Diesel VW Jetta Sportwagen a real fuel-sipper
When we told you last month about the return of Volkswagen's Jetta wagon, many of you were unimpressed by the car's bland styling and we don't totally disagree.
Now, however, we find out what VW's hiding under those dowdy clothes. Inside Line is reporting that VW expects 2008 Sportwagens ordered with the 2.0 diesel engine to get EPA numbers of 40 city/60 highway. A VW spokesperson also said the diesel Sportwagen will be available nationwide, the first time since 1999 that a diesel Jetta will be sold in all 50 states.
For us, a fuel-sipping diesel combined with an under-$20k starting price makes up at least a little bit for the uninspiring exterior. Looks like it's gonna be a long wait until the diesels hit the lots in January.
Thanks for the tip, Steve!
[Source: Inside Line]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
islalinda 7:19PM (11/06/2008)
My 2006 Jetta TDI with 81,000 miles is getting so expensive to maintain it's not worth the gas savings. It just blew a second transmission in less than a year, I've replaced an axle joint twice and both front bearings went at about 70,000 miles. More than $7,000 in repairs in one year (not including regular maintenance) would have bought a lot of gas....I should have bought a Prius.
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jjpg2000 1:36PM (5/08/2007)
Will there be a Golf Counterpart?
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Kumar 1:37PM (5/08/2007)
Now they just have to add their 4motion too and I'll get in line.
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James N. 1:43PM (5/08/2007)
VW Jetta wagon, with diesel and a manual. I want one.
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Jim in Tampa 1:47PM (5/08/2007)
The silver in the article picture looked duller than unsalted grits. But the wagon in bright blue in the gallery is sharp. Throw in the diesel engine and I think these things will be flying off the lot.
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et 1:56PM (5/08/2007)
i bought a 2006 jetta tdi special edition last month. great fuel mileage and better cost of fuel. i am canadian and i drive for over 150 kms / day. thank you vw. and, if all the other car companies start creating diesel, the selection would be great.
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MikeW 2:05PM (5/08/2007)
Now add a 7 speed double clutch transmission.
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Ming of GMI 2:02PM (5/08/2007)
I like it. But I also think the Suzuki Forenza Wagon looks nice. And a Prius-beating Diesel to boot (with real wagon storage/utility, not hatchback stuff).
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Hello 2:08PM (5/08/2007)
Anyone have an idea of the specs on the 2.0 diesel? Also, will this be in the sedan as well?
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Brent Schmidt 2:10PM (5/08/2007)
That's really, really nice to hear. This is now one of the cars we'll be looking at when we purchase our next vehicle in the next 9-12 months.
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dskinner 2:24PM (5/08/2007)
If Inside Line is correct, that is an amazing accomplishment. What is the purpose of a hybrid when a diesel gets much better mileage, is available in all 50 states, costs only a bit more and uses far less complicated parts?
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Joe K. 2:22PM (5/08/2007)
I have a personal thing against Jettas thanks to the bills my sister's has racked up, but when i saw the wagon at the NY auto show i def. liked it. I've always been partial to small wagons, I own a protege5 right now and with 130k on the clock it is looking for a replacement. If this comes to fruition with prices that are fair, it may make itself into consideration...
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Yggdrasilly 2:36PM (5/08/2007)
40-60, you say? Are those by new EPA mileage standards--or old ones?
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mike 2:30PM (5/08/2007)
Now that's what I'm talkin about! I'll keep an eye out for the sedan. Those sedate looks can be cleaned up by a nice set of tasteful wheels and maybe a stainless exhaust.
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Mulad 2:56PM (5/08/2007)
Interesting that they're sticking to the 60mpg highway number. I first saw that number when they were talking about the 2008 Jetta TDI sedan a while back. If they really think it'll do that well, that'll be amazing, considering that the 2006 Jetta TDI was rated 36/41 (a few mpg worse than the fourth-generation cars which were new up halfway into 2005). I've been wondering if that's really what they expect from the EPA, or if they're talking about what the most light-footed 25% or 50% of the drivers will get...
But if it's true, and they've kept the fuel tank about the same size, many folks will be getting 800+ mile trips on a single tankful.
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James 2:56PM (5/08/2007)
I echo the sentiments of 3 and 4.
I'll take one in blue, tdi, manual. Where do I sign up?
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asurroca 3:04PM (5/08/2007)
@Yggdrasilly:
Since the new EPA mileage standards are already in effect and this is a forthcoming model, I'm sure these figures are under the new standards.
Besides, this figure is about what was already expected from the new 2.0L TDI unit from the speculation since VW showed it off a while back.
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bobcobb 3:06PM (5/08/2007)
OMG, a diesel wagon that I can get with a manual? FINALLY! I may have to sell my truck to get this, I've been waiting for so long for this to happen.
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jacob 3:13PM (5/08/2007)
Pretty amazing. I hope they also did some work on its engine's smoothness. While walking on streets, quite often, I turn my head to see what kind of tractor engine is generating such rough engine noise while idle or at low speeds. And what do I see quite a lot? A Jetta!
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gouzizi 3:19PM (5/08/2007)
If, the 2.0 diesel is the same as the one we find under the hood of vw group cars in Europe.
The specs should be 140cv/320nm(235lb/ft)@1750nm for the base model.
An upgraded version is also available which produce 170cv/350nm(260lb/ft)@2500nm
Both are mounted (in trasversal use) with a 6 speed manual or a 6 speed DSG.
European mileage is 35-55 with the stick.
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