 30 mpg city and 41 mpg highway although higher numbers were observed on my drive. Great gas mileage doesn’t make a car green though. The Jetta TDI has very low CO2 emissions and low nitrogen oxide emissions to meet requirements in all 50 states. The great thing is that you get all this green technology without the smug hybrid badged plastered all over your car letting everyone know you’re saving the world.
Outside the Jetta looks like some kind of pop culture icon, something that everyone can enjoy no matter what age you are. It’s styling doesn’t offend or look mean at all, rather it appears playful and fun. Inside it is the opposite. It seems average, nothing in the interior really sets it apart from its competition. Controls are well laid out and easy to use, but are very basic controls. The high point of the interior were the steering wheel and gague cluster. The steering wheel controls were well designed and easy to use, while notorious red and blue gagues are easy to read while driving. The interior seems very basic and almost boring but after you start the engine and start raking up the mpg’s you forget about it all.
Driving the Jetta was rewarding. Not only was it great to see the mpg gauge stay around 30-60 mpg and sometimes climb into triple digits, but the car was quick for only having 140 hp. The Jetta feels like it has more power than its 8.5 second 0-60 mph time suggests. This TDI’s secret weapon is torque and it has plenty of it, 236 lb-ft from only 1750 rpm. With all this torque I found myself squealing tires a few times. This power lets Jetta tackles hills easily, many times not even requiring a downshift. The six speed DSG transmission is wonderfully smooth, shifts quick, and has a fun sport shift mode. Handling is what you would expect from a German sedan, it feels solid and sporty, although there was some body roll in harder corners. It feels capable at highway speeds and provides a comfortable ride.
Starting at $22,270 the Jetta TDI is a wise choice for a car. It provides great gas mileage, low emissions and surprising fun. With diesel fuel less expensive in most areas than gasoline and the incredible gas mileage, it gives hybrids a run for their money. Diesels have a reputation of lasting forever, while hybrids may have to have their batteries replaced after years of use. Plus who wants their car covered in hybrid badges?
