IL Track Tested: 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sportwagen

Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we present "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.

You may recall that we track tested a Volkswagen Sportwagen several months ago. So why bother doing the same tests all over again?

Well, this time our Jetta Sportwagen was powered by Volkswagen's 2.0-liter TDI engine. It's about as popular as a diesel engine gets in the U.S. At one point last year, Volkswagen said it was literally sold out of Jetta Sportwagens with the TDI option. Oh, and Volkswagen dropped the 2.0T from the options list on the Sportwagen for 2010.

What's so great about the TDI anyway? Mostly torque and great mileage. Its 236 pound-feet of torque tops the gasoline-powered 2.0-liter engine by a healthy margin (207 lb-ft) and the TDI's EPA ratings of 30 mpg city and 42 mpg highway make it one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the road. And what do you lose in terms of performance? See what our test drivers had to say after some track time.

Vehicle: 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sportwagen
Odometer: 1,759
Date: December 22, 2009
Driver: Josh Jacquot
Base price: $25,715
Options on car: N/A
Price as tested: $N/A

Specifications:
Drive Type: Front-wheel drive
Transmission Type: Six-speed automatic
Engine Type: Inline-4
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 1,968cc (120 cu-in)
Redline (rpm): 5,100
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 140 @ 4,000
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 236 @ 1,750
Brake Type (front): Ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear): Disc
Steering System: Electric speed-proportional power steering
Suspension Type (front): Independent, MacPherson strut
Suspension Type (rear): Independent, multilink
Tire Size (front): P205/55R16
Tire Size (rear): P205/55R16
Tire Brand: Hankook
Tire Model: Optimo
Tire Type: All-season
Wheel Size: 16-by-6.5 inches front and rear
Wheel Material (front/rear): Alloy
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 3,358

Test Results:
0-30 (sec): 3.0
0-45 (sec): 5.5
0-60 (sec): 8.9
0-75 (sec): 13.7
1/4-Mile (sec. @ mph): 16.6 @ 82.1
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec.): 8.5
30-0 (ft): 32
60-0 (ft): 129
Braking Rating: Average
Slalom (mph): 64.9
Skid Pad Lateral Acceleration (g): 0.80
Handling Rating: Average
Db @ Idle: 46.0
Db @ Full Throttle: 70.1
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 56.1

Acceleration Comments: Sport mode does shave significant time from the Jetta's acceleration runs and does so without any significant disadvantages. Shifts are still smooth and comfortable. Shouldn't it always shift like this? Best run in Drive. Mild brake torque seems to help a bit off the line, but it's easy to get too aggressive, which slows things down.

Braking Comments: Lots of squish in the brake pedal, but no appreciable degradation of braking performance throughout all stops.

Handling Comments: Skid pad: As per the norm at VW, stability control cannot be fully disabled, which is frustrating. Turning it "off" does somewhat loosen the reins such that better numbers can be had, but there's no getting too out of shape here. Predictable understeer was apparent on the skid pad. It was the same for the slalom, which made for easy control, but slow times.

Categories: IL Track Tested,Volkswagen,Wagons

32 Comments

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f1ndler says:

12:17 AM, 01/27/10

I like this car a lot. But it is almost impossible to get one. Even if you find it on a dealer's lot, the mark-up price will be so high that normal person would rather spend $29000 on something else.

Report ItReport It

sebastien2 says:

04:12 AM, 01/27/10

First of all, it's not a Jetta but a Volkswagen Golf break!!! Why it is written Jetta??? And here, it's not too expensive...
Sébastien

autoboy16 says:

04:38 AM, 01/27/10

@sebastien2

While you know the car as the Golf Estate, in the USA it is sold as the Jetta Wagon. Go to vw.com and its the same thing. Thats just they way it is here and have been for quite some time. Thats why its written Jetta instead of Golf.

This car is nice! I would prefer a Golf TDI over this one because i have no need for all the additional space this car provides. Plus, mine would have to be a Manual transmission only!

pat1usmc says:

04:59 AM, 01/27/10

I really like this car too, I just wish the back seat were a little roomier. I also like how it comes in a 6-speed manual. If only there was a Passat TDI wagen.

thammer62 says:

05:28 AM, 01/27/10

2 things - This diesel wagon has a 2+ mph faster slalom speed than the Benz E350 coupe tested yesterday. Yikes Mercedes. And Why does VW.com post this car's 0-60 time at 9.5? I understand being a tenth or 2 off but over a half second is a difference maker. That's it. I love this car personally - especially since the new front fascia appeared on this year's model. Hopefully VW will put this motor in their new midsize sedan for 2011.

bellyflop says:

05:58 AM, 01/27/10

I like this car too and I will second the comment about dealer markup. I also would like to use this to open a bigger can of whoop ass on VW dealers in general. Personally I have been treated better at a local Porsche dealer than VW dealers (Not like I can afford a Porsche, much less a upper end VW). Most of the VW dealers within a couple hundred mile radius of here (Sioux Falls) have poor word of mouth reputation. Their service is poor, the buying process is almost confrontational, and there is more than a little attitude. That fact and the fact that VW reliability has been suspect of late will keep me from buying the 4 door VW GTI sitting in my local dealers lot.

chemeng says:

06:40 AM, 01/27/10

@ bellyflop: The dealer markup is just a show. They all try it. They love to hype this car. I bought my TDI sportwagen at my local VW dealer without paying a markup. I walked in, stated that I wouldn't pay it, was firm with my terms and walked out paying $500 over invoice (about $1350 under sticker). Cash deal. The whole process took less than 3 hours (test drive, making the deal, prepping the car, signing papers, delivery of vehicle). I was treated well. And for the record, this is one of the best cars that I have ever owned. I like it better than my BMW 325i.

carlwd40 says:

06:46 AM, 01/27/10

I can't help but believe the "Db @ 70 mph Cruise" number is off here. The listed value- 56.1dB- is 14dB lower than the TDI Sedan that IL tested a year ago, and 2dB lower than the last Lexus LS460 they tested.

carguy622 says:

07:09 AM, 01/27/10

The new front end for 2010 is a huge improvement. I was at the local VW dealer and they had a Sportwagen TDI in manual with the color I wanted. No dealer markups. However, the experience was terrible. I did not like the salesmen at all, they were very aloof. I thing I didn't like about the TDI trim was the required vinyl seats. Why can't I get the TDI with cloth?

dougtheeng says:

07:14 AM, 01/27/10

"The new front end for 2010 is a huge improvement."

AGREED.

robert4380 says:

07:51 AM, 01/27/10

Could someone please explain to me in common sense terms why this car is so great? You're paying approximately a $3000 premium for the TDI version over a normal gas engine, and diesel fuel is currently costing more than premium grade (here in Michigan, anyway). Sure, you might eek out 12 mpg more on the highway than the gas version, but there is no way that will amount to any sort of savings within 5 years of ownership. I don't get why these cars are so hot. Maybe it's just me.

flicmod says:

08:10 AM, 01/27/10

robert4380,

I believe it's because of the legacy the TDI engine has. The 2.0T doesn't have the longevity of the TDI and I think that hurts its credibility with consumers. TDI is known by anyone who's interested in cars.

This car has been on my short list since it debuted. But, personally speaking, I'd never trust the 2.0T engine over the TDI. My perception is that it's just a better built engine with little to no problems. I don't think the same can be said about the 2.0T. VW's reputation for reliability hasn't been good, in my opinion, but the TDI convinces me enough to want to buy one. Worth the extra $3K? Probably not. But it's definitely worth something more...

08:30 AM, 01/27/10

flicmod,

Ahh, gotcha. If it's a reliability and durability thing, ok, I can buy that. Strictly from an economic point of view though it still doesn't really make sense unless you plan on keeping the car for 10 years or more. I know some people do that, but personally I like trading up a little sooner.

roadburner says:

08:35 AM, 01/27/10

I'm still holding out for a 1 Series oil burner.

mbamg1 says:

08:56 AM, 01/27/10

Hi everyone,
I have a 2009 Sportwagen TDI with the 6 speed manual transmission. I can only echo what a lot of people have already mentioned...great car and great engineering. I travel a lot and drive lots of Camry's, Fusion's etc..from rental places and none feel as tight and well put together as the Jetta. I bought mine without any dealer markup. Also, the difference in price is not $3000, the TDI trim has options on it that, if added to the price of the 2.5, would bring them closer in price. Regardless, the economics of the markup have to be calculated on a per mile basis and not per year basis. I drive 25000 miles per year and even with a $3000 markup, I break even in less than 4 years. Oh and by the way...the EPA numbers are a joke, they are easily topped.

hondacura4 says:

08:59 AM, 01/27/10

"I'm still holding out for a 1 Series oil burner."

That would be interesting but I wonder if BMW will ever offer a cheaper diesel (4cyl) for the 3 in the U.S.? The 335d is ridiculously priced!

lotzacars says:

09:02 AM, 01/27/10

Although the diesel does sell for a premium, you will more thatn make it up on the back end. Take a look at resale values on 4 or 5 year old diesel Jettas or E class Mercedes compared to their gas counterparts. I have an '05 CDI Merc. I paid a $1,000 premium for the diesel over the E320 gas model. Today, it is worth at least $5,000 more. The tax credit for diesels will also narrow the cost differential.

cr_driver says:

Thanks IL, now I know something else.

firstwagon says:

09:16 AM, 01/27/10

Stangely it is now known as the Golf wagon in Canada too.

http://www.vw.ca/ca/en_ca/models/TDI/golf_wagon.html

The diesel is $2800 more here then the same trim level with the 2.5. You'll save about 3 L/100 km so with an average driving of 25,000 km per year and diesel being about 10 cents/ litre cheaper then regular the TDI will pay for itself in only just over 3 years.

Most TDI owners I know drive much more then the average number so the saving will be sooner.

And as a bonus the TDI is much more fun then the 2.5 and the resell is much higher.

I guess that's why most VW's I see on the road are diesels.

moparbad says:

09:19 AM, 01/27/10

Gas SE is $23,240 MSRP
TDI is $24,615
Difference is $1375

There is tax credit of $1300 for TDI.

Bottom line cost differece is $75, NOT $3K.

Comparable equipped models are SE vs. TDI.

re Robert

11:06 AM, 01/27/10

"That would be interesting but I wonder if BMW will ever offer a cheaper diesel (4cyl) for the 3 in the U.S.? The 335d is ridiculously priced!"

I know that BMW NA is thinking about bringing diesel fours over. I think the fours may end up in the X1 at first. The 335d would be much more popular if it was @$5K. The X5 oil burner sales numbers are actually somewhat stronger than those of the 335d.

beermagazine says:

11:35 AM, 01/27/10

That difference is much bigger than listed. You compare a base TDI to a car with options. I understand the TDI gets you a few included options.

I like the TDi stuff, but it's not that great of a savings, nor performance. I drove a Golf TDi then a 2010 GTi and I can't say that the engine noise or fun factor was near the GTi. Still a good car/engine and great mileage.

capoany says:

12:05 PM, 01/27/10

The pure economic rationalization for diesel and the TDI may not hold water. But two important points should be considered. First, You end up using far fewer gallons of imported fuel...it's been calculated that the widepread adoption of diesel technology in the US would nearly eliminate our dependence on foreign oil. Second, believe it or not, modern diesel technology like the TDI emits lower levels of many pollutants than petrol- powered cars. So, for many drivers, the qualitative benefits ( and the fat ass torque curve!) compensate for the higher initial price....I want one!

buzaglo04 says:

02:45 PM, 01/27/10

Great car, except it's not a Jetta, it's a golf wagon! You should fix that, it's a pretty big mistake. It used to be the Jetta until they redesigned it for 2010

02:55 PM, 01/27/10

beermagazine, look again, BASE SE compared to BASE TDI. No options on either.

No, the difference is not bigger than I listed. It is very clear. SE and TDI have comparable equipment.

If you disagree, explain which "options" you are referring to and explain the difference in cost.

george2040 says:

04:40 PM, 01/27/10

The new front facia is a big improvement. I also liked the 2.0 TDI engine when I took the Jetta sedan for a test drive. Unfortunately, black vinyl seats = no sale here in Texas. Need tan leather or a fairly light color cloth to avoid skin burns and severe discomfort. Glad that at least the Golf offers the choice of diesel engine without leatherette.

05:01 PM, 01/27/10

@george: I wasn't aware that Texan's wore shorts. Maybe your Wrangler jeans are too tight? ;-)

blueguydotcom says:

07:54 AM, 01/28/10

I like the Golf TDI more. Smaller package, more aggressive handling, great feature content - dealers in so cal will come down below MSRP. Sweet little car.

famof3kids says:

09:17 AM, 01/28/10

Wow, is that the quitest car in the world at 70mph? "Db @ 70 mph Cruise: 56.1"
I've got to drive one.

donzifile says:

11:20 AM, 03/11/10

I like this car, a complaint I have is the rear tail lights look generic, and different from the rest of the VW line, it's not like the new Golf back end couldn't have been adopted to the wagon layout, there both upright hatch backs. My other compliant is the limited motor and option choices in the Sport-wagon line. Where I live diesel is more expensive than premium grade, not to mention the TDI is only available in SE-GL level package, when you add up the purchase price and the cost of the fuel, a 2.5S could work out cheaper to own over 5 years. I would take a TDI to a Hybrid any day of the week though. Why I'm act it why can't we have a turbo 2 liter version of this car with the six speed trans and cool sport seats not to mention Audi style brushed nickel colored roof rails, maybe some Audi color options to go with it, VW seems to go out of there way to make there colors bland. Come on VW, put the sport in Sport-wagon.

makakio says:

08:19 AM, 05/19/10

Questions:

1) will this motor make it into the Passat wagon?
2) can you buy an aftermarket chip to get a little more oomph out of the motor?

I really like VWs and their build quality. And I miss my old MB 300TD. But after more than a decade of BMWs (and a Porsche), 8.9 to 60 and a quarter mile in the 80mph range is a deal-breaker. I live in hilly central California, not Slowpokesville USA...