If ever there was a car that could change Americans' seriously outdated, preconceived notions about diesels, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI is it. Although BMW and Mercedes-Benz offer diesels in some of their models, VW is the only carmaker to offer diesel power for the masses. And like other modern diesels, its TDI (Turbocharged, Direct-Injection) engines are not slow, loud or gross polluters but rather are spirited performers that quietly and cleanly deliver fuel mileage significantly higher than their gas-drinking brethren.
Yes, hybrids are an amazing example of automotive technology, but if we're talking about spending $25- to $28,000, my money's going on the Jetta SportWagen TDI. I could give you three good reasons why, but I won't. I'll give you six.
- Impressive combination of performance and fuel economy. Over the weekend, I averaged over 35 mpg driving in a normal fashion. By that I meant I didn't drive it like I stole it but nor did I drive like there was an egg under the gas (sorry, diesel) pedal. Whether dicing with city traffic or blending swiftly into fast-moving freeway traffic, the TDI's stout, low-end grunt was always right there. Zero-to-60 mph in less than 9 seconds is quick enough.
- Comfortable seats and ride. The Jetta's firm, supportive seats were great on an all-day's drive over the weekend. No complaints from my finicky lumbar region. And the Jetta's chassis strikes an agreeable balance between confident control and a supple ride. Though not exactly sporty, it is certainly responsive enough to be enjoyable on a curvy road. And it's calibrated to gracefully deal with the potholes, frost heaves and freeway expansion joints that are a huge part of driving in the real world.
- A solid, precise feel at the helm. Whether it was turning the well-weighted steering wheel or flicking the turn signal lever, the Jetta's controls imparted a sense of solidity and precision that made for a relaxed, reassuring feel behind the wheel.
- Handsome styling and a classy cabin. This car just looks and feels like it costs $5,000 more than it does. I really see no reason to spend more on the less spacious Audi A3 TDI, which shares the same powertrain.
- Wagon utility. The SportWagen provides nearly 33 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the seats (about twice that of a midsize sedan's trunk) and 67 cubes with the second row seats down. That's more than enough for my needs.
- Diesels are known for extreme longevity. With less moving parts and stouter construction (due to the much higher pressures within the cylinders that diesels must withstand) than a gas engine, a diesel can go 300,000 or more miles without requiring any major service or repairs.
By estreka
on March 25, 2010
04:02 AM
Don't forget that it comes with an optional manual tranny. That's a selling point all by itself.
By greenpony
on March 25, 2010
06:47 AM
Jetta looks better in wagon form than as a sedan.
By 06scooby
on March 25, 2010
06:51 AM
estreka I agree... there are hardly any mainstream cars that allow you to get a fully optioned out car with a manual tranny, with volkswagen one of the few holdouts... thank God they sell so many overseas where manuals are the norm so giving that option to the 'mericans isn't a big deal!
By sabastian
on March 25, 2010
07:02 AM
For me, this car makes every small, soft-road SUV/CUV pointless (not they had a point in the first place). For $25ish grand, is there a better car for normal drivers? Lots of space, looks good, lots of torque, excellent mileage...what's not to love?
By oscarmv
on March 25, 2010
08:02 AM
Been meaning to buy one as soon as my financial situation improves, so it's hard for me to disagree with you there :P
You guys should have gotten one of these for the long term fleet rather than the sedan.
By cruiserhead1
on March 25, 2010
08:53 AM
agree with everything except the fact the exterior styling is hideous.
Getting used to it is not the same as good looking.
The wagon does look much better, i've seen them on the road and the clean profile makes it look like a high-buck german sedan.
The Passat wagon even more so.
The interior is fantastic and it's too bad the American public didn't embrace TDI as they did hybrids.
By far, diesel is far more environmentally friendly.
By iskch
on March 25, 2010
09:33 AM
Good looking and something different from the SUV crowd. I think they have the Jetta TDI Cup version already for sale or not?
By rsholland
on March 25, 2010
09:47 AM
Is this TDI wagon rated for towing, and if so, how much?
By moparbad
on March 25, 2010
01:26 PM
Golf is better than the Jetta Wagon unless you really need the extra wagon space.
By ed124c
on March 25, 2010
02:50 PM
It would be interesting to compare an Elantra Touring with the TDI Jetta wagon.
They both are about the same size, have about the same horsepower, handle well, etc.
But the Elantra costs way less than the Jetta, which could offset the fact that it will probably get lower MPG than the Jetta.
I bet somone could calculate all this and determine which is more "practical".
By blueguydotcom
on March 25, 2010
08:32 PM
1 more vote for the golf tdi. The smaller size, lighter weight and tighter suspension nearly won me over. VW quality scared me away.
By moparbad
on March 25, 2010
09:13 PM
VW quality has earned my respect.
Quality of the VW dealership network scares me away from dealership service.
Golf has better seats, better suspension, more rigid chassis, and offers adaptive Xenon lights and Dynaudio as options. No Xenon or Dynaudio in the Jetta Wagon.
Dynaudio is not too impressive though.
By blueguydotcom
on March 25, 2010
10:16 PM
@ed, the elantra simply doesn't offer the same feel inside. VW's Jetta/Golf really doesn't feel like a cheapo car (say like the 2010 Mazda3 or the Civic). Now is that perception or reality? Probably a perception of quality over anything real. But I tell you, climb into a Mazda3 and then into a Jetta...the Jetta seems to be a car for an entirely different kind of buyer.
By misterfusion
on March 26, 2010
12:26 PM
This would be the perfect car for me, except for two factors:
1. The asking price is still a bit steep. Yes, it's "cheap for a diesel", but it's still a significant premium over the otherwise identical Jetta 2.5 Sportwagen.
2. Seat height. My knees are going -- about 20 years too early -- and I want my next vehicle to have a higher seat for easier ingress/egress. Yes, this is my problem, not the Jetta's.
By 500lbman
on July 1, 2011
05:48 PM
This car costs a little more than others in it's class, but if you calculate true cost of ownership you will do far better with this tdi wagon than anything else out there. Deisels hold their value SO much better than gas powered cars, it's not even close. Depreciation costs a fortune if you buy a lesser vehicle because you "got a good deal".