ROAD TEST ~ 2010 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI

Diesel is back in a big way with VW's Jetta TDI sedan

While some auto manufacturers are pinning their future on gas-electric hybrids, Volkswagen has chosen to drive down the diesel road, at least for the near future.
Volkswagen's new Clean Diesel engines came on stream in 2009 after the German automaker went nearly two years in Canada without a diesel available.
Instead, Volkswagen made due with the low-cost City Jetta and City Golf gasoline models as its entry-level vehicles. That marketing strategy came about because the old 1.9-litre TDI turbo diesel engines couldn't meet U.S. emissions standards and VW wasn't yet ready to introduce the new generation diesels.
VW was able to weather the storm without its diesels for a couple of years but it is back in a big way with its new Clean Diesels.
In fact, in February 2010 alone, TDI Clean Diesel sales accounted for more than 25 per cent of VW Canada's overall sales.
One of the most popular TDI vehicles is the Jetta sedan. Last year, 11,717 gasoline and diesel Jettas moved off dealer lots here in Canada, making up more than a quarter of the firm's overall sales.
That percentage is likely to drop this year with the popular new generation Volkswagen Golf taking away some sales. Nevertheless, sales of 1,155 Jettas in February still made up a little over 20 per cent of VW's 5,153 unit sales for the month.
For 2010 the Jetta comes in a variety of trim levels- Trendline, Comfortline, Highline and the special Wolfsburg Edition. Standard is a 2.5-litre five-cylinder 170 hp gasoline engine, however the 2.0-litre TDI Clean Diesel that was featured in my test vehicle will prove to be a popular choice with consumers. 
Driving enthusiasts who want a little more punch can also go with the 200 hp inline turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
My tester was the Jetta TDI Highline model with the six-speed DSG Tiptronic transmission, priced at $32,275 plus freight and PDI.
The Jetta TDI is a well-outfitted car even in the barebones Trendline trim (starting at $24,475). However, my tester featured 16-inch alloy wheels, eight-way manually adjustable front seats with lumbar support and power recline, upgraded 10-speaker audio system with touch screen and six-disc changer, heated front seats and washer nozzles and a host of other convenience features.
Most people who opt for the diesel do so because of the fuel economy- this is where the TDI shines with Transport Canada ratings of 6.7L/100 km (42 mpg) city and 4.6L/100 km (61 mpg) highway for the automatic version.
Compare that with the 2.5L Jetta gasoline version (9.3L/100 km (30 mpg) city and 6.9L/100 km (41 mpg) highway and you can see why many buyers opt for the diesel option. If you take the TDI on a road trip, getting more than 1,000 km on a tank of fuel is a real possibility.
However, there are still many consumers who know little or nothing about the way diesel technology has advanced over the years. All they remember from diesels is the clattering sound and the smelly, smoky exhaust fumes they used to emit. Those days are long gone as today's diesels are much quieter and cleaner.
The only real smell you have to put up with is around the pump when refueling.
This new diesel technology also reduces emissions to extremely low levels, aided by the ultra low sulphur diesel fuel now available across North America.
The TDI has the least horsepower of any Jetta engine at 140, but the 236 lb/ft of torque more than makes up for it. And that peak torque is at the low end of the curve between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm.
On the road, the TDI is a delight to drive. The DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) works flawlessly and can be used in automatic or manual mode.
At speed, there is little wind or road noise and while you can hear some engine noise, it is nowhere near what you used to experience with a diesel.
While the horsepower number is low, the Jetta TDI has plenty of zip, with power to spare when entering high-speed traffic from an on-ramp.
This is a family sedan rather than a sport sedan and the ride quality is geared more to comfort than sportiness.
The heated front seats are nice on cold winter mornings and they provide good support and a comfortable ride.
There is plenty of room for two or three adults in the rear of this four-door compact sedan and the 60/40 split-folding rear seats add to the cargo-carrying capability.
On the safety front, the Jetta is well outfitted with anti-lock brakes (ABS), six standard airbags, and electronic differential lock that uses the ABS to transfer engine power to the wheel with the most traction.
This reduces wheel spin to make driving safer and more fuel-efficient.
The Jetta has long been a popular family sedan and with the TDI Clean Diesel now available, consumers can have the best of both worlds - a German engineered family sedan with great fuel economy and low emissions.
No wonder VW TDI sales are so strong these days.


BODY STYLE: four-door compact sedan.
DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, front-wheel drive.
ENGINE: 2.0-litre four-cylinder inline, turbocharged direct injection common rail diesel (140 hp, 236 lb/ft).
FUEL ECONOMY: DSG automatic: 6.7L/100 km (42 mpg) city and 4.6L/100 km (61 mpg).
PRICE: $24,475, as tested $32,275.