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Update: Filling in the final piece of the 2009 Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen puzzle, Volkswagen today announced the pricing for the car’s return to the U.S. At base prices of $21,990 for the sedan and $23,590 for the SportWagen, VW is likely to get a good response from U.S. buyers ready to make a change to a more fuel-efficient vehicle.

Even with the higher relative price of diesel, and gasoline already over $4.00 per gallon in many areas, the EPA-certified fuel economy rating of 29mpg city and 40mpg highway is persuasive. Independent testing by AMCI found real-world results of 38mpg in the city and 44mpg on the highway were possible.
What, exactly, was done differently to the EPA tests, and over what sort of course the AMCI tests were conducted, was not revealed. Regardless, however, the EPA’s figures are very good for a sedan with the size, performance and equipment specification of the Jetta.
Original: In a non-standard turn of events, Volkswagen has posted full details and several photos of the upcoming U.S.-spec 2009 Jetta SportWagen on its retail site without first holding a proper release. Nevertheless, both petrol and diesel versions of the car will be coming to the delight of enthusiasts and diesel-heads, and the three options packages available should suit a wide range of tastes.

Three engines are available in the new wagon: an inline five-cylinder 2.5L petrol engine rated at 170hp and 177lb-ft of torque, a 2.0L four-cylinder petrol unit good for 200hp and 207lb-ft of torque and a 2.0L turbodiesel turning out 140hp and 236lb-ft of torque. The five-cylinder engine lies at the heart of the S and SE models, while the SEL gets the sporty four-cylinder and the TDI gets the diesel.
Performance for the two petrol engines is peppy but not amazing, the SEL completing the dash to 60mph in 6.9 seconds and the slower S and SE taking at least 8.4 seconds. Both petrol engines are rated at 21mpg city and 29mpg highway, and as with the performance ratings, information on the TDI engine isn’t yet available.
Interior and exterior features are at their most basic on the S, though it still includes standard roof railings, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) and air conditioning. The SE adds satellite radio, chrome accents and standard 16-inch alloy wheels among other options. The SEL finishes the transition to near-luxury with dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloys and leather seats. The TDI trim is a mix of the SEL and SE, with leatherette or plastic replacing all of the leather, a downgraded sound system, 16-inch alloy wheels, standard air conditioning and the removal of power seats being the primary differences.
A new option for all models is a huge panoramic sunroof. No standard sunroof/moonroof is available, so it’s all or nothing. SE and higher models have the option of a DVD-based satellite navigation system, while all models can add rear side airbags, iPod adapters and upgraded wheels. All models can optionally be fitted with a six-speed Tiptronic transmission for an additional $1,100 fee.
Pricing hasn’t been announced for the TDI model yet, but the petrol S starts at $18,999, the SE at $21,349 and the SEL at $25,990.
2009 Jetta SportWagen
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Volkswagen dealers say the high price of diesel fuel isn't stopping a rush of buyers eager to snatch up the first batch of Jetta TDI cars.

The TDI models--with new diesels that meet emissions standards in all 50 states --don't go on sale until late August. But many dealers say they already have enough orders to eat up their 2008 allocation of the new Jetta sedan and Sportwagen TDI.

With diesel approaching $5 a gallon in some states, what's the appeal? Dealers say it's the improved fuel economy and high reliability of the diesel engine — plus the kind of performance you can't get from a hybrid or fuel-efficient small car.

"People are becoming aware of what constitutes a true economy vehicle," says Richard Fisher, owner of Auto Barn VW, which has three Chicago area VW stores. "They don't just want economy but a car that drives well and handles well and has good performance."

Volkswagen of America plans to sell 15,000 TDI Jettas this year. Next year, the TDI could account for up to 30 percent of Jetta sales, says VWoA spokesman Steve Keyes. That would take volume above 30,000 units.


The price is right
Dealers say buyers also are rushing in to place orders because the Jettas were priced right. The diesel sedan starts at $22,640 including shipping and the station wagon at $24,240--a premium of about $2,000 over a similarly equipped model with a gasoline engine.

They will be the first VWs with standard electronic stability control, now a $450 option, and free scheduled maintenance. Both are being phased in through VW's 2009 model year range.

The Jettas are the only 2009-model volume passenger cars that will be offered with the 50-state diesel engines. On the luxury side, BMW will launch a diesel 3 series this fall. All the other new diesels that have been announced will debut in SUVs and crossovers. Japanese clean diesels won't debut for about two years.

The diesels are hot even in Texas, where pickups rule.

"Demand is strong because of the price," says Eddie Lee, owner of Lewisville Volkswagen in Lewisville, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. "We are in a heavy commuter market, and the mileage offsets the price of diesel."

Lee says many TDI orders are from repeat diesel buyers who rave about the durability of the VW diesel engine. "The TDI cars last so long, and this is a vehicle that will go 200,000 to 300,000 miles," he says.

VW will promote the TDI's fuel economy, which it estimates is 33 to 35 percent better than that of a gasoline-powered Jetta. The EPA has rated the Jetta sedan TDI at 29 mpg city and 40 highway, according to VW.

The company is also studying whether to bring in other diesel vehicles, including a Tiguan SUV. Dealers say they've been clamoring for the diesel Tiguan for months, especially because sales of the new compact SUV haven't been as hot as they had hoped.

Dealers aren't optimistic they'll get one in this generation, says Gene Langan, owner of Langan VW, which has two stores outside Hartford, Conn., and will open a third on Aug. 1. But, he adds: "VW is looking at diesels right across the board."


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Buyers of the upcoming 2009 Jetta TDI sedan and wagon will be eligible for a hefty Federal Tax Credit, according to Volkswagen of America. The IRS has issued a certification for the vehicles, confirming that they meet the requirements for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income-tax break, and will be awarding owners a $1300 credit for their purchase.

“Our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers the fuel efficiency that they’re looking for while providing power, utility, performance, safety, and excellent value," said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. This is certainly true considering the diesel’s base price of $22,640 and EPA ratings of 30 mpg city, 41 mpg highway in manual guise.

With 50-state-compliant clean-diesel technology—even in California where the requirements are far more strict—, we see the tax credit as icing on the cake for prospective Jetta TDI buyers. Going on sale this August in the U.S., the new Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen are available for test drives at your local Volkswagen dealership now.


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