This year more manufacturers than ever are trying to trim their miles per gallon. Some have decided to introduce different alternative energy systems onto existing models, while others are working on entirely new platforms. Regardless, it boils down to who can get the job done and provide the most creative solutions to this simple problem.
Once that process has been bypassed, there is yet another roadblock: what alt. energy powertrain should be used -- diesel or electric? This is where plenty of manufacturer's are torn.
The Germans seem to have stuck to diesel motors -- although it seems a couple brands may be encountering a paradigm shift (2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid, BMW X6 ActiveHybrid). Japanese manufacturers have not turned back since the roll-outs of the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. And the Italians? Well, they are still wondering when their espresso will be ready.
Source: CarandDriverHaving driven numerous hybrids and diesels, it continuously rings true: if you want more driver involvement, a diesel is your best choice.
With that said, I was able to get my hands on the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. What makes this particular vehicle stand out from the crowd of similarly priced hybrid autos is that it is subtle. Hybrids have a tendency to look very "out there" with fierce "look at me," styling. The Jetta TDI could not be any more of a polar opposite. If you are looking to impress the Joneses by saving the world, this is not the vehicle to have.
But if you are looking for something that is handsome, yet does not attract too much attention, continue reading.
Looking at the exterior of the Jetta TDI, it is likely you will not be able to tell the difference from the regular Jetta. The only genuine differences I spot is in the model badging and the exhaust. Other than that, you are looking at your run-of-the-mill Jetta.
That being said, the entry-level veedub four-door sedan has always been a safe bet, styling wise. Although the current generation took a lot of flack from VW loyalists because they thought its rear looked a bit too "Corolla-ish," it has aged well and the updated, darkened taillights improve the looks. Hint: what VW really has to do, is import U.S. models with LED taillights. Then forums would not be so jam-packed with "Where can I get LED tails" threads.
Source: Volkswagen of AmericaIf you thought the exterior differences were slim, wait until you get a peek inside.
Get a look, albeit, there is not much to look at. Besides the revised gauge cluster to correspond with the diesel motor, I did not spot anything unique to the TDI. Equipped with the usual Jetta interior, there are amply bolstered leatherette front seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel, shifter and emergency brake, and class-leading soft-touch plastics covering the dash, doors and center console. Fit and finish was adequate, although I found certain interior door grabs felt rather cheap and loose.
What is a tremendous plus, is the new navigation unit that has found its way into the Jetta. Although it is a DVD-based unit, the touch-screen system operates relatively smooth. To my surprise, it actually worked better than the Passat CC's that I tested several months ago. There was less lag and inputs were executed speedily. Now I must ponder why Audi uses MMI, which at first is a bit overwhelming and has a learning curve, compared to this simple and straight-forward navigation unit.
Had you been expecting an exclusive TDI interior, we are sorry to break your heart. But, the differences are apparent where they matter most, for instance, in the engine bay.
Propelling the front wheels of the TDI is a 2.0 liter four-cylinder motor. It is not the kind of diesel that is uber refined; it makes some chatter and is louder than a conventional gasoline engine. However, there is something incredibly gratifying about cruising in top gear with that deep rumble resonating throughout the cabin. It reminds me of a diesel locomotive when its motors go full tilt.
With 140-horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque there is enough power to get the car rolling, but the key player is not the motor's power; it is the transmission.
Source: Canada.comCoupled with the engine is a six-speed DSG gearbox. This pairing makes acceleration times pass by with more haste and ensures that metropolitan merging can be executed without fear or delay.
Off the line lag is a huge problem with hybrid vehicles because it takes a second for the electric motor to switch back to its gasoline partner. A second or two can make a difference when we are talking about avoiding an accident or launching a car from a dead stop.
Although the transmission does have a sour point: the software for the tranny has been programmed so that it drops the car into first gear when at a stop, the problem is upon re-launching the car; it is a bit jerky. When in bumper-to-bumper traffic it can be downright annoying. Imagine a manual transmission in first gear being driven by a novice driver. This is unusual for DSG, which in previous experience, has worked as smooth as silk.
Source: Volkswagen of AmericaThankfully, this is balanced out by the Jetta's surprisingly good handling characteristics. Even though the TDI is a front-wheel drive vehicle, it manages to keep torque steer at bay and corner with more precision than I expected. Essentially, it is exactly what you would expect from a Jetta, but with a different sound, more pull and better MPG.
Speaking of which, let's get to the numbers. Like a conventional gasoline motor, the diesel achieved better mileage while cruising at highway speeds and suffered while crawling in city traffic. At highway speed it got as high as 42 MPG but quickly about-faced and dropped like a rock down to 28 MPG in New York City grid-lock.
During my week of testing this came out to a combined MPG of 34 MPG real-world. Most of this driving included suburban roads and strayed from city traffic.
So, what does this really mean for the Jetta TDI? Simple. It cannot exactly compete with the MPG of today's top hybrids, the Prius and Insight, but it does offers something that they do not: A thrilling driving experience.
The Jetta can get up to speed quicker, corner better and although its interior is somewhat bland, the quality of the materials is class-leading.
Source: Volkswagen of AmericaIt is clear that I am not the only one thinking this way. Sales of the Jetta TDI models have been helping Volkswagen out tremendously in these tumultuous times. With diesel prices beginning to undercut gasoline, it definitely makes a stronger case to get behind the wheel of a diesel. Last year when diesel prices were inflated beyond reasonable levels, it was easy to see that even if you had gone the extra mile and purchased a diesel, it was fruitless due to price gouging.
Keep an eye out for the 2010 Golf, which will be offered in TDI form from approximately $22,000 to $24,000 depending on transmission type and doors.
Now with a lower introduction price and another option to choose from, it looks as though diesel will propel VW into a bright short-term future.
~nz
rp
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