New Car Review: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sedan

By Thom Blackett

Conspicuous consumption is a term that’s tossed around plenty, typically in relation to designer clothing, extravagant jewelry, and countless personal accessories that might as well have been crafted from $100 bills. For many, the idea of a turbocharged German car fits right into the mix. Those people obviously don’t know about the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sedan, winner of the 2009 Earth, Wind & Power Car of the Year Award.

 

TDI is VW lingo for the company’s turbocharged diesel engine technology, which helps deliver an EPA-estimated 30 mpg city/41 mpg highway when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission (29 mpg/40 mpg for the optional automatic). Turbo lag causes a slight delay when you first press the accelerator and is more noticeable than in a gasoline-powered turbocharged Jetta, but that is soon remedied by the delivery of generous power. The clanging noise often associated with diesels is almost completely absent; thanks to an advanced emissions system and low-sulfur diesel fuel, sooty exhaust is a thing of the past.

 

Fitted to our test car was a six-speed automatic transmission that was smooth, though it was sometimes a bit reluctant to downshift; pop the gear knob into Sport mode and that becomes less of an issue. Out on the open road, the Jetta TDI delivers a compliant ride, but for more responsive handling you’ll want to check out the Jetta GLI. Inside are quality materials, comfortable and supportive seats, intuitive controls, and ample trunk space.

 

Pricing for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sedan starts at about $22,000, or almost $5,000 more than a base Jetta S. Like all VWs, the Jetta TDI Sedan features 3-years/36,000-miles of free maintenance. Other niceties include heated front seats, an auxiliary jack for your MP3 player, and an available touch-screen navigation system with directions to the nearest diesel station. Safety is covered by six standard airbags (rear-side airbags are optional), antilock disc brakes, electronic stability control, and more.

 

At the end of the day, there are less expensive and more efficient vehicles to consider, but for frugal fun, few can match the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sedan.

 

Specifications

Test Vehicle: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sedan

Base Price: $22,270

Price as Tested: $28,038

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

Transmission: Six-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway

Road & Travel’s Observed Fuel Economy: 29.5 mpg

NHTSA/IIHS Frontal Crash Ratings: 4 stars / Good

NHTSA/IIHS Side Impact Ratings: 5 stars / Good

Also Consider: Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Prius

 

For more information see Road & Travel’s Volkswagen Buyer’s Guide or visit vw.com.

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Comments

[Volkswagen]

Thanks for this great information about2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sedan car.I like the inside quality of the car that is it seats provide comfortable support to the body and you will feel roomy atmosphere which is really cool thing about it.I also likethe everything about the New Volkswagen Beetle 1.4 Luna Car.Its a hi-teck car.You will definitely feel pleasant atmosphere inside the car.Well you know that when there is a safety then you will happily drive the car.To keep a safe guard for the insider, the Luna is accompanied by the Electronic Stabilization programme with ABS, also they are covered by the twin front and side airbags with active front seat head restraints which is raelly impressive.Its interior is also superb.For more details refer http://www.automotivecraze.com/new-volkswagen-beetle-1-4-luna-car-review/