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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REVIEW: VW Passat CC VR6 4Motion

Four doors. Coupe. What do the two have in common? Apparently, a lot. What was once thought to be separate identities has now become one, thus the birth of the four door coupe. But I still do not understand how it is possible for a four door sedan to be called a “coupe.” So, I did what any rational first grader would do; consult the dictionary.

According to Merriam-Webster, a “coupe” is either “a four-wheeled closed horse-drawn carriage for two persons inside with an outside seat for the driver in front.” Or, “a 2-door automobile often seating only two persons; also: one with a tight-spaced rear seat.”

Source: rp

I see the keyword being two doors but Mercedes-Benz saw it differently with their marketing blitz of the CLS, which touted its likeness to classic, Mercedes coupes. It appeared to be a stretched E-class with a sloping roofline and a graceful rear-end. In my eyes, it was merely a mash-up of an E-class and CL, but, it had some funky headlights.

Coupe or sedan, it did not matter because it was damn good looking.

Previous four door coupes like Mazda’s RX-8 and the Saturn Ion featured shady rear doors that were reminiscent of those long, unsophisticated Ford E350’s. Not cool. The CLS was different and brought sexy back.

This translated into sales rocketing forward and a new niche becoming born. Instinctively, other auto builders joined up by sketching out ideas and concepts, which soon made their appearance at auto shows.

Source: rp

Bringing us neatly to the Volkswagen Passat CC.

Volkswagen’s CC is a triumph of styling pleasure. From the graceful, sloping roofline to the two-tone interior, it is a car that I can liken to a svelte supermodel. And, its more conservative details make this a better looking car than a Mercedes CLS.

Not that it matters because to the untrained eye people mistake this for the CLS, although it proudly wears its VW badges.

Source: rp

Every line is executed perfectly as though it is flowing from the front fascia to the rear quarters. Easily the most interesting line on the car happens to be on the top of the rear windscreen, which arches in an elegant manner – reminiscent of a Mercedes CL windscreen that has been translated in a more conservative fashion.

There are only two aspects of the car’s exterior that are bothersome.

Source: rp

First, are the unnecessarily large, wraparound taillights. I think the rear could have been capped off with a more conservative integration with flush LEDs a la the current Passat.

Secondly, the unfinished rear tailpipes. Not chrome or brushed aluminum? Shouldn’t a car of this caliper have this standard rather than shell out another $150 on top of $42,630 as observed on our test car?

Source: rp

Ironically, the interior of the CC boasts an extreme attention to detail. Look around the interior and it feels as though you are in a hip and trendy espresso bar. Brushed aluminum surrounds the cabin with fine, aluminum details in-between the door grabs. At the top of the bolstered sport seats is a gap that is bridged with a tiny piece of Alcantara. Since this is a “coupe,” there is seating for two in the rear but this suave Passat has bolsters in the rear seats providing more a bucket seat feel. In addition to all of this, there is a contrasting stitch that provides a subtle pop to the interior that makes Marc Jacobs envious.

Source: rp

Rest assured, although there is aluminum and a trendy café feel, it is warm and inviting. Light splashes in from the panoramic sunroof and a high beltline makes a driver feel as though they are in a cockpit.

Fit and finish is exceptional with tight panel gaps and no rattles over rough terrain. This is a substantial change from my 2004 Touareg, which had panel gaps as wide as the Atlantic Ocean and had several rattles throughout the cabin.

Source: About.com

On the technology front, Volkswagen has finally stepped up to the plate with a proper navigation system. After years of poorly developed systems, the firm has chosen to utilize a 32 gigabyte hard-drive based, touch screen unit with what VW calls a Media Device Interface. So, if you change the climate control to flow differently it pops up on the navigation screen and makes sure you are aware of it. Also integrated into this unit is the vehicle’s rear view camera.

Using the new unit is remarkably easy albeit accompanied with slight lag when you overload it with inputs. Besides confusing the Garden State Parkway’s direction on the final night I was testing, it performed well with timely route calculations and recalculations.

Source: Motorreport.com.au

So, now that we know it is a well built car accompanied by jaw dropping looks, let’s drive it.

CC’s can be equipped with either a four-banger 2.0T or the Van Wilder of engines, the infamous VR6 that now has been upped to 3.6 liters. The turbo is good for 200-horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque while the inline six is rated at 280-horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. But the VR6 is lacking in one element; sound. It does not have that prominent burble as heard in the early Touaregs and R32’s. Rather it sounds anemic and at low speeds a whiny transmission overtakes all of the motor’s pleasantries.

And this power does not mean you get a paltry MPG. With a solid mix of highway and city driving, I ended up with nearly 19 MPG at the end of one week with the CC.

Source: rp

Shifting gears in the über sex machine is a six-speed tiptronic automatic. Although the six cylinders have some grunt, it is unfortunate the VR6 is not available with a dual-clutch or traditional manual gearbox. Most likely these other transmission options would have improved the quick, but not fast, 0-60 MPH time of 6.2 – as claimed by VW. Shift times have improved over previous tiptronic generations and are acceptable, but remain no match for a DSG transmission at the end of the day.

Regardless, the CC is deceptively quick due its suppressed road noise and luxuriously tuned suspension that isolates you from the road’s craters. I had the pleasure of figuring this out while doubling a neighboring village’s speed limit and getting pinched.

The car’s ride is smooth as glass and when you get caught in one of New York City’s clusters of potholes you will soon find yourself drifting over the potholes and not taking lumps on the top of your head. Surprisingly, although the suspension has been tuned to take bumps, it does not float or wobble on the highway at speed. It remains relatively taut and confidence inspiring.

The more time on the highway I spent with the CC the clearer it became it is a very good grand touring car. But, how would it do in the curves? After taking it through some twisties, it was also obvious it is not a sports car. Weighing in at 3,854 pounds, the car is not a lightweight and you feel it through the corners. Heavy body roll is apparent through cornering. Coupled with the 4Motion system, grip is there but at the limit traction dissipates and understeer rears its ugly head.

Source: rp

Steering is boosted heavily at low speeds so low speed maneuvers can be achieved with the touch of a pinky, but at high speeds the steering becomes much heavier to ensure poise in the fast lane. This makes the CC a flexible and easy-to-drive car. While steering feel is numbed out as though the steering wheel has been injected with a shot of Novocain, it remains relatively direct to the touch. Granted, it is not as sharp as say a Nissan 370Z or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

When coming to a stop, brake pedal feel could use some sharpening up. After getting through some unresponsive feedback, the brakes come alive. Once again, a notion this car is not quite as sporty as a “coupe,” should be.

Which is the bottom line, really. The CC is a great car and fulfills its goal of being a sportier, upscale “regular” Passat. But you cannot expect it to perform extraordinarily well outside of the bounds of a GT car. To draw a comparison, it drives similarly to the 2010 Mercedes E-class.

Whether or not people will consider this a “poor man’s CLS,” is beyond me. However, I did feel a bit like a poser with the CC. But, I would rather feel that than blend into the crowd in the all too commonplace BMW 3-series or Mercedes-Benz C-class in this price point – this is VW’s niche, being different.

Personally, I would take the half-priced supermodel over the girl next door any day.

rp

Porsche Increases Holdings In VW

As of yesterday, Porsche has taken increased holdings in Volkswagen.

This means that Porsche now controls more than 50 percent in VW.

For more details, go here.

rp

Day 4: Amarillo, Here We Come

On the road to Amarillo.

Setting off from lovely downtown Dallas, I notice things are not quite normal. People are driving around the town in convertible Jeep Wranglers screaming, flags are flailing and there are an abundance of specific colors.

It is the big event of the week: football. You know, I have been to a few football games in my day and I have tailgated for certain events; however, nothing could prepare you for Dallas style football. Essentially, the whole city is transformed into a gigantic tailgate party and everyone adorns the garb of the team they are rooting for. I have never seen anything like it.

Something more important, at least in my world, comes up. Starting on day four, I now have the opportunity to drive the new Audi Q5 3.0 TDI. This is a big deal because the Q5 will not be released in North America until spring 2009, according to Audi executives.

Source: rp

Where does the Q5 place in Audi line-up? The Q5 is Audi’s answer to smaller sport utility vehicles, such as BMW’s X3 and Infiniti’s EX. So, you can presume pricing will slot in higher than Volkswagen’s Tiguan and hopefully lower than BMW’s X3 – in an effort to remain competitive.

Give or take a $35,000 base price.

It is a rather interesting juxtaposition of exterior design. I see a Volkswagen Tiguan which has mated with a Q7, really.

The interior is what you come to expect from Audi. Top grade materials positioned in an appealing A4-like set-up. I have yet to see a firm with the ability to trounce Audi’s interior design and usage of quality materials.

Source: rp

Motoring on through northern Texas, the flat land continues on.

One of my fellow journalists remarked “If Christopher Columbus sailed and landed here, he would have certainly thought the world was flat.”

Passing through small towns with populations smaller than an apartment complex was rather humbling. Population 566, population 1,600, population 2,455. Tornado Alley is a peculiar mix of homes, people and shops.

I suggest that everyone take this trip at least once. Not only is it an awe-inspiring experience but you get to see what the real Texas Chainsaw Massacre looks like!

No, but seriously, the stopover in Wichita Falls was interesting. The grilled chicken and baked potato dish I received was tremendously good. Perhaps, I should fly down there and steal their recipe.

Source: rp

After arriving and settling in at rainy, windy Amarillo, the event headed over to something classified as only Texas – a rodeo. Needless to say, these people must be out of their mind. 15 year-old boys hopping on bulls and mustangs in order to see how long they can hold on for? It is wild!

Oh yeah, and our Q5 obtained over 32 miles-per-gallon.

The cars are managing to impress all of the journalists. As the daily reports come in at breakfast, joined by gasps, the results continue to draw much attention. Strategies are still varied; however, it seems many have begun to enjoy the landscape and vehicles more and more as Wave 2 progresses.

Stay tuned for day five, which takes the trip from Amarillo to the mile-high city, Denver.

rp

Small Cars Coming Back in a Big Way

As we have been seeing many firms beginning to change their model line-ups due to depressed sales and higher energy costs, small cars are back.

Source: NYTimes
Car: Volkswagen space up! Concept

A great article in a recent publication of Winding Road, the online magazine details future pint-sized options and gives insight into upcoming offerings. If you are interested in the future of small cars and what it will hold, I highly suggest checking this out.

Particularly interesting to me are the new Volkswagen Scirocco and the Alfa Romeo MiTo. Both are beautiful examples with fantastic styling and decent drivetrains.

Personally, I harbor a love for the Scirocco because the 197hp engine mated to a DSG transmission is fantastic. I yearn for throttle-blipping.

I am crossing my fingers Volkswagen gets their reliability in check. As an original owner of the 2004 Volkswagen Touareg, nicknamed “disaster” by yours truly, I have a pretty good idea of what VW can do to ruin an awesome machine.

Check out the feature, it is a worth while read.

rp