2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

Interior, Driving, Trim Levels

The Volkswagen Jetta TDI has a notably roomy interior, especially the rear seat area. While the government rates it as a compact, subjectively it seemed to have as much space as vehicles that earn a midsize rating. Many vehicles have five rear seating positions but the center-rear position is rarely useable by adults. However, the Jetta’s center rear position is large and flat enough that three friendly adults should have no difficulty riding in back. In addition to a roomy interior, the Jetta TDI possesses a large, usable 16-cubic-foot trunk.


Steering was precise and confidence inspiring but ultimate grip was only modest. The Jetta is more of a sporty-feeling car than sporty-performing car. The low engine redline had us working the six-speed manual transmission when we wanted to go quickly up a tight mountain road.


The TDI is also available in the SportWagen station wagon form. In total, Jetta is available in four trim levels and with 170-horse 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder or 200-horse turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engines. The 2.5 engine comes with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The other engines offer either a six-speed manuals or six-speed automatics.


The Jetta earned the coveted Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Pick award. In government crash tests, however, the Jetta earned only four out of five stars for frontal crashes, but got the top five-star rating for driver and rear passenger side impacts.


The Jetta TDI sedan starts above $22,000, while fully optioned versions can approach $29,000. This will be partially offset by a $1,300 federal income tax credit because the TDI meets “advanced lean burn” requirements. Gasoline-powered versions of the Jetta start at about $18,000. Notable options include sound system that features a multi-disc, in-dash CD player and 10 speakers.


If you’re looking for a roomy, sport-flavored, economical sedan, the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI would make an excellent choice. (www.vw.com)

About the Author
Mac Demere is a writer, vehicle tester and race driver who competed in the NASCAR Southwest Tour and Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona.