How's it Run? Consumer Reports Tests Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Those of you who love the feeling of farfegnugen were probably dissapointed to learn that the Taureg was listed as the 11th meanest car for this model year. Can you still drive a Volkswagen without feeling like you're sucking up gasoline and encouraging global warming? If you buy a diesel, you have a chance.
Consumer Reports just looked at the diesel version of the Jetta, the TDI. They looked first at the gas mileage: was it any better? Yes. The regular gasoline version of the Jetta got 482 miles to the tank; the TDI went 665 miles before it needed a fill up. If you're looking just at fossil fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, the TDI is a clear winner.
But what about the problems with diesel fuels? They're notoriously dirty and smelly, aren't they? Testers agreed that the exhaust smells bad and acknowledges that current diesel blends put out more soot and causes more allergies, although the EPA says that's going to change. Other drawbacks to the TDI included slow acceleration and a noisy engine.
Thank you, Joel A., for the tip. [Source: WRAL]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
oneighturbo 10:15PM (4/26/2006)
I am not a fan of CR anymore and with this article theres little to make me a fan again.
Diesels of today, esp. the VW's do not smell and smoke like the diesels of yesterday.
There is absolutely no mention of biodiesel.
VW TDI's are holding their resale value and you can hardly find them from a New Beetle to a Jetta.
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Master Blaster 8:55AM (4/27/2006)
I'm waiting for DC to put out a Bluetec diesel Jeep Wrangler. New diesels are great and I am DYING TO BUY ONE. But I have to wait and wait for Chrysler to build them.
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Gordon 11:49AM (4/27/2006)
I love my friends ancient diesel golf, it has no power but runs really well. If I had the money I would by a nice TDI jetta, but aren't there new diesel engines coming from vw soon?
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