http://media.vw.com/article_download.cfm?article_id=10477

Check out some of the cool equipment:

-140 HP TDI (6MT or 6AT)
-7.5JX 17″ Alloy “Porto” wheels
-Touchscreen Premium VIII AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD Changer, MP3 format readable, satellite radio compatible, 8 speakers, MDI and Aux jack
- spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with multifunction
- sport suspension and vehicle lowering

From Ward’s Auto:

• Audi AG: 2.0L TFSI turbocharged DOHC I-4 (A4 Avant)
• BMW AG: 3.0L turbocharged DOHC I-6 (135i Coupe)
• BMW AG: 3.0L DOHC I-6 Turbodiesel (335d)
• Chrysler LLC: 5.7L Hemi OHV V-8 (Dodge Ram/Challenger R/T)
• Ford Motor Co.: 2.5L DOHC I-4 HEV (Escape Hybrid)
• General Motors Corp.: 3.6L DOHC V-6 (Cadillac CTS)
• Honda Motor Co. Ltd.: 3.5L SOHC V-6 (Accord Coupe)
• Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd.: 4.6L DOHC V-8 (Genesis)
• Toyota Motor Corp.: 3.5L DOHC V-6 (Lexus IS 350)
• Volkswagen AG: 2.0L SOHC I-4 Turbodiesel (Jetta TDI)

http://wardsauto.com/home/best_engines_2009_081205/

http://www.adn.com/money/industries/oil/pipeline/story/445932.html

From the article:

“Palin, a former Wasilla mayor whose family still calls the city home, noted her shock at the skyrocketing cost of gas. A few years ago, she bought a diesel Volkswagen Jetta thinking it would be a great commuting car, she said.”

VOLKSWAGEN’S CLEAN DIESELS ELIGIBLE FOR ALTERNATIVE MOTOR VEHICLE FEDERAL TAX CREDITBuyers of Volkswagen Jetta TDI vehicles eligible for a $1300 Federal Tax Credit

HERNDON, Va.-Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that buyers of the Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen are eligible for a $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit.

The Internal Revenue Service has issued a certification letter affirming that the vehicles qualify for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit.

“The $1,300 tax credit provides an even greater value to the upcoming Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers the fuel efficiency that they’re looking for while providing power, utility, performance, safety and excellent value.” Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen showcase the best of both worlds, an alternative fuel vehicle with no compromises. Fuel efficiency, performance and convenience come standard with the 50-state compliant Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen models, which meet the most stringent emissions standards in California. Vehicles are currently available to test drive at local Volkswagen dealers, both models will be available for sale this August.

While the Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, Volkswagen went a step further to show real world fuel economy of the Jetta TDI. Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway.*

The Jetta TDI models come standard with Volkswagen’s Prevent and Preserve Safety System, consisting of numerous standard safety features. Both the Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen include six airbags with optional rear side airbags and like all 2009 model year Volkswagens, Jetta TDIs also feature standard Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) for added safety.

Also standard for 2009 is Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program, with this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty-three years or 36 000 miles whichever occurs first.

We went and visited Chapman VW to take the 2009 Jetta TDI for a spin. This will be more of an engine review since we are all diesel buffs here right?  I won’t be talking much about the tranny, or the suspension, etc.

First…the major difference…QUIET!!! This engine, seriously, is quieter than a lot of gassers I’ve heard. Outside with the hood down the radiator fan drowns out the engine…hows that for a change? No more clatter here. Inside the engine can’t be heard over the A/C fan and the radio.

Now for power…I have a chipped (performance tuned) 2006 Jetta, and this new common rail felt just a tad more powerful. So for those migrating from the old VW diesel engines this will really be a big power jump! The difference though between my tuned care and the new common rail TDI was smoothness. The new engine is just a wave of smooth torque from beginning to end that moves the car down the road. You would not even guess this was turboed. There is no turbo lag, and you cannot hear any turbo whine.

Cruising at 65MPH on the Loop 202 freeway with the A/C on brought between 45 – 50 MPG on the instant MPG readout.

Oh yeah…call me a diesel nerd but I had to smell the tailpipe!  It was smell free! The days of any chance of having a “stinky diesel” are gone with this car. Also, not a particle of soot to be seen behind this thing.

So what’s the verdict? We put down our deposit to for our new 2009 Platinum Gray Metallic with Anthracite Interior Jetta SportWagen with the DSG transmission.

Here’s a couple of videos for your viewing:
Interior (everything is off, no fan, no radio)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luL353r8fcg

engine bay/exterior
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpDJ2yaI7F4

The audio from the camera is louder than “real life.” The microphone was pointed right at the engine.

Thank you to Mike Grady at Chapman VW for indulging our diesel addiction and taking lots of time to chat with us.  Go to your local VW dealership and take the demo car for a spin…it’s worth your time just to see the major leap in diesel technology.

The results?  The Jetta went 733 miles on one tank of fuel and registered 50.5 MPG.  The Prius managed a still very good 48.2 MPG and had to be filled up at 570 miles.  The drivers of both cars kept to the speed limit through the trip.

Now, I personally think the Prius would do better in the city, but I am very impressed to see the numbers put up by the 2009 Jetta!

A news article about the challenge:
http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/south_king/aub/business/25575664.html

Visit their Myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/auburnvw

Spark Free is an evolution from the SouthWest TDI Club, which came from the Arizona TDI Club.  The forums can be found here:

http://www.sparkfree.com/forum

Watch for more diesel news and changes to the forum over the next few days.