Today at the 2012 Greater Phoenix Auto Show we took the opportunity to take a test drive in a new 2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel. For 2013, the Volkswagen Jetta gets a number of detail improvements to keep it fresh and appealing.
The TDI's 2.0 liter turbo-diesel engine is rated at 140 horsepower but delivers a strong 236 lb-ft or torque. Mated to a 6-speed DSG automatic gearbox, the engine delivered strong acceleration on the city streets.
The DSG transmission is well mated to the diesel engine, shifting the diesel firmly and delivering direct power to the wheels just as a manual transmission would robotic clutch actuation. In manual mode it feels just like a manual transmission.
We were pleased to find the TDI engine to be near gasoline engine quiet and free of any turbo lag. It starts up quickly and really the only indicator you get that it's not a gas engine is its increased level of staccato purr. It is however free of traditional diesel clatter.
While we didn't get a chance to measure our observed fuel economy, the EPA rates the 2013 Jetta TDI at 30 mph city and 42 mph highway. Based on the instant averages we were seeing on the instrument cluster we could see this easy to achieve.
The interior gets some new trims for 2013. These include a leather wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle. Additionally new metal trims are added to the dash and door panels to give a more premium ambiance.
The Jetta has been maligned in the press for having a cheap hard plastic interior that is built to a price. We did find this to be true in the cases of the door panels and some dash parts, however it looks of quality and everything fits together well.
The new for 2013 power reclining seats in our tester were extremely supportive and comfortable. Adjusting the steering wheel and seat was easy to get started. On the road, the Jetta is tight and solid as you'd expect from a German engineered car.
The Volkswagen Jetta represents a standout opportunity in its price-range for a mid-sized sedan. No other competitors offer a diesel option at this point, only hybrids which bring drivability objections for many. The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI starts at $ 22,990.
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