2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: Introduction

Had to laugh at the use of the word "ekes" alongside "140 hp". Wasn't so long ago that 140 horses in any car that size was sports car territory. Even the previous-gen oil burning TDI managed only 90 hp from its 1.9 litres of displacement. If anything deserved to "eke", it would have been the old engine.

I like Jedi. Make the '05 "old" and the '09 "new". Nice ring to it either way.

I would so love to see this engine in the wagon. Wanna go for threesies?

I'm eager to see how it performs and how it compares to your older model, but I still think (as I said in a previous post on it) that a Sportwagen would've been a better purchase. It would've allowed Edmunds to test everything it wants and compare the results to the older sedan while also providing a useful analysis of the wagon's capabilities. As much as the editors decry CUVs and SUVs for their obesity, thirst, and consequent handling and performance abilities the Sportwagen would have showcased the utility (or not) of a true wagon. It could have allowed both the staff and readers to see if they really do need and/or want those tall, heavy wagons that are all the rage. Instead, all we get is yet another sedan. Three supercars (R8, GT-R, GT), eight CUVS (Enclave, Flex, Veracruz, CX-9, xB, RX400h, X5, Edge), three hatchbacks (Fit, STI, Prius), two minivans (Grand Caravan, Rondo), a pickup (Tundra), three coupes (Focus, Smart, M3), and now ten sedans (135, C300, Evo MR, EVO GSR, G8, Aura, 05 Jetta, new Jetta, Civic, Accord). Would it have been that difficult to throw in something different and get a wagon?

Anyway, I'm done bitching. It's not my money (nor is it Edmunds') so I guess I can't complain too much.

Whoops. Threw the 135 into the sedan instead of coupe category. I can't edit the post but you get the point.

I'm not a Starwars fanboy to really know some names, but I think they should be "Siths". Join the dark side, join the Diesels!

Are they both Hecho en Mexico?

Estreka, you said exactly what I was about to say.

Anyhoo, comparing Edmunds' two different generations of the Jetta and comparing two Lancers of the same year but different trim levels is apples and oranges. Especially since you're driving a modified version of one of the EVOs. Perhaps if both EVOs were GSRs and only one was modified, you'd have a control car to see the differences in drivability or reliability. As it is, it's just an example of the "Long Term Blog" turning into the "Editor's Play-Thing with an Unlimited Budget."

How about name the Jettas "VW Jetta" and "VW Corolla"?

"Ok, first off, neither Han nor Lando were ever Jedi. Second, the Vader character never was either; Anakin was. Once he became Vader, he ceased to be a Jedi."

Nerd alert!

The idea of two Jetta's from two different years is one thing. Two matching Mitsu boy-toy, matchbox, econoboxes with only few engine changes and zero market appeal is another.

You guys already did an intro for the 2009 Jetta TDI. Unless, of course, you bought TWO silver 2009 Jetta TDIs, which wouldn't surprise me after recent events. :)

TDI & DSG, I can't wait to hear the impressions! I hope there is a GTI TDI w/ DSG (whew!), I would be in line for that!

I agree that the wagon would be a better choice, with more flexibility to compare to other vehicles but the drivetrain is the key and I'll be very interested what you guys think of it.

As for the Star Wars nerd alert, that wasn't a nerd alert. That was Nerd Def Con 3! I think that automatically won him a ticket to Trekkie ComicCon or something.

"Had to laugh at the use of the word "ekes" alongside "140 hp". Wasn't so long ago that 140 horses in any car that size was sports car territory"

Sure 140 hp was sports car territory once. In emissions-gelded, late 80s crap boxes 6" lower and 800 pounds lighter than this car.

This ain't a Prelude.

Until a year or so ago, the gas engine Jetta only put out 115 hp. I think 140 hp is impressive.

You're right though, it ain't a Prelude. No Prelude ever had 236 ft-lbs of torque at 1750 rpm.

Your comparison to the mitsubishi evos is ridiculous! The 2005 Jetta and the 2009 Jetta are totally different vehicles, from the powertrain to the country of manufacture. Stop trying to justify your desire for more power toys with the Jettas.

sorry bub. Both jetta are built in Puebla, Mexico until the U.S. Chatnooga Factory is built...
Golfs/Rabbits,Passats, Jetta Wagon OTOH are built in Germany.

-Cj

Can't wait to start reading about everyone's impressions of the car. Is it too early to put dibs in to buy it in a year??

Go for Yoda and Obiwan (although they both sound Japanese on a German car).

"sorry bub. Both jetta are built in Puebla, Mexico until the U.S. Chatnooga Factory is built...
Golfs/Rabbits,Passats, Jetta Wagon OTOH are built in Germany."

I thought Golfs were Mexico too?