Newport Beach, CA – Diesel power, in my opinion, is the way of the future.  Gone are the days of black, not to mention stinky, smoke, billowing from the tailpipes of cars with diesel engines, gone too is the clickity-clack of the engine while cruising along to your intended destination.  Today’s diesel engines are clean and quiet and provide excellent fuel mileage.  They are not known for huge amounts of horsepower but torque is provided in generous, grin inducing amounts.  If you don’t think diesel’s can be fast simply Google the all conquering Audi R10 and R15 ALMS and LMS racing machines.  To test drive one of those machines a hall pass from the almighty himself is required!

The 2009 Jetta SportWagen TDI is the complete other end of the spectrum in terms of race wins, although; check out Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI Cup Racing Series here.  The same clean diesel technology found in these Cup cars can be had by the consumer in the Jetta TDI line-up.  The 2.0 Liter 4 banger makes 140 horse but a healthy 236 lb-ft of torque fed to the front wheels through either a 6-speed manual or DSG transmission.  Two gas engines are also available in the line-up but I really enjoyed rowing through the gears in this SportWagen and the freight train feeling all that torque provides at low RPM’s. 

           The Jetta line-up is offered in Sedan and SportWagen body styles.  I lean towards the SportWagen for its good looks and overall utility boasting more cargo space than even VW’s own Tiguan compact SUV.
           Offered in S, SE, SEL and TDI trim levels with an impressive standard equipment list including A/C, in-dash 6 disc CD changer, auxiliary jack and MP3 format capable, power and heated side view mirrors, multifunction trip computer and compass, 60/40 split rear folding seat with armrest pass-through, power windows, 8-way partial power driver’s seat with adjustable lumbar support, cruise control, tilting and telescoping steering wheel, remote keyless entry, satellite radio, power steering, independent front suspension and multilink independent rear, ABS, and the list goes on.  Options above and beyond are few, a sunroof is a standalone option and 17-inch wheels are available on the TDI SportWagen.   At $25,020 as seen here I say it’s a relative bargain and VW’s Carefree maintenance

program, which covers scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, only adds more value for your buck.
           EPA estimates are 30 MPG City and 41 MPG Highway for a combined of 34 MPG.  During the week I spent enjoying the SportWagen I did not have the opportunity to take a long highway ride, all my time with the car was spent running around town and a few quick highway jaunts that did not offer the opportunity for the SportWagen to stretch its diesel legs, however, it still returned a very impressive return on mileage.  I kept looking at the fuel gauge in disbelief because it never seemed to move, even with my lead-foot at the helm.  After 320 miles of city dragging from stop light to stop light I was seeing a return of 30.3 MPG with, according to the trip computer, another 50 miles left in the tank.
           After learning the nuances of helming a diesel engine with a slick shifting 6-speed manual I really enjoyed driving the SportWagen.  Diesel’s don’t need, much less like, to be revved high up to summon forward motion.  After bouncing off the rev limiter a couple of times I figured out that off the line a steady input to the go pedal and a smooth shift into second gear is all it took to release the 236 lb-ft of torque and the freight train like acceleration.  Yes you feel it and it feels great!  Second and third gears were my favorite; the higher gears would have returned an even better MPG rating but…well…who cares, I was having too much fun! 
           Gripes?  Only two and they are easily fixed by checking a couple extra boxes when you place your order.  A sunroof would have been a perfect edition to this car and cruise control/stereo controls on the steering wheel would add a little panache to this great little car.    
           The Jetta SportWagen was a little nostalgic for me as well.  After high school and heading off to college I owned a Sport wagon from another manufacturer all those years ago and jumping into the Jetta SportWagen TDI brought back some fond memories.  Thanks, Volkswagen, for the memories and keeping the clean diesel option alive and well.  

Column and photos provided by Rich Branch, EVP of Race Central TV and Radio Network Partners.