REVIEW: 2009 VW Jetta TDI, Fighting Off The Hybrids...

After years of undue madness, gluttony and ever-increasing vehicle size, it appears that the automotive industry has finally corrected itself. It is like the stock market; what goes up, must come down. In this case, what becomes bloated, must become efficient.

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: CarandDriver

Having 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 America

If 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.com

Coupled 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 America

Thankfully, 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 America

It 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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Diesel's Days Aren't Doomed, Just Bring Cheaper Versions!

Inspired by a recent MarketWatch article, I could not help but weigh in on this topic. Diesel has come a long way and it is time it has received its recognition. And slowly but surely it is starting to make headway in terms of sales. What is the saying? Slow and steady wins the race?

Anyone keeping up to date in advances in alternative energy vehicles should have read at least once by now that diesel has made tremendous advancements. No longer is it plagued by the past's debilitating issues and it does not emit that horrendous cloud of thick, black smoke. How do I know?

Source: rp

Last year, Audi brought me along on the Audi Mileage Marathon and the experience proved to me that diesel is going to give hybrids and electric vehicles a damn good run for their money.

((For more coverage on the Audi Mileage Marathon, click here and here.))

Although the Americans seem to be straying away from diesel technology, with the introduction of hybrids and electric autos, it will be interesting to see if there is a backlash when hybrid and electrics batteries need to be replaced. You do not actually think that will be cheap, do you? The only article I could find of significance, albeit slightly outdated, was this piece from HybridCars.

But, enough hybrid bashing. When all is said and done, they turn out to be decent cars that have been geeked out. All of the hybrids I have driven lack that sensational, fun factor. This is where diesel has its competitive advantage; it is a blast to drive a diesel.

Sure it does not have the same sound as an inline six-cylinder, but, not many cars do. As a matter in fact, I happen to enjoy the rugged sound usually accompanied by a loud turbo whistle.

What it comes down to is that manufacturers have to start building cheaper diesel options. We see Audi producing the Q7 TDI and BMW showing off its 335d and X5 diesel but those come in above that $40,000 mark. Volkswagen, on the other hand, is seeing tremendous success with its cheaper TDI's.

According to MarketWatch, TDI's accounted for 26 percent of Volkswagen's June sales -- led by the Jetta Sportwagen. In addition to this, VW's TDIs had another record setting month for July.

Knowing this, I think the Americans missed out here. Instead of spending countless dollars to produce a $40,000 + Volt -- that will likely be compromised due to tighter costs -- imagine they produced their European diesel motors stateside and started putting them in their entry-level vehicles. Just food for thought.

As we see in Volkswagen's gameplan, diesels are keeping its sales afloat right now. As of today, VW announced their July sales were up .7 percent year over year. It is not much, but it is something. In this tepid environment, something is MUCH better than nothing.

Source: Audi of America

Audi has seen the light and is finally bringing the A3 TDI across the pond. According to Audi's Product and Midwest Communications Manager, Christian Bokich, the A3 TDI will hit showrooms early this December. Although EPA numbers place it at 30/42 city/highway, I saw first hand on the Audi Mileage Marathon that it is capable of 50 + MPG given the right driver and conditions.

Source: rp

Remember, Lexus' HS250h had trouble getting into the 30s while I was behind the wheel.

Now will BMW retort with a 1-series diesel or will Mercedes-Benz strike back with a C-class BlueTec? Does not appear so as there has been no updates on the subject matter.

With diesel competition starting to heat up, the fight for market share between hybrids is going to get fierce. Mind you that gas prices have remained under three bucks recently -- thankfully -- and that is keeping buyers interested in gasoline motors. If gas prices shoot up, we could see a paradigm shift as we did last year.

Currently, diesel prices have deflated from their premiums and are hovering around regular gasoline prices. It could get cheaper if the boys in D.C. reevalute the Federal tax on diesel fuel. A brilliant point the MarketWatch piece brings up is that in Europe diesel fuel receives a tax break.

Uh, are we behind the times or what? No wonder our automotive industry is in shambles.

rp

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