2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
If you thought all diesel cars we’re nothing but loud and rumbling, gas guzzling, and dirty. You were wrong. Of course, the diesel stereotype makes diesels a hard sale against any gasoline engine in the market but now a whole new brand of diesel vehicles are being produced with at least 30% better fuel economy.
The Volkswagen Jetta TDI is one of these amazing diesel cars that breaks the mold and stereotype of diesels. The TDI gets an estimated 41 miles to the gallon and was named “Green Car of the Year” by Green Car Journal at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The Green Car of the year award given to the Jetta TDI makes it the first clean- diesel vehicle to win. A diesel car finally getting the award gives people the signal that clean diesels have arrived and are effective. It also shows that clean- diesels are an alternative to hybrids because it brings fuel consumption down and is environmentally friendly.
The Jetta TDI has a diesel turbocharged direct-injection engine that features a rail fuel injection system instead of the traditional mechanical system. While diesel vehicle have been widely popular in Europe for decades, they have been slow in the US market. Part of the popularity gap is due to tough emission requirements and typical diesel stereotypes of times past.
As for emissions in this diesel car, the TDI will be the first car to meet the world’s most stringent emission control standards in all 50 states. The Jetta TDI uses NOx storage catalyst like a filter to temporarily hold noxious emissions until they can be burned off during an engine cycle. This emission control permits higher injection pressures that atomize fuel and make it easier for pollution control.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the new Jetta TDI is estimated at around $21,990 while a Sport Wagon package is available for about $23,590. The Jetta TDI is a top choice for economy conscious customers who don’t want to sacrifice premium performance.