2009 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel Review

The current wave of hi-tech ultra-low emissions diesel engines has given the venerable oil-burner a rebirth in the passenger car market, and that's a good thing given the many appealing aspects of diesel power.

The 2009 Jetta TDI enables consumers to move into Clean Diesel technology.

The huge reduction in emissions emitted by these workhorses arise out of the imposition of new EPA-standards, which require diesel refiners and importers to remove all but a fraction of the sulfur from fuel intended for roadway use. Doing so produces the Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) rating that this new class of clean-burning diesels requires.

No need to break the bank to acquire Clean Diesel and German engineering. The 2009 Jetta TDI enables consumers to move into Clean Diesel technology, in a stylish German-engineered (Mexican built) sedan for fewer pesos than one might think.

The Jetta TDI Trendline is stickered at $24,000 plus change, and is equipped with alloy wheels, air conditioning, front and side airbags, side-curtain airbags, 8-speaker audio with single CD and seats with adjustable lumbar support.

My Jetta TDI Comfortline tester was stocked with pleasures such as leather upholstery, multi-function tilt and telescopic steering wheel, sunroof, premium audio and much more, elevating its sticker into the low $30K range. Also included in the package is Volkswagen's Electronic Stability Program (ESP).

Jetta sedan is sleek and roomy
The Jetta is a longstanding Volkswagen product that slots-in below the Passat and above the Golf in VW's lineup. It's a front-wheel-drive 4-door sedan that can also be acquired in wagon format. This is the fifth generation of the ever-popular Jetta, and while its basic shape has changed little since mid 2005 when it was introduced, its clean lines remain an appealing interpretation of modern automotive design.

The Jetta's cabin has a distinctly Euro-look to it. The build-quality is solid and precise while the materials in use are of high calibre for this genre of the industry. Head and legroom in the front seats is outstanding while rear-seat sprawl is generous.

The Jetta's cabin has a distinctly Euro-look to it.