2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Review By James Healy

2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

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Flaws Can't Erode Diesel Jetta TDI's Basic Appeal

Washington DC August 8, 2011; The AIADA newsletter reported that the VW Jetta TDI provides a good opportunity to revisit the Jetta and check out the diesel, popular among VW buyers because it is rated 30 miles per gallon in town and 42 mpg on the highway.

According to USA Today’s James Healey, that fuel mileage is about 25 percent better than the base gasoline version in the city and in mixed city/highway driving, and 24 percent better on the highway.

The new Jetta starts at $1,220 less than the old one. The lower price tag required a bit of corner-cutting, some of which the TDI shares, to keep the price down.

However, even the base version of the TDI is well-equipped, including a power sunroof, heated seats, and the faux leather that VW calls V-Tex leatherette. Healey’s $26,065 test car, called "TDI w/Nav," also had automatic transmission, fog lights, a lumbar adjustment for the driver's seat, satellite radio, and an iPod cable, which can be an expensive piece of wire from some automakers.

On balance, Healey writes that he is happy to forgive its faults because the Jetta TDI is roomy and comfy, and the engine's personality quickly makes the car such a pal.

Read the entire USA Today review of the Jetta TDI by clicking here.

SEE ALSO: VW Buyers Guide - Reviews, Specs, Comparisons and Prices