Jetta TDI a no brainer

Currently, you can count the number of diesel-powered sedans available in Canada on one hand. And if you’re looking for something affordable, you’ll need even fewer fingers, which brings us to the topic of this review - the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

There’s so much to like about this car. For starters, there’s the fuel-economy factor. Diesel currently sells for a bit less than regular gasoline, and the TDI gets great fuel economy (especially on the highway), which translates into more money in your wallet and less in the coffers of the oil companies.

According to VW numbers, while the 2.0L TDI diesel version of the Jetta uses 6.7 and 4.6 litres per 100 km (city and hwy, respectively), the 2.5L gas-powered Jetta has numbers closer to 9.3 and 6.9. Factor in the higher cost of gasoline vs. diesel (currently) and you’re saving some serious dough.

Our test vehicle averages 7.1 L/100 km, but if we’re talking only about highway driving we get close to 5.0 L/100 km. These are fabulous numbers at a time when fuel prices are high, and likely to get higher as world economies pull out of recession.

Not only are you paying less at the pumps, you’re also paying less up front than you would for some of the high-end diesel sedans available today from other manufacturers. The base Jetta TDI (Trendline trim) weighs in at $24,475. Compare that to the non-diesel base version of the Jetta, which starts at $22,175, and you’re clearly paying a little over $2,000 for the privilege of driving a diesel. The same holds true for Comfortline and Highline trims - the diesel premium is consistently about $2,000.

Then there’s the performance factor. Believe it or not, the diesel version of the Jetta is spunkier than the gas-powered model. While the gas-powered Jetta boasts 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, the diesel has only 140 hp. But the lower horsepower number is offset by a healthy 236 lb-ft or torque that peaks at a super low 1,750 rpm (the gas version peaks at 4,250 rpm).

In plain English this means the TDI rockets from almost a dead stop, and is a blast to drive. Once you reach that 1,750 rpm threshold, the torque catapults you to speed, making passing and evasive manoeuvres almost effortless. It also boasts a tight suspension, which makes it a joy in tight turns.

Inside, you’re not losing out on anything, because the diesel version comes with the same luxuries and amenities as the gas-powered car. Our tester comes with leather seats, sunroof, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, hands-free phone connection, power windows, heated windshield washer nozzles, multifunction trip computer, and much more.

The other part of the equation is the “Clean Diesel” part of the TDI picture. Unlike the nasty and smelly diesels of yesteryear, Clean Diesel is innocent on both counts, thanks primarily to two technologies. First, there’s VW’s engine technology that reduces emissions to very low levels. Second, is the fact that the TDI runs on ultra low sulphur diesel fuel. Say bye-bye to the black soot.

Finally, if you’ve been around older diesel vehicles, you know they can be noisy. To take the edge off the clunk factor, VW tackled the problem from a number of angles, including added cabin insulation and an advanced fuel injection system that keeps the engine quiet in the first place.

Properly maintained, diesel engines are almost indestructible and should last for many years. Take care of your TDI and your kids might be driving it 20 years from now. That $2,000 premium doesn’t look so bad after all