Doing the DieselGiven the rising price of gasoline, many drivers are looking for vehicle options that will give them the most mileage for their fuel dollar. Some have turned to hybrids, and many others have turned to diesel. While the price of diesel fuel is generally a bit higher than that of unleaded gasoline, the higher miles per gallon that most diesel vehicles offer offsets this. Diesel however, has long had the reputation as a dirtier fuel source, and the recent surge in eco-friendly attitudes has almost made “diesel” a dirty word. Enter the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. This is the latest in a long line of Volkswagen vehicles that have used diesel fuel, and it is also one of the cleanest.
The EngineThe 2.0 liter turbocharged, direct-injected (hence the “TDI”) diesel engine that powers the Jetta TDI is what makes this vehicle special. Pumping out 140 horsepower and 235 foot pounds of torque, the Jetta TDI has a very peppy ride with quick acceleration. This engine also meets Tier II/Bin 5 emission standards. While many other diesel engines meet this standard, the Jetta TDI’s engine does it without needing to implement the urea treatment others need in order to meet the standard. The Jetta also features a storage catalyst system that reduces nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions by close to 90 percent. Despite all of these extensive systems, the Jetta’s engine still boasts a smooth and quiet ride. While the 2009 Jetta TDI will cost slightly more than the standard Jetta, the TDI model has fuel economy of 38 miles per gallon city and 44 highway, according to a third-party firm, AMCI. The slight cost difference at time of purchase will easily be nullified after driving for a bit.
A Bit ExtraAnother great reason to go with the Jetta TDI over the standard Jetta is the automatic transmission choices. The 2.5 liter gasoline Jetta features a conventional six-speed automatic while the TDI comes equipped with Volkswagen’s DSG twin-clutch transmission. When seen in print, that doesn’t seem like much of a difference, but a test drive comparing the two will be enough to show you that the DSG twin-clutch transmission is much more responsive to throttle control and also makes for a quicker acceleration off of the line. While there are certainly drivers out there who don’t look for such things in a car, that doesn’t change the fact that if you get behind the wheel of the 2009 Jetta TDI, you’re going to have a very good time.
The EngineThe 2.0 liter turbocharged, direct-injected (hence the “TDI”) diesel engine that powers the Jetta TDI is what makes this vehicle special. Pumping out 140 horsepower and 235 foot pounds of torque, the Jetta TDI has a very peppy ride with quick acceleration. This engine also meets Tier II/Bin 5 emission standards. While many other diesel engines meet this standard, the Jetta TDI’s engine does it without needing to implement the urea treatment others need in order to meet the standard. The Jetta also features a storage catalyst system that reduces nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions by close to 90 percent. Despite all of these extensive systems, the Jetta’s engine still boasts a smooth and quiet ride. While the 2009 Jetta TDI will cost slightly more than the standard Jetta, the TDI model has fuel economy of 38 miles per gallon city and 44 highway, according to a third-party firm, AMCI. The slight cost difference at time of purchase will easily be nullified after driving for a bit.
A Bit ExtraAnother great reason to go with the Jetta TDI over the standard Jetta is the automatic transmission choices. The 2.5 liter gasoline Jetta features a conventional six-speed automatic while the TDI comes equipped with Volkswagen’s DSG twin-clutch transmission. When seen in print, that doesn’t seem like much of a difference, but a test drive comparing the two will be enough to show you that the DSG twin-clutch transmission is much more responsive to throttle control and also makes for a quicker acceleration off of the line. While there are certainly drivers out there who don’t look for such things in a car, that doesn’t change the fact that if you get behind the wheel of the 2009 Jetta TDI, you’re going to have a very good time.
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