VW: 2009 Jetta TDI Pictures Features Price

The highly anticipated addition to the Jetta lineup, the 2009 TDI, is finally here and in showrooms from coast to coast ... and available as either a sedan or wagon. However, with recently falling gas prices, perhaps the timing could have been better. While this may damper at least some of the enthusiasm short term, few consumers actually expect fuel prices to stay at these lower levels for long.

The bottom line is that this new Jetta is a winner. It combines dynamic driving performance capabilities and comfort features with significant fuel savings and a reduced ecological foot print.

As a comparison, the standard Jetta 2.5 is equipped with a 170 horsepower inline-five-cylinder engine and has an EPA gas mileage rating of 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway (manual transmission). The TDI is equipped with a turbocharged diesel 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine with 140 horsepower and is EPA gas mileage rated at 30 mpg city and 40 mpg highway.

This approximate 10 mpg increase is not only huge, but is particularly impressive given the increased torque in the TDI. Remember, it's the torque that moves the car and the TDI is rated at 236 lb-ft while the Jetta five- cylinder is rated at 177 lb-ft of torque. Very simply, the smaller diesel engine with the much better gas mileage also accelerates faster.

But what about the perception by some that diesels run dirtier, therefore polluting more? Well, as far as the carbon footprint goes, the 2.5 gas-fueled Jetta produces 0.81 pounds per mile of Co2 while the TDI produces 0.65 pounds per mile. Yes, it's also a cleaner vehicle.

The Jetta diesel has a choice of either a six-speed manual transmission or the highly regarded dual-clutch six-speed automatic which loses only 1 mpg on the EPA's city and highway mileage ratings.

The TDI also boasts a long list of standard features that include a 10-speaker audio system with a 6-disc CD Changer and Sirius satellite radio.

Other standard features include:

- air conditioning
- interior air filter
- tilt/telescopic steering wheel
- leather-wrapped steering wheel
- steering wheel radio controls
- cruise control
- cloth upholstery
- heated front bucket seats w/height and lumbar adjustment
- split folding rear seat w/trunk pass-through
- center console
- AM/FM/CD/MP3 player
- digital-media player connection
- heated power mirrors w/turn signals
- power windows, power door locks
- remote keyless entry
- tachometer
- variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washer nozzles
- intermittent rear wiper/washer (wagon)
- illuminated visor mirrors
- rear defogger
- theft-deterrent system
- roof rails (wagon)
- cargo cover (wagon)
- trip computer
- 16-inch alloy wheels

Safety features include dual front airbags, front side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights and emergency inside trunklid release (sedan).

Available options include rear side airbags, power sunroof, navigation system, ground effects kit, iPod adapter, 17-inch alloy wheels, sport alloy wheels and anti-roll bars.

The cost of the TDI is about $2,000 more than the gas-engine Jetta. Bear in mind, however, that you may very well get some of that back in the form of up to $1,300 in Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credits, depending on your tax bracket, alternative minimum tax situation and whether the car is a business expense.

Update: Bad Economy Leads To Lower Jetta TDI Prices:

Volkswagen's sales have been weak for months now, evidence of a continuing poor economy and an especially weak car buying trend. There was a small bounce during the "Cash For Clunkers" program, but the market quickly returned to its previous poor condition.

And once again, the combination of fierce competition and a soft market has created an ideal opportunity for nailing down great deals.

How To Buy A New Jetta TDI At The Lowest Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, here's the most successful new car buying tactic for getting the lowest price, especially given the current slow car market.

Price:

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI:
Jetta TDI sedan, manual: listed retail price: $21,990, invoice price: $20,743
Jetta TDI sedan, automatic: retail price: $23,090, invoice: $21,842
Jetta TDI wagon, manual: retail price: $23,590, invoice: $22,241
Jetta TDI wagon, automatic: retail price: $24,690, invoice: $23,340

Other Resources

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Diesel Features And Prices