Vehicle Tested
| 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Base Price: $22,995
At-Tested Price: $23,765
Built in Mexico.
Options
None
Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter I4 diesel
Transmission: Six-Speed Manual
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive
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The simple initials TDI strike fear into the hearts of hybrid owners everywhere. Why? TDI is VW speak for extremely high-mileage, AKA turbodiesel, technology. The first TDI arrived on U.S. shores in 1991 and has been selling out at dealerships ever since.
Technically, TDI stands for turbocharged direct injection. According to Volkswagen, compared to a similarly sized gasoline engines a TDI motor offers similar power output and is 15 percent more fuel efficient. Volkswagens current crop of TDI-powered cars includes the Golf, Jetta, Passat, Touareg and new-for-2012 Beetle.
The Jetta TDI the best selling diesel passenger vehicle in the United States with more than 32,000 units sold through July. It's also Volkswagen's bestselling diesel, accounting for 81 percent of the total diesel units VW sells.
Like all 2011 Jettas, the TDI is completely redesigned for 2011 with freshened styling, larger exterior and interior measurements and additional safety features. The biggest change is in overall length, which grows by 3.5 inches. Most of that additional length goes into growing rear-seat leg room by 2.5 inches. The new Jetta comes only as a four-door sedan, however a wagon bodystyle is available carrying over in with the 2010 design.
Four trim levels are offered: S, SE, SEL, and TDI. All have front-wheel drive. The S comes with a 115-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. SE and SEL get a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder. The TDI utilizes a turbocharged 140-horsepower 2.0-liter diesel engine. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the S, SE and SEL. Standard on the TDI is a six-speed manual. Optional on all models is a six-speed automatic transmission.
Standard safety features on all models includes antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunk release, daytime running lights and
Dual-front, front-side and curtain-side airbags. Blind-spot alert, park assist and rear-view monitor are not offered.
The S model lists for $15,995 when equipped with manual transmission. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt-telescope steering wheel, front bucket seats, split-folding rear seat, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital-media player connection, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, theft-deterrent system, 195/65HR15 tires and wheel covers.
Stepping up to the manual-equipped SE brings a tab of $18,195. On top of the S equipment, the SE adds cruise control, vinyl upholstery, center console, split-folding rear seat with trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors with integrated turn signals, illuminated visor mirrors, floormats and 205/55HR16 tires. Available on the SE is a Convenience Package that includes leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, heated front seats, AM/FM radio with in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, iPod interface system, Bluetooth cell-phone connection, heated washer jets and alloy wheels.
The $21,395 SEL adds to the SE with Convenience Package navigation system, front-seat lumbar adjustment, keyless access and starting, trip computer, fog lights and 225/45HR17 tires. Available on the SEL is a Sport Package, which adds power sunroof and sport suspension.
The TDI lists for $22,995 and adds to the SEL power sunroof and AM/FM/CD/MP3 player. Deleted from the TDI are the SEL's in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 changer and 16-inch alloy wheels. The navigation system is available on the TDI as a package.
Options are limited to carpeted or rubber floormats. The Jetta is built in Puebla, Mexico, although the engine and transmission of TDI models are built in Germany. Destination charge is $770.
Get Up and Go Forget everything you remember about driving diesel-powered cars. Volkswagen's turbodiesel is as refined and smooth running as any gasoline competitor in the segment. There's no foul smell and only a hint of diesel clatter at startup on cold mornings. The rest of the time, you'll need to look at the badge on the back of the car to be sure it's a diesel.
The TDI motor provides appropriate-for-the-class acceleration and decent passing response. While it's no fireball, few vehicles in this class offer outstanding acceleration and no one, except the hybrids, can match the diesel's fuel economy.
The manual transmission is a joy to shift. Throws are short and the lever has a very positive feel. The clutch is easy to modulate and engages with a positive feel. The gearing offers relaxed highway cruising. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly most of the time, though it sometimes hiccups in 1-2 shifts at slower speeds.
TDI EPA numbers with the manual transmission come in at 30 mpg city and 42 mpg highway. In routine driving it's easy to average more than 35 mpg and in relaxed highway driving you might top 45 mpg--a remarkable average for any class of vehicle. Even more impressive is the Jetta TDI's range, you can conservatively drive more than 600 miles on each 14.5-gallon tank.
On the Road For more than a decade, the Jetta has set the standard in the compact car class for it's blend of ride comfort and athleticism. That doesn't change even though the new model is significantly larger, perhaps due to a slight reduction in overall weight.
Regardless of model or wheel size, the Jetta rides with decent comfort. Large bumps are nicely absorbed and minor road imperfections are more heard than felt. Occasionally an expansion joint or particularly nasty pot hole will pound through, but that's the exception rather than the rule.
Still one of the most nimble cars in the class, the new-for-2011 Jetta is fun to drive and quite sporty when equipped with the optional Sport Package. There's some body lean in turns and the tires don't have as much dry-road grip as you'd expect--eliciting some understeer in tight corners. Still the steering is delightfully direct and quick and the brakes are easy to modulate and provide plenty of stopping power.
Volkswagen engineers paid special attention to reducing unwanted cabin noise and it shows. The Jetta cruises quietly on the highway and the diesel engine is surprisingly refined. The only qualm is tire thrum on coarse concrete surfaces.
Behind the Wheel The interior is all new and is perhaps a step backward in overall refinement. Though controls are conveniently placed, materials are just par for the class. The previous model had an interior that oozed luxury and the new Jetta interior screams compact car. That's too bad, but perhaps a necessary evil in the path toward weight savings and cost containment.
Gauges are easy to read, day or night, and the radio and climate controls are simple and straightforward. Opting for the available navigation system brings complexity though the system is easier to program than in most other cars in this class. Window, mirror and lock controls are placed on the driver's armrest.
Front-seat passengers are treated to generous head and leg room. The seats offer a good blend of comfort and support, though adjusting them is a little awkward. Drivers have good outward visibility to all directions. Sadly, the adjustable center-console armrest is gone, making it an uncomfortable rest for some drivers.
The new Jetta sports class-leading rear seat room. How much you ask? More than 38 inches, which is better than many midsize cars. The bench seat is comfortable and head room is good. The only downside is a large central hump in the floorpan that precludes long-distance three-abreast seating. Kudos to VW for correcting the previous model's biggest fault.
Jetta offers a spacious trunk with a large opening that makes loading and unloading easy. Split-folding rear seats offer additional versatility. Too bad they don't lie flat and create an uneven load floor. Interior storage cubbies abound and the glovebox and door map pockets are quite large.
Bottom Line Jetta's a great compact car that only gets better with the improvements for 2011. Though interior fittings take a step backward, the increase in size and overall refinement more than compensate. Compared to Civic and Corolla, Jetta seems a class above. It's more on par with the surprising Chevrolet Cruze and Hyundai Elantra.
The TDI gives Volkswagen a leg up on most competitors in the class. Though the diesel engine adds several thousand to the price tag, the fuel economy gains are quite impressive, all with no loss in performance. If your daily commute includes a long highway stint, the Jetta TDI should be tops on your shopping list.
Specifications 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
| Dimensions
| 4-door sedan
| Engine
| Turbocharged DOHC I4
| Wheelbase, in.
| 104.4
| Size, liters/cu. in.
| 2.0 / 120
| Length, in.
| 182.2 | Horsepower
| 140 @ 4000 | Width, in.
| 70.0
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 236 @ 1750
| Height, in.
| 57.2
| Transmission
| 6-Speed Manual
| Weight, lbs.
| 3161
| EPA Estimates, mpg
| 30 city / 42 highway
| Cargo Capacity, cu. ft.
| 15.5 |
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| Fuel Capacity, gals.
| 14.5
| Manufacturer's Warranty
| Seating Capacity
| 5
| Bumper-to-Bumper
| 3 years / 36,000 miles
| Front Head Room, in.
| 37.0
| Powertrain
| 5 years / 60,000 miles
| Front Leg Room, in.
| 41.2
| Corrosion
| 12 years / Unlimited miles
| Second-Row Head Room, in.
| 37.0
| Free Roadside Assistance
| 3 years / 36,000 miles | Second-Row Leg Room, in.
| 38.1
| Free Scheduled Maintenance
| 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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