Volkswagen’s 50-state-compliant Jetta TDI will be among the cleanest diesels in the U.S.

Amid the looming hordes of European luxury automakers planning a North American compression-ignition invasion in the next couple years, humble Volkswagen has announced its plans to return the Jetta TDI to the diesel dogpile in the spring of 2008. Powered by a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, and either a six-speed manual or DSG automated manual transmission, the 2008 Jetta TDI will be cleared for sale in all fifty states.

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Toyota Prius: prepare to die.

The Jetta first of all looks better than the Prius, it's definitely more fun to drive. I can say that for sure without having driven either of them.

With the previous engine, the best performance we managed to coax from a Jetta TDI was a sluggish 10.3 second 0-60 wheez.

^The usual C&D BS, "sluggish".^

There's nothing wrong with a 10.3 second 0-60 time, especially since the old Jetta TDI the US got was one of the "weaker engines" sold in Europe. Such an acceleration time is pretty respectable if you ask me. Furthermore, most buyers of these cars are less interested in the hardcore performance aspect. The Prius is much slower I believe.

Anyway, looks promising. Can't wait to hear the first reviews and read the flame wars on Autospies.