With the previous-generation Jetta TDI, VW offered a supposedly sporty version called the Cup Street Edition. Shown above, it had a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, paddle shifters for the DSG gearbox, a tasteful body kit and cloth sport seats. It also had questionable bodyside graphics I could do without. Sadly, it was rather disappointing when we put it through its paces on the test track.
Still, I like the idea of an enthusiast-oriented version of the Jetta TDI, provided it's done right, of course. Am I deranged or does anyone else think this would be cool?
John DiPietro, Automotive Editor
ebb2143 says:
06:33 AM, 02/ 4/12
You're not deranged. I think if they stuck to the formula of the GTD and actually offered a diesel model with better performance in a tasteful package rather than a borderline boy-racer look, I would be interested. Unfortunately, offering an uprated (e.g. 170 bhp) version of the 2.0 would probably be a headache for VW. Without more power, an enthusiast-oriented version might not garner much interest...reminds me of what Volvo had turned the R line into until the newest S60R.
csubowtie says:
07:53 AM, 02/ 4/12
I like the idea, but the actuality I fear would not go far enough to make it worth it. Looking at the above picture, that car already has too much body roll for what I would want in a car like this. I suppose I would be thinking something bordering on a club racer with an interior (or Mini JCW). An uprated diesel could be fun on a tight canyon road, just letting all that torque pull you out of corners. I also like those graphics, if the car lived up to cup performance.
bassrockerx says:
10:41 AM, 02/ 4/12
In Europe they have something called a gtd its a gti with a hi power diesel option. Volkswagen just announced the specs of the The 2013 gtd powertrain 2.0leters turbocharged with 190 hp and almost 300 torque its going to be more powerfull then last generations gas gti
ctpaul says:
11:05 AM, 02/ 4/12
seems like a niche within a niche hard to believe there is enough demand for a whole package, but I think VW could offer the basics in dealer installed upgrades (mainly suspension pieces, wheels, brakes; not sure they could add the paddle shifters as a dealer item, graphics best left off, interior probably stuck with factory choices). VW may arleady offer most of this stuff through their parts department.
blueprint1 says:
03:45 PM, 02/ 4/12
The GTD is actually quite popular in Europe. I bet it outsells the GTI. In Canada, with diesel cheaper than regular (and MUCH cheaper than the premium fuel prefered by the GTI), it would probably kill the GTI in the marketplace.
perrito says:
03:55 PM, 02/ 4/12
I would take a GTD (Golf) but not a GTDiesel Jetta. More about the hatch and build quality than anything else at this point.
blueguydotcom says:
03:56 PM, 02/ 4/12
BMW must agree with you as they introduced they awesome performance minded diesels...
http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/01/26/world-premiere-bmw-m-performance-automobiles/
emajor says:
07:12 AM, 02/ 5/12
The VW Golf TDI already has a sport tuned suspension standard that is reportedly closer to GTI than Jetta sedan. Maybe that doesn't go far enough for some, but the TDI engine just doesn't seem like sport sedan material to me. And if it has to cost $30K dollars like that Cup Edition above, count me out. Colossal waste of money.
eldaino2 says:
10:18 AM, 02/ 7/12
the test referenced above is the VERY reason why i feel that aside from interior quality, the new jetta is a better jetta.
i'm pretty sure that the new s.e.l. jetta you guys tested put up better numbers than this tdi cup edition did.
there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with the concept of a performance diesel...look at the current golf tdi. handling wise it blows this thing outta the water. bring us a real gtd, and i'm good to go.
granted, with the exception of the extra 30hp and 20 or so odd lbs of torque, the golf tdi is pretty much a gtd, same seats (different pattern) and i'm pretty sure the suspension tuning is the same.
but there was something about the mkV jetta...it just DIDN'T handle well, IRS or not, GLI version or not.
the gti fared significantly better.