Posts tagged sport wagon

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