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What is it? The 2009 Jetta TDI will be powered by what Volkswagen calls its cleanest diesel engine ever. Available as either a sedan or wagon, this Jetta will use a turbocharged, direct-injection 140-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder “clean diesel” engine that takes advantage of the new ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel that was phased in last year. This allows it to be the first diesel car in years that will be available in all 50 states.
What is new or notable? Previous diesel engines have emitted relatively high levels of particulate and NOx emissions. The Jetta TDI’s diesel engine reduces these emissions to levels closer to that of gasoline engines by using a new particulate filter and a nitrous-oxide storage catalyst that cuts NOx emissions by up to 90 percent. This technology wouldn’t have been effective with the higher level of sulfur that used to be in this country’s diesel fuel.
CR’s take: Volkswagen says the Jetta TDI should provide fuel economy that’s about 30 percent better than that of a similar-sized gasoline engine. We got 24 mpg overall when we tested the Jetta 2.5. A 30-percent increase over this would put the TDI at about 32 mpg overall, or perhaps a little higher since it uses a smaller engine. This is about the same as the smaller Honda Fit with an automatic transmission.
When will it be available? Summer 2008.
Consumer Reports New cars: A to Z
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