2009 Volkswagen Jetta Review

Few vehicles in the press rotation strike absolute intrigue. Maybe two or three cars stand out from the pack each year.  One such vehicle this season is the 2009 front-wheel-drive Volkswagen Jetta TDI sedan. This car has few rivals on the road today. It's a high-mileage compact with fun-to-drive performance nuances with a starting price even a recent college graduate could consider. Although the window sticker listed fuel economy at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, we averaged an astounding 41 miles per gallon in combined driving. 

While Japanese and American automakers have largely emphasized gas-electric hybrids to squeeze more miles from a gallon of fuel, European automakers like VW, BWM and Mercedes-Benz have refined diesel technology to an art.

TDI is Volkswagen's diesel designation.  While diesel remains a dirty word in the minds of many drivers here in the States, it's the fuel of choice in Europe.  More than half the vehicles sold in Europe are diesel.  In the U.S., diesel car purchases make up less than four percent of consumer sales, and most of those are light-duty pickups. Diesel provides better fuel economy and superior torque, that low end grunt that gets the car moving when planting the accelerator to the floor.  Diesel fuel contains more energy than gasoline, up to 30 percent more potential.  Along with higher air pressure squeezed in each cylinder, diesel engines are more fuel efficient. While the 140 horsepower generated by the Jetta's TDI four-cylinder engine  is low when compared to other gasoline-exclusive four-cylinder engines, the  235 foot-pounds of torque more than makes up for any power concerns.  Volkswagen's clean diesel technology began arriving to VW dealers via the 2009 Jetta in August of 2008.

The big strike against diesel engines in the U.S. is their perception to pollute. Thanks to technological advances, that's  largely history. Gone are the days of rotten-egg sulfur smell or clouds of coal-black smoke emitting from the tailpipe.  The Jetta TDI boasts a nitrous oxide catalyst which acts like a scrubber to clean nitrous oxide while filters trap other small particulates before either exit the exhaust system. By reducing diesel emissions by 90 percent, the 2009 Jetta and its 2.0-liter, sixteen valve turbo diesel engine is available for sale in all 50 states.

In recent years, California and select east cost states initiated stricter diesel emission standards (BIN5/LEVII).  These restrictions hit diesel car sales hard.  The TDI "Clean Diesel" technology passes these tougher California initiated standards allowing those in all 50 states the chance to drive a Jetta diesel instead of a select 45 as has been the case the past couple of years. Volkswagen is not alone in refining  this technology. Mercedes-Benz recently introduced the Blue TEC clean diesel technology while BMW has clean diesel offerings in the 3 Series sedan.  Expect more clean diesels from Japan and even U.S. carmakers sooner rather than later.

Diesel prices, like those of its gas counterpart, fluctuated dramatically in 2008. At times, diesel was riding a dollar per gallon higher than unleaded 87-octane regular. During the first quarter of 2009, the price gab closed to around 20 cents (at least in the Midwest).  Jetta requires low sulfur diesel available at most any station offering diesel.

The Jetta TDI sedan allows folks to conserve fuel by simply filling up less.  It's also priced less than just about any gas-electric hybrid available with a starting price of $21,990, thousands less than a comparably equipped Toyota Prius, the best-selling gas-electric hybrid in the world. Since diesel technology has been around for more than a century, reparability, reliability and longevity factors are well documented.

In addition to a TDI trim, the Jetta sedan comes in three gasoline trims (S, SE and SEL). Volkswagen supplied a TDI Loyal Edition (1,100), a variant of the Jetta TDI sedan adding a laser blue metallic exterior, art gray (black and gray) interior and six-speed automatic transmission.  Starting price was $22,440. After adding in destination charge and a few odds and ends, the bottom line added up to $24,190. All Jetta TDIs include a sunroof, in-dash six-disc CD changer, Sirius Satellite radio with limited complimentary subscription, cruise control, air conditioning with pollen filter and heated windshield washer nozzles.

The TDI clean diesel engine is also available in the 2009 Jetta Sportwagon.  Don't call it a station wagon or its feelings could get hurt. The five-door wagon returns to the Jetta fold after a short absence. Jetta comes solely with front-wheel drive.  All-wheel drive is available. Those seeking two door Volkswagens need to take a peek at the New Beetle or the Rabbit (formally marketed as the Golf here in the United States).

Inside, Jetta's non-cluttered black and gray dashboard and instrument panel was easy to navigate.  Nighttime red-blue backlighting was inviting.  Upscale German automakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz tend to complicate simple tasks such as setting or changing radio pre-sets.  Volkswagen takes a slightly lower-tech approach, making such chores more intuitive.  For example, ventilation functions operated via three easy-to-grab manual dials rather than following a touch-screen tutorial.

Nice touches include fuel and trunk release buttons found on the driver's door, not the floor.  Wide front map pockets each include a molded cup holder and the glove box is good sized for a compact. A full compliment of airbags includes front airbags, driver and front passenger side air bags and curtain airbags for both rows.

Leatherette heated seats were supportive, but not overly soft. The four-door design provided ample window space for good sightlines in all directions. Plentiful headroom in front and a seating position up from the ground add to the comfort level. In row two, however, leg room is tight and headroom for those 6-feet two-inches and taller will be tighter.  Don't try to squeeze any more than two adults in back. Rear seatbacks fold with a 60/40 split, once the front bucket seats are situated far enough forward. Volkswagen includes a locking mechanism at the top of the backrest that is workable with the ignition key fob.

While the second row is diminutive, the same can't be said about the cargo area. Jetta has one of the largest trunks you'll lay your eyes on in a compact sedan.  The 16.0 cubic feet is welcomed site in a mid-size sedan let alone a compact.  Plus strut-like hinges outside the cargo area add to useability. By comparison, the Toyota Prius trunk measures in with a smaller, but still respectable 14.4 cubic feet of space.

The outside thermometer never dipped below 10 degrees during the week long test drive. Jetta spent the nights roughing it outside the comforts of the heated garage in an attempt to test cold (or at least colder) weather starting. Jetta's diesel engine never failed to turn over in the morning.

Volkswagen's four-cylinder TDI engine makes a bit more noise when started and idling when compared to traditional gasoline engines, but once on the road, one would be hard pressed to tell the difference ....except maybe in performance. Added low-end torque noticeably propels this vehicle during passing maneuvers, and responsive steering made turned quick moves into exhilarating ones. Electro mechanical power steering helps drivers stay connected with the vehicle through the steering wheel. The engine does hesitate for a second or two when pushing the pedal to the floor due to some turbo lag.

The conservative four-door sedan exterior does sport side mirrors with built in blinkers to alert other drivers on the road of your intensions; a nice touch German automakers have incorporated for a while.  The tank holds a relatively small 14.5 gallons of potent diesel fuel. While engineered in Germany, Jetta is assembled in Mexico. Volkswagen, the "people's car" continues as Europe's largest volume automaker.

The accolades only continue for this affordable, fuel miser. During the 2009 Chicago Auto Show, VW's 2009 Jetta TDI was named winner of the "Best of the Year" Drivers Choice Award from TV's MotorWeek.  This is the highest honor bestowed by the long-running TV magazine hosted by veteran auto personality John Davis.

Not only can the Jetta TDI save money at the pump and dealership, but it may put more money in pockets during Income Tax time.  This vehicle qualifies for a $1,300 "advanced lean burn technology motor vehicle tax credit."  Another perk is the carefree maintenance program where scheduled maintenance (stated in the glove box manual) is covered by VW for the first three years or 36.000 miles (whichever comes first). The powertrain warranty coverage is for five years or 60,000 miles.

Jetta's suspension and braking are tuned more for a softer ride rather than a sport type experience where the driver's one with the road and all of the imperfections on it. Take time to test the power under the hood. This light weight vehicle reacts like a caged tiger ready to pounce. Plus it's one of the most fuel efficient cars on the road today. Saving fuel has never been this much fun.