Vw Jetta
Who wrote that an economical car should feel cheap? Who said a luxury car can't be practical? Not Volkswagen, that's for sure, because with the 2010 Jetta TDI, VW has rewritten the rulebook. Available as either compact sedan or "sport wagon," this practical and fuel-efficient load carrier can both take the dog to the park and deliver you to that red carpet event.
The TDI designation refers to the 2 liter, 16 valve, turbocharged, diesel-burning motor that powers both body styles. From the outside it's as quiet and smooth as any gasoline powered car, while inside the only difference you'll notice is a brief and very faint rattle when you turn the key. Once out on the highway you'll find the ample torque makes for relaxed cruising, while the turbo spins up with minimal lag whenever some extra boost is needed. As you'd expect from a European car, the ride is firm, yet not unpleasantly so.
Two transmissions are available, a 6 speed manual and a 6 speed "DSG" automatic. The "DSG" refers to VW's Direct Shift Gearbox, a complex, double clutch system that delivers fast and precise changes. Automatic transmissions usually sacrifice a little fuel economy to driving comfort, but here again, VW have broken the rules: while both manual and automatic are rated at 30 mpg City, the auto ekes out an extra mpg over the manual, giving it 42 on the highway versus 41 for the manual.
From outside both sedan and wagon have smooth, rather elegant lines. There are no unnecessary creases or wrinkles in the metalwork; it's just functional design at its best. The only embellishments are a chrome bumper and pinstriped grill and the chrome tipped double exhaust at the rear. Stylish 16 inch alloy wheels are standard equipment, as are turn signal lights mounted in the door mirrors. The wagon also features black roof rails which serve to emphasize its sporting aspirations.
The doors feel heavy, and close with a satisfying "thunk" that says "quality." Inside, the cabin is not large, but from the drivers seat you'll find the instrument layout clean and unfussy. Every control is just where you want it to be, and every knob, switch and dial has a satisfying tactile quality. There's no wood trim on show but that doesn't stop this feeling like a quality car.
The Jeta, for all its features, qualities, and capabilities, is not a cheap car. The out-the-door price for the manual sedan is $24,460 (plus local taxes, of course,) while the wagon is $25,010. Add an additional $1,100 for the DSG transmission. This pricing represents a premium of some $4,750 for the diesel over the equivalent gasoline-engined car, so is it worth the money?
If you cover a lot of miles you will cut your fuel bills. It's also worth noting that historically, TDI Jettas, and especially the wagon, have had very low depreciation, so you can expect a diesel Jetta to be very cheap to run.
Alternatives? Well you could look at the Chevy HHR or the Subaru Outback. Both offer similar proportions but neither has the Jetta's combination of fuel efficiency, quality and plain, simple, class. There's no car quite like the turbodiesel VW Jetta.
