There aren't any other diesel-powered compacts currently on the Canadian market, but if we're concerned by fuel consumption, as the TDI's numbers are 6.8/4.8 L/100 km city/highway, the Jetta TDI's adversaries are the $26,350 Honda Civic Hybrid (4.7/4.3) and $27,600 Toyota Prius (4.0/4.2).
Conclusion
Are we convinced? Well, the new TDI engine is plenty powerful, frugal and its price of admission is now lower. It might all depend on how the fill-up experience is at the local gas station. I'll probably get flamed again for saying this, but every time I park next to a diesel pump, it's filthy, it stinks and there are either puddles of fuel on the ground or a vast expanse of kitty litter to absorb frequent spilling. Gross.
Otherwise, the Jetta TDI will take you far on each tank with very few sacrifices. But the Jetta is so well-behaved that it's a little--dare I say it--boring. But between the two, a diesel would make more sense to me than a hybrid when the warranty expires. Until more diesel-powered cars hit the market, Volkswagen's diesel compact sedan has a head start.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
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| The Jetta TDI will take you far on each tank with very few sacrifices. |
Conclusion
Are we convinced? Well, the new TDI engine is plenty powerful, frugal and its price of admission is now lower. It might all depend on how the fill-up experience is at the local gas station. I'll probably get flamed again for saying this, but every time I park next to a diesel pump, it's filthy, it stinks and there are either puddles of fuel on the ground or a vast expanse of kitty litter to absorb frequent spilling. Gross.
Otherwise, the Jetta TDI will take you far on each tank with very few sacrifices. But the Jetta is so well-behaved that it's a little--dare I say it--boring. But between the two, a diesel would make more sense to me than a hybrid when the warranty expires. Until more diesel-powered cars hit the market, Volkswagen's diesel compact sedan has a head start.
photo:Matthieu Lambert
2009 Volkswagen jetta Comfortline
2009 Volkswagen jetta Comfortline
2009 Volkswagen jetta TDI Comfortline
2009 Volkswagen jetta TDI Comfortline
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