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For those alternative-fuel-conscious, carbon-conscientious driving enthusiasts among us, the big news from Volkswagen is electric, mainly because it has introduced a car that isn't.
The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel (yep, that's its official name) is the first diesel-powered new car to be certified for sale across the entire U.S. — including California and the four states that piggyback their emissions regulations on the Golden State since they all turned up their tailpipe-sniffing noses at everyone else in 2006.
So it was probably no mere coincidence that Volkswagen chose Santa Monica, California, as the site for the introduction of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. And as we later tested the Jetta TDI near our Santa Monica office by driving the Pacific Coast Highway and the canyon roads of Malibu, we were happy to flaunt this turbodiesel's new clean-and-green status in the backyard of so many Prius-driving members of the celebrity set.
Green Think
By being green, VW stands to make some green. Over the last 32 years, Volkswagen has sold more than 850,000 diesels in the U.S., building a devoted customer base. The Jetta is VW's volume sales leader in the U.S., consistently averaging annual sales of 100,000. In 2006, the last time a Jetta TDI model was sold in the U.S., the diesel accounted for 20 percent of the compact sedan's sales. VW even says a used '06 Jetta TDI now sells for more than its original sticker, and we've also noticed a change in the value of our own long-term 2005 VW Jetta GLS TDI.
The front-wheel-drive 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI comes in both sedan ($21,990) and SportWagen ($23,590) versions with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional ($1,100) six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with Sport mode.
VW considers the TDI to be a unique Jetta trim level and includes amenities such as a 10-speaker audio system with an in-dash six-CD changer and an MP3-readable auxiliary jack, Sirius Satellite Radio and things like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, brake handle and shift knob, not to mention standard stability control and three years free routine maintenance. In short, the Jetta TDI Clean Diesel is no bare-bones, high-mpg econobox aimed at those of the hypermiler persuasion.
In addition to the dual-clutch automatic transmission, our Jetta TDI also featured a power sunroof ($1,000) and rear side airbags ($350).
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2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Full Test on Inside Line
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