Automotive Reviews
Posts tagged diesel
2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI
1594 days
It’s a good thing the MINI Cooper came along, as far as the Volkswagen Golf is concerned. For years, the Golf soldiered along as a subcompact that cost a bit more than most others, and offered excellent driving dynamics and a bit of European cachet for the price walk. All of that didn’t mean much until the MINI arrived and coined the term “premium compact.” With those two words, suddenly it was okay to be a small car that cost a bit more.
These days, there’s even more reason to forgive the Golf’s high price, thanks to a fresh redesign for 2010 and the return of the Golf TDI. With diesel power, the Golf adds a significant increase in fuel economy without the usual tradeoffs that come from having a smaller, more efficient gasoline engine. It’s also less complex than a hybrid-electric vehicle. The Volkswagen TDI lineup has many loyal owners thanks to its reputation for frugality and reliability. So what’s it like going diesel? (more…)
2009 BMW 335d
1953 days
Diesel power has been a German thing for many years now. Mercedes and Volkswagen diesels especially have developed a loyal following here in the United States, and with recent advances in the technology, their fuel economy and performance are significantly better than comparable gasoline vehicles.
High torque means high performance, and high performance means BMW. The manufacturer of “ultimate driving machines” has produced diesels in Europe for some time, but for 2009 it’s bringing them to the U.S., under the flag of “Blue Performance.” With the new 335d, BMW may be the first manufacturer to openly acknowledge the performance advantages offered by diesel power.
Obviously, the diesel’s strong point is high torque. The 335d is no exception; it produces 265 horsepower and a supercar-like 425 pound-feet of torque. The powerplant is a 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder engine, as many of BMW’s best engines have been, and it features common-rail direct fuel injection and two-stage turbocharging. The 335d’s twin turbochargers are different sizes; the smaller turbo is effective when the engine is turning more slowly, while the larger unit kicks in at higher engine speed. This enables the car to make impressive torque figures even at low engine speeds. As a nod to its sporting intent, BMW’s diesel runs with a bit more growl than Mercedes’ whisper-quiet oil-burners. And BMW makes great use of that mountain of torque. The 335d moves out quickly and with authority. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, and BMW claims a six-second 0-60 time. The 335d is certified for sale in all fifty states, unlike some diesels which don’t meet California emissions standards.
BMW’s unique double-pivot struts are used up front, with a five-link rear. The rear track has been widened slightly, for improved stability. Active steering is available, offering variable effort and steering response depending on speed. The system takes some getting used to, but results in phenomenally sharp reflexes. Handling is largely the same as that of the rest of the 3-series family, with lightning-fast response and confident cornering. This diesel is a highly entertaining driver, in fact, even on board-straight Wisconsin roads like the ones we sampled it on. The 335d shares the 335i’s larger thirteen-plus inch brake rotors at all four corners, and anti-lock brakes are standard.
The complex, wave-formed curves of modern BMWs are handsome inside and out. For 2009, the 3-Series gets a minor styling refresh, and the 335d benefits as well. The hood is more strongly contoured, and BMW’s trademark illuminated headlamp rings serve as daytime running lights. High-intensity discharge Xenon headlamps are standard, and adaptive headlamps that pivot to illuminate turns are available. The character line that marks the side of the 335d has been lowered slightly, to emphasize the car’s low stance. Side mirrors, taillights and trunklid have all been reshaped as well. It’s a subtle upgrade, overall.
The interior of my tester was handsome, too, with a dark/light two-tone and wood trim combination. A choice of aluminum or wood trip is available, and BMW offers new, lighter interior leather trim. The 3-series sedan is a pleasant executive sedan, and as the junior member of the family it inherits many of the 5- and 7-Series cars’ quirks and luxuries. The latest version of BMW’s iDrive is available, bundled with a navigation system. BMW has made iDrive more ergonomically friendly, with a smaller controller, simpler menu structure, direct-input keys and a higher-definition 8.8-inch screen. The sound system can now accept MP3, USB and iPod input, and features a hard drive for music and navigation information storage. Bluetooth connectivity and the BMW Assist emergency services program are also available. BMW’s Park Distance Control is also available, with front and rear sensors for the first time. Other options borrowed from bigger BMWs include the available heated steering wheel,
Of course, the additional power, poise and efficiency of the 335d don’t come without a price; with an MSRP of $44,725, the diesel 3-Series commands a five-figure premium over the entry-level 328i. Is it worth that? The answer is a solid maybe. Buyers who opt for the 335d should be doing it for the additional performance offered by BMW’s diesel, rather than for the fuel economy. 36mpg on the freeway is good, but it’ll take an awfully long time to justify $10,000 worth of fuel savings. It’s best to forget about the 335d’s unusually good fuel economy, and love it for its performance, which is very much up to BMW’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” standards.
Specifications: All specs are for the 2009 BMW 335d
Length: 178.8 in.
Width: 71.5 in.
Height: 51.9 in.
Wheelbase: 108.7 in.
Curb weight: 3825 lb.
Cargo space: 12 cu.ft.
Base price: $44,725
Engine: 3.0 liter common-rail turbocharged inline six-cylinder diesel
Drivetrain: six-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower: 265 @ 4200
Torque: 425 @ 1750-2250
Fuel capacity: 16.1 gal.
Est. mileage: 23/36
2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sportwagen
0957 days
The first diesel-powered Volkswagens to appear in the United States weren’t particularly promising. In the 1970s, the Volkswagen Rabbit diesel was a diminutive little econobox with a 1.5 liter engine that returned 50-mpg performance, but not much in the way of performance. Somehow, that unassuming little car still managed to develop a following, thanks to its fantastic fuel economy and reliable powertrain.
Things have come a long way since then. The latest generation of VW’s turbo direct-injection (TDI) powered vehicles offers power, performance and handling that were unheard of in the early 1970s. The new Jetta TDI is almost indistinguishable from its gasoline-powered cousins, in fact, except for its fuel economy.
The TDI’s frugality and performance are even more desirable when combined with the new Sportwagen body style. The Jetta’s graceful curves are accented by the addition of a cargo space out back, and Volkswagen has foregone the boxy look in favor of a gentle slope to the rear of the Sportwagen. Unique wraparound taillights and a sloped backlight set it apart from the average station wagon.
The interior is instantly distinguished when the Jetta is equipped with the available panoramic sunroof. The massive expanse of glass lets the sun shine in, and highlights the airy cabin and big cargo area in back. The spacious interior appointments are up to Volkswagen’s high standards, with clean styling that seems to have come from a price class above the Jetta’s. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel. Available equipment includes V-Tex leatherette seating, Sirius satellite radio and an in-dash CD changer. Touch-screen navigation and Volkswagen’s Media Device Interface (MDI) which enables easy use of iPods and other USB devices are also on the options list. Behind the rear seats, there are 32.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the seats down and the Jetta Sportwagen’s capacity increases to 66.9 cubic feet.
Like many diesels, the Jetta TDI’s 2.0 four-cylinder doesn’t produce impressive numbers by American standards–only 140 horsepower–but horsepower isn’t the diesel’s main selling point. Power is delivered without hesitation thanks to the broad torque band, which provides a healthy 236 foot-pounds between 1750 and 2500 rpm, and once underway the Jetta Sportwagen TDI is nearly silent at freeway speeds. Direct-injection fuel delivery and an electronically controlled turbocharger ensure that the TDI is clean-burning as well as efficient. On the road, the standard six-speed manual transmission makes the most of the TDI’s power, so this is not one of those “slow” diesels. In fact it drives more or less just like any Jetta would, with brisk acceleration and a broad powerband that makes high-speed travel a breeze. A six-speed automatic with Volkswagen’s DSG dual-clutch Tiptronic manual shifting is optional, and doesn’t hurt the fun-to-drive factor. The Jetta TDI’s 30/41 fuel economy rivals that of the diminutive Smart coupe, and the Jetta clearly provides a great deal more performance and utility than any microcar.
The suspension is fully independent, with MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear. Volkswagen’s familiar taut and responsive handling is the order of the day, even with a heavy load in the back. Electromechanical power steering offers quick response and is energy-efficient as well. Volkswagen’s ESP stability control is standard equipment, as are the four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. The Jetta doesn’t mind being driven hard, and responds confidently to curves. What’s impressive is the Jetta’s flexibility; there’s not much difference in road feel between gasoline and diesel models, or between sedan and Sportwagen.
Volkswagen’s TDI models already have a following among the folks looking for a high-efficiency alternative to hybrid-electric vehicles, and it’s growing. The Jetta TDI is a quick, no-compromise way to achieve fuel economy in the forties without sacrificing utility or driving pleasure. Jetta Sportwagen pricing starts at $18,999, and it doesn’t cost that much to add diesel power, all things considered. The Jetta Sportwagen TDI starts at $23,590, a price walk of almost $5000 that still puts it well within reach of the average consumer. As further incentive to go diesel, the Jetta TDI qualifies for a $1300 federal income tax credit as well.
Specifications: All specs are for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sportwagen
Length: 179.4 in.
Width: 70.1 in.
Height: 59.2 in.
Wheelbase: 101.5 in.
Curb weight: 3220 lb.
Cargo space: 32.8 cu.ft. (seats up); 66.9 cu.ft. (seats folded)
Base price: $23,590
Engine: 2.0 liter turbodiesel inline four-cylinder
Drivetrain: six-speed manual transmission, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 140 @ 4000
Torque: 236 @ 1750-2500
Est. mileage: 30/41