New 2008 Jetta TDI to get 40/60 mpg rating???
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From: What is G?
New 2008 Jetta TDI to get 40/60 mpg rating???
Diesel VW Jetta Sportwagen a real fuel-sipper
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/d...l-fuel-sipper/
When we told you last month about the return of Volkswagen's Jetta wagon, many of you were unimpressed by the car's bland styling and we don't totally disagree.
Now, however, we find out what VW's hiding under those dowdy clothes. Inside Line is reporting that VW expects 2008 Sportwagens ordered with the 2.0 diesel engine to get EPA numbers of 40 city/60 highway. A VW spokesperson also said the diesel Sportwagen will be available nationwide, the first time since 1999 that a diesel Jetta will be sold in all 50 states.
For us, a fuel-sipping diesel combined with an under-$20k starting price makes up at least a little bit for the uninspiring exterior. Looks like it's gonna be a long wait until the diesels hit the lots in January.
Now, however, we find out what VW's hiding under those dowdy clothes. Inside Line is reporting that VW expects 2008 Sportwagens ordered with the 2.0 diesel engine to get EPA numbers of 40 city/60 highway. A VW spokesperson also said the diesel Sportwagen will be available nationwide, the first time since 1999 that a diesel Jetta will be sold in all 50 states.
For us, a fuel-sipping diesel combined with an under-$20k starting price makes up at least a little bit for the uninspiring exterior. Looks like it's gonna be a long wait until the diesels hit the lots in January.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 390
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From: Canada
Does VW control dealer pricing like Lexus does (ie. MSRP ftw), or is it market forces? Diesels in my area are seemingly overpriced. Save money in one pocket, pay more out the other. You can't win, might as well drive a V8. 
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Tennessee
I suspect that nearly a decade of engineering with quite a bit of focus on ways to extra fuel economy from a motor, improved aerodynamics and a taller 6th/overdrive would allow for an increase of 4.5 miles per gallon average economy. (45.5 average economy vs 50).
If this does come out with a 40/60 2008 EPA rating and an under 20k price tag - it's going to make the Prius look bad... especially since most people are expecting the Prius' mileage to suffer more than almost any other vehicle out there (it's way over rated per most ownership experiences)
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: A better place
The 1999 TDI Jetta was rated at 42/49 with 5-speed manual.
I suspect that nearly a decade of engineering with quite a bit of focus on ways to extra fuel economy from a motor, improved aerodynamics and a taller 6th/overdrive would allow for an increase of 4.5 miles per gallon average economy. (45.5 average economy vs 50).
If this does come out with a 40/60 2008 EPA rating and an under 20k price tag - it's going to make the Prius look bad... especially since most people are expecting the Prius' mileage to suffer more than almost any other vehicle out there (it's way over rated per most ownership experiences)
I suspect that nearly a decade of engineering with quite a bit of focus on ways to extra fuel economy from a motor, improved aerodynamics and a taller 6th/overdrive would allow for an increase of 4.5 miles per gallon average economy. (45.5 average economy vs 50).
If this does come out with a 40/60 2008 EPA rating and an under 20k price tag - it's going to make the Prius look bad... especially since most people are expecting the Prius' mileage to suffer more than almost any other vehicle out there (it's way over rated per most ownership experiences)
I highly doubt it will 40/60 based on 2008 EPA ratings, because if that's true it would be roughly 44/66 under current EPA ratings. If the new Jetta TDI is using state of the art diesel technology, which I suspect it is, then it definitely won't be sold for under 20K.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,474
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From: Tennessee
I highly doubt it will 40/60 based on 2008 EPA ratings, because if that's true it would be roughly 44/66 under current EPA ratings. If the new Jetta TDI is using state of the art diesel technology, which I suspect it is, then it definitely won't be sold for under 20K.
I also suspect we may even see some vehicles gain in their fuel economy ratings, so saying "it would be roughly xx mpg under the old rules..." is an assumption - a big assumption.
As to whether it comes in under 20k I suspect depends on entirely on if VW tries to make the diesel Jetta a premium model by only selling it with a bunch of non-necessary standard features that are not standard on other Jettta models. If they allow it to be sold in basic practical trim then it should come in at under 20k.
I'm not aware of anything about a "state of the art" diesel dramatically more expensive than one from a few years ago. But I guess you are - so please educate me.
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Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,600
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From: FL
I, for one, would love to see diesels brought to the market that would make hybrids look like yesterday's news. More power to VW if they can deliver on what's being presented here.
It should also help open up the market for more and more diesels in the US. I already see the wave forming. Let's just hope that it comes ashore.
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