Skip to main content

ads1

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDi Test Drive Clean Diesel’s 50 MPG Meets Prius-Humbling Thrust

The new era of clean diesel in America will officially be ushered in by the new VW Jetta TDi when it goes on sale in a few months. Powered by a 2.0-liter four-banger that produces 140 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, it will be the first automobile to meet the world’s most stringent emission control standards, California’s Tier II, Bin 5.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDiAlthough it won’t be wearing the “BlueTec” badge, the Jetta will be using emission-cleansing technologies developed under the cooperative formed by Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen to make it 50-state legal. Most BlueTec vehicles control NOx emissions—one of the biggest environmental hurdles facing diesels, along with particulate matter—by injecting a urea-based solution into the exhaust system upstream from the catalytic converter, where NOx is then converted into nitrogen and water. The Jetta will instead use a NOx-storage catalyst, which is basically a reservoir that temporarily holds the noxious emissions, like a particulate filter, until they can be burned off during one of the engine cycles.

In addition, the new engine will feature a common-rail fuel injection system, instead of VW’s traditional mechanical system, that uses piezoelectric fuel injectors. This technology permits higher injection pressures, which better atomize the fuel and make it easier to control pollution.

We recently test drove the Jetta through the streets of San Francisco and were pleasantly surprised. The Jetta has always been agile and zippy, but the new, more powerful TDi gives it more oomph, allowing us to power through traffic and accelerate from stoplights with authority and a little bravado—we totally tooled on a Toyota Prius. We were also shocked as to how quiet the engine operates: You have to consciously listen for the knocking, or you wouldn’t even notice it.

If reports are correct, the Jetta should get upwards of 50 mpg, combined highway and city. Although pricing hasn’t been announced, expect it to be within a few thousand of the current models (an estimated $18,000 to $23,000). We can’t wait for chance to spend some more time with the new TDi Jetta—and test its real-world feul economy. —Chuck Tannert.

© Source: popularmechanics

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

First Drive: 2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Volkswagen’s 50-state-compliant Jetta TDI will be among the cleanest diesels in the U.S. Previews Amid the looming hordes of European luxury automakers planning a North American compression-ignition invasion in the next couple years, humble Volkswagen has announced its plans to return the Jetta TDI to the diesel dogpile in the spring of 2008. Powered by a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, and either a six-speed manual or DSG automated manual transmission, the 2008 Jetta TDI will be cleared for sale in all fifty states. Some of the earlier diesels to make it to our shores over the next few years will only be available in 45 states; California, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont have all adopted stricter emissions regulations for diesels that bar some vehicles from entry. Using technology developed under the BlueTec cooperative formed by Mercedes-Benz and Vo

smart fortwo, Unique Car Popularized in 'The Da Vinci Code' Movie, To Be Formally Introduced to Midwest by Windy City Smart Car

Models Displayed, May Be Driven at January 30 News Conference in Chicago Two smart fortwos smart fortwo, the popular, safe, environmentally superior automobile sold in 36 countries but not the U.S., is being formally introduced for the first time ever to Chicago and the Midwest on Tuesday, January 30 by independent distributor Windy City Smart Car and Smart Car Midwest, LLC, Palatine. Several models, including the smart fortwo Passion coupe and smart fortwo cabriolet convertible, will be unveiled at an 11:00 a.m. press conference at the film and television studios of Golan Productions, 1501 N. Magnolia (three blocks east of the Kennedy Expressway and a half block south of North Avenue). smart fortwo is featured in "The Da Vinci Code" motion picture. The car's introduction to Chicago comes a year or two ahead of smart fortwo's official entry into the U.S. The smart fortwo, a collaboration between Swatch and Mercedes, is made U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Dep

1937 Ford Sedan Dreamsicle OZE 37

(from Joe Iacono Design site) Taylor Custom Street Rods in Hamilton, OH. is building this 1937 Sedan for Mike Soto. The product formula is set up for a production based vehicle that is offered through SRBD. Body is the new Sedan model OZE body - Custom Chassis and fabrication by Tim Taylor- To learn more about this car and the details on the Sedan turn keys Please visit Taylor Custom Street Rods online! This car was featured both in 2005 and 2006 at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. (from Taylor Custom Street Rods site) TCSR built this 1937 OZE sedan for Mike Soto of Modesto, California. The car was designed by Joe Iacono of Iacono Design and paint colors were selected by Art Hensel. The team at TCSR started the project in mid August with hopes of introducing the car at the October SEMA show. With plenty of long nights the team achieved their goal and brought the car to the SEMA show. The car was displayed at the main entrance to the show, near the Buckaroo Communications booth. The car was