The Auto Writer

Certified 38/44 MPG Fuel Economy

Volkswagen announced pricing for their Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen, with prices starting at $21,990 and $23,590, respectively. The 50-state compliant Jetta sedan and SportWagen TDI meet the most stringent emissions standards and will be available for sale beginning in August.

“Our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers a true value with the fuel efficiency that drivers are looking for while providing power, utility and performance,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The Jetta TDI’s offer a no compromise alternative fuel driving experience.”

Whose Fuel Numbers Are Right?

The Environmental Protection Agency has estimated the Jetta TDI’s fuel economy at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, but Volkswagen, apparently dissatisfied with the results, hired a third-party certifier, AMCI, to perform their own tests. AMCI’s results indicate that the Jetta TDI performed 24% better in what they have called “real world conditions,” achieving 38 mpg/city and 44 mpg/highway. Naturally, your mileage figures will vary.

The Jetta TDI’s standard equipment includes Volkswagen’s Prevent and Preserve Safety System, which consists of numerous standard safety features, including six airbags, with optional rear side airbags, and standard Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) a feature VW has included on all models for 2009.

Standard for 2009 is Volkswagen’s carefree maintenance program, where there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

(Source: Volkswagen of America)