With the arrival of another eagerly awaited VW, we can finally start to enjoy respectable fuel economy without having to drive one of those politically expedient pious Prius!
The new 50-state compliant VW Jetta TDI boasts 30% better fuel economy than the equivalent gasoline engine. In this case, the EPA has deemed the car to return 38mpg city and 44mpg highway. However, we saw superior figures during the car's recent US launch.
On California's notoriously challenging canyon roads, and with limited freeway use, we returned an average of 45mpg. That's simply astonishing.
And with steady freeway use, we were able to see over 50mpg. In fact, our daily commute had been returning an average of 18mpg in our BMW 135i, but we've cut it to 28mpg with the TDI using only Los Angeles' infamous clogged city streets.
Even pushed hard in the national TDI Cup race series, these Jettas are returning 25mpg. That's at full race speed. And we learned the racetrack owners are now bidding to have TDI Cup races at their venues given the low emissions and reduced noise the action-packed series offers.
What's more, with a starting price of only $21990 for the Jetta TDI, free servicing for three years and eligibility for a $1300 advanced lean burn technology federal tax credit, this car answers all the questions you're asking.
Here's the clever bit-low...
Here's the clever bit-low mileage and masses of torque. Genius.
The TDI differs little from a regular Jetta. Only a badge and low-energy Michelin tires distinguish it outwardly. Transmissions include either a six-speed auto or manual, while the interior is unchanged from the gasoline models.
Under the hood is a 140hp version of the 2.0 liter SOHC 16v common rail, direct injection turbo-diesel so highly regarded in Europe. Besides its frugality, the TDI's second best trick is its 236 lb-ft of torque. This gives the car uncanny in-gear acceleration to ensure you won't be embarrassed under acceleration.
Although the new TDI is a little sluggish off the line, it picks up pace once the turbo kicks in, so forget your old perceptions of diesel. These are no longer the sooty, slothful oddities of yesteryear. European carmakers have developed diesel technology to the point where 50% of VW's European sales are now TDI models. What's more, we're going to see more of them on our roads, with BMW, Audi and Mercedes joining VW in the US market. However, none of them will offer the same value for money as this VW.
Familiar Jetta interior remains...
Familiar Jetta interior remains although the fuel gauge doesn't seem to work properly-it almost never moves!
And none of them will be as easy to own. Because of its smaller engine, the clean-diesel Jetta doesn't require the urea injection system fitted to most diesels sold in the US (see First Drive: BMW 335d elsewhere in this issue). This helps keep the cost down and means less to worry about as the car gets older.
So what's the TDI like to drive? Well, we're incredibly fortunate to have been loaned a car by VW for the next year, so we'll be able to bring you regular reports in the Our Cars section of the magazine. We'll also be throwing a few parts at it to give ours a more distinctive appearance, while continuing to enjoy the diesel economy.
As we stated, the mileage on our daily commute is at least 30% better with the TDI but we'll have to concentrate to see the claimed 38mpg city - it's definitely possible but we're lead-footed!
We've had limited experience on the freeway but are determined to beat the stated 44mpg. We know it's possible because we met an Australian couple - John and Helen Taylor - who set a Guinness World Record in a Jetta TDI. They covered 9419 miles in 20 days at an average of 853 miles from each of the 11 tanks of fuel. That equates to 58.82mpg and is the lowest fuel consumption recorded for crossing the 48 US states.
You can read about the couple's adventures at www.fuelacademy.com where you'll also find tips to help save fuel. Most are common sense solutions but by checking your tires (3%), removing unnecessary weight (2%) and roof racks (5%), as well as using the correct oil (2%), you can make the most of a gallon of fuel whatever you drive.