The Only Thing Germans Love More than David Hasselhoff are Fuel-Efficient Diesels

Well, We Get the Diesel Thing -- Especially When it Relates to the 2009 Jetta SportWagen

Back in August of 2008 we reviewed the Volkswagen Passat Wagon, prompting several of our members to comment that the VW Jetta SportWagen was actually much more fuel efficient. As usual, our members were correct, and to prove that we do (occasionally) listen, we've decided to review the Jetta version of the VW station wagon.

One of the exciting things about the Jetta SportWagen TDI is that it runs on diesel, which means you can also run it on biodiesel. Biodiesel is exciting because it offers improved mileage over gasoline, lessens our dependence on foreign oil, and burns cleaner than petroleum diesel.

Jetta SportWagen Quick Stats

MPG: 30/41/34 (city/hwy/combined)
Cost to Drive 25 Miles: $1.67
Fuel to Drive 25 Miles: 0.74 gal
Cost of a Fill-up: $29.62
Miles on a Tank: 444 miles
Tank Size: 14.5 gal
Annual Fuel Cost*: $1001

[*Based on 45% highway, 55% city driving, 15000 annual miles and a fuel price of $2.27 per gallon]

Things People Like About the Jetta SportWagen

- Easy to park in narrow places, but still has cargo capacity similar to many SUVs
- Limited blind spots
- The diesel engine provides lots of torque

Things People Don’t Like About the Jetta SportWagen

- Rear end is not as well designed as it could be (though the same could be said about a lot of people)
- Rear seat is a bit cramped

Ka-Ching! Tax Incentives!

Up to $1300. Learn more about it here.

Recalls

None yet. This is a good thing.

NHTSA* Crash-Test Safety Ratings

Front Driver: 4 Stars
Front Passenger: 4 Stars
Side Driver: 5 Stars
Side Rear Passenger: 5 Stars
Rollover: 4 Stars

[*The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) rates vehicles of all makes and models to determine their crash and rollover safety. Their ratings are created with data gathered during controlled crash and rollover tests. Vehicles with the highest ratings receive a 5-Star Rating.]

Standard Features

- Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Alarm and Engine Immobilizer
- Child Safety Door Locks Located On Rear Doors
- Programmable Power Door Locks With Automatic Locking
- Valet Lockout
- Radio Anti-Theft
- Selective Locking/Unlocking Via Key and Remote
- Limited Slip Differential
- Brake Assistance
- Electronic Brake Force Distribution
- Electronic Locking Differential
- 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
- Front Power 288-mm X 25-mm Vented Disc and Rear Power 260-mm X 12-mm Solid Disc Brakes
- Electronic Stabilization Program Vehicle Stability Control System Operated Via Engine - Power Reduction, ABS and Transmission Control
- 12-Volt, 60-Amp/Hour Battery
- 1 Cargo Area Power Outlet
- Turbocharged Diesel 2.0-Liter, I4, 16-Valve, SOHC, SEFI Engine; Front/Transverse Mounted With Horsepower Of 140@4000, Torque Of 236@1750, Cast Iron Block and Alloy Cylinder Head
- Free Scheduled Maintenance For 36 Months or 36000 Miles
- Diversity In-Glass Radio Antenna
- Premium AM/FM Radio With 10 Speakers Total; 6-Disc CD Changer; MP3 Player; Sirius(TM) Satellite Radio (Includes 3 Months Of Service, Unavailable In Hawaii and Alaska)
- Front Auxiliary Audio Input Jack
- Daytime Running Lights
- Halogen Headlights
- Metallic Paint (If Selected)
- Front and Rear Body Color Bumpers
- TDI Badge
- Front Air Dam
- Manual Air Conditioning
- Rear HVAC Ducts
- Interior Pollen Air Filter
- Trip Computer With Average Speed, Average Fuel Consumption, Miles To Empty, Instantaneous Fuel Consumption, Stop Watch and Trip Odometer
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Tachometer
- Exterior Temperature Gauge
- Digital Clock
- Audible Warnings Include Headlights-On and Seatbelts Unfastened
- Service Interval Indicator For Brake Wear
- Cruise Control
- Compass
- Front Dual Reading Lights
- Delayed Courtesy Light
- Illuminated Entry
- Trunk Light
- Rear Carpeted Floor Mats
- Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Trunk
- Leatherette Located On Center Floor Console and Doors
- Front Carpeted Floor Mats
- Remote Trunk Release Located Inside Vehicle
- Keyless Entry Operated Via Key Fob
- Multi-Function Remote Operate Anti-Theft and Door Lock/Unlock
- Driver Airbag
- Automatic Locking Retractors
- Passenger Airbag
- Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts
- Front Crumple Zones
- Side Guard Door Beams
- Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor Activated By Seatbelt Engagement
- Front Active Head Restraints
- Front Pretensioners With Force Limiters
- Front Seatbelt Height Adjusters
- Front Side Airbags With Head Protection
- Rear 3-Point Center Seatbelt
- Side Curtain Protection(R) Side Head Curtain Airbags
- Trunk Anti-Trap Device
- Rear Seat Pass Through
- Front Dual Reclining Bucket Seats Manually Adjusts 8-Ways Total With Adjustable Seat Height and Adjustable Headrests
- Rear 60/40 Split Folding Bench Seat With Adjustable Headrests and Fold-Down Center Armrest
- Front Dual Manual Lumbar Support
- V-TEX Leatherette Seats
- Tilt Steering Column
- Telescopic Steering Column
- Power Speed Sensing Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering
- Front Door Mounted Storage
- Rear Armrest Storage
- Cargo Area Cover
- Front Dual Seatback Storage Pockets
- Cargo Area Tiedowns
- Lockable Glovebox
- Covered Lower Console Storage Located On Floor
- 2 Front and 2 Rear; 4 Cupholders Total
- Exterior Rails
- Rear Stabilizer Bar
- Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Charged Shock Absorbers
- Independent MacPherson Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs and Gas Charged Shock Absorbers
- Front Stabilizer Bar
- 6-Speed Manual Transmission With Overdrive
- Temporary Full-Size Spare Tire
- Alloy Wheels, 16-In. X 6.5-In.
- SBRP205/55HR16, All-Season Tires
- Variable Intermittent Windshield Wipers
- Rear Window Defroster
- Dual Body Color Power Adjustable Heated Signaling Exterior Rearview Mirrors
- Front Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
- Front Dual Sunvisors
- Rear Window Intermittent Wiper/Washer
- Green Tinted Glass
- Power Windows With Driver Side One-Touch Up, One-Touch Down and Pinch Protection
- Heated Washer System
- Power Window Lockout/Override

Not-So-Quick Stats

Standard Engine: 2.0L I4
Standard Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
Cylinders: 4
Horsepower @RPM: 140@4000
EPA Class: Compact
Number of Valves: 16
Fuel Type System: Diesel Engine / Electronic Fuel Injected
Turbo: Yes
Overdrive Transmission: Yes
Compression: 16.5:1
Displacement: 1968 / 120
Bore X Stroke: 3.19x3.74
Final Drive Gear Ratio Opt: 2.76
Power to Weight Ratio: 23.1
Final Drive Ratio: Yes
Valves Configuration: Single Overhead Cam
Supercharged: No
Cargo Volume: 33 cubic ft.
Passenger Volume: 92 cubic ft.
Brakes: Disc
Driveline: Front Wheel Drive
Steering: Rack & Pinion
Steering Diameter: 35.8
Suspension: Independent
Tire Type: Passenger
Tire Width: 205 mm
Tire Aspect Ratio: 55
Tire Construction: Radial
Tire wheel Diameter: 16 in.
Seating: 5
Headroom (Front): 38.4
Headroom (Row 2): 38.1
Legroom (Front): 41.1
Legroom (Row 2): 35.5
Shoulder Room (Front): 54.8
Shoulder Room (Row 2): 53.1
Curb Weight MT: 3230
Curb Weight AT: 3285
Ground Clearance: 5.4
Height: 57.2
Length: 179.4
Top Type: Hard Fixed
Track (Front): 60.7
Track (Rear): 59.6
Wheelbase: 101.5
Width: 70.1
Doors: 4

Bookmark with:

Delicious |  Digg |  reddit |  Facebook |  StumbleUpon

June 2009 Recalls

Airstream is recalling 6 MY 2003-2006 35XL, and 355XL motor homes equipped with axles that include BOSCH ZOPS or ZOHT pin slide hydraulic disc brakes. When combined with occasional or seasonal vehicle operation may experience calipers sticking in the applied position. This can result in abnormal heat generation at the wheel end causing brake drag. The driver would normally have warning of the brake drag if undetected by the driver. The driver would normally detect the brake drag but if undetected the temperature increase at the wheel end can eventually lead to soft pedal conditions due to brake fluid boil, and possible extended stopping distance increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components free of charge. Workhorse is handling the remedy and owner notification for this campaign please see 09V-110. Owners may contact Workhorse at 1-877-246-7731.

BMW is recalling certain Model Year 2009 K1300 S and K1300 GT motorcycles manufactured between October 1, 2008 and May 1, 2009. In certain riding conditions involving increased vibration, the brake fluid in the front reservoir can foam. This could lead to a reduced braking capability of the front brake system, possibly resulting in a crash. The manufacturer has not yet provided the agency with a remedy or notification schedule. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.

Classic Motorworks is recalling 196 MY 2009 Bullet Electra E-5, Bullet G5 Classic, Bullet G5 Military, and Bullet G5 Deluxe motorcycles equipped with the unit construction, EFI engine. These motorcycles can experience third gear galling on the clutch shaft due to lack of lubrication. This condition can allow the gear to seize to the shaft, causing rear wheel lock up. This could result in a crash that could cause injury or death to the rider. Dealers will inspect and replace the third gear and clutch shaft with increased clearance free of charge. The recall began on June 29, 2009. Owners may contact Classic Motorworks at 1-800-201-7472.

Damon is recalling 2,415 motorhomes equipped with axles that include BOSCH ZOPS or ZOHT pin slide hydraulic disc brakes. When combined with occasional or seasonal vehicle operation may experience calipers sticking in the applied position. This can result in abnormal heat generation at the wheel end causing brake drag. The driver would normally detect the brake drag but if undetected the temperature increase at the wheel end can eventually lead to soft pedal conditions due to brake fluid boil, and possible extended stopping distance increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components free of charge. Workhorse is handling the remedy and owner notification for this campaign please see 09V-110. Owners may contact Workhorse at 1-877-246-7731.

Ducati is recalling 732 Model Year 2009 1198 S, 1098 R, and F1098 S Streetfighter motorcycles. The right fork may have possible cracking a deformation at the right-hand side fork bottom wheel axle pinch bolt area. Cracking of the fork may lead to a loss of steering control, possibly resulting in a crash. Ducati will notify owners and repair the affected motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall began on June 16, 2009. Owners may contact Ducati toll-free at 1-800-231-6696.

Fleetwood is recalling 62 MY 2009-2010 Tioga Ranger and Jamboree Sport Class C motor homes built on Ford E450 chassis that have had the wheelbases extended, have also required an extended brake line. The brake line extension has been identified as a potential source for brake fluid leaks. Loss of brake fluid may result in longer stopping distances and/or loss of brakes. Loss of brakes may result in a vehicle crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the brake line extension and/or connection fittings free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact Fleetwood at 1-800-509-3418.

Fleetwood is recalling 683 MY 2005-2006 Bounder 35E class a motor homes when the refrigerator is operated in the LPG mode, the refrigerator exhaust may vent into the interior of the refrigerator cabinet rather than exhaust to the exterior through a vent for that purpose. The hot exhaust may result in heat damage to the interior of the refrigerator cabinet and could result in a fire. Dealers will inspect the refrigerator cabinet and install a baffle in the rear of the refrigerator cabinet to divert the hot exhaust to the exterior vent. The remedy will performed free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact Fleetwood Motor Homes at 1-800-509-3418.

Fleetwood is recalling 509 MY 2001-2008 Class A motor homes equipped with axles that include BOSCH ZOPS or ZOHT pin slide hydraulic disc brakes. When combined with occasional or seasonal vehicle operation may experience calipers sticking in the applied position. This can result in abnormal heat generation at the wheel end causing brake drag. The driver would normally have warning of the brake drag if undetected by the driver. The driver would normally detect the brake drag but if undetected the temperature increase at the wheel end can eventually lead to soft pedal conditions due to brake fluid boil, and possible extended stopping distance increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components free of charge. Workhorse is handling the remedy for this campaign please see 09V-110. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule. Owners may contact Workhorse at 1-877-246-7731. Workhorse will conduct the owner and dealer notification.

Ford is recalling 1,357 MY 2009 Expedition and Navigator vehicles for failing to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." The brake stop lamp switch may be improperly adjusted. This may result in a delay in brake stoplamp illumination when the brake pedal is depressed. In situations of very mild brake application, the brake stoplamps may not illuminate. Delay or loss of brake stoplamp function may increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will adjust the brake stoplamp switch free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before July 6, 2009. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 or www.ownerconnection.com.

Four Winds is recalling 684 MY 2002-2006 Infinity, MY 2002-2007 Windesport, MY 2004-2008 Hurricane, MY 2006-2007 Megallan and MY 2008 Fun Mover motor homes equipped with axles that include BOSCH ZOPS or ZOHT pin slide hydraulic disc brakes. When combined with occasional or seasonal vehicle operation may experience calipers sticking in the applied position. This can result in abnormal heat generation at the wheel end causing brake drag. The driver would normally have warning of the brake drag if undetected by the driver. The driver would normally detect the brake drag but if undetected the temperature increase at the wheel end can eventually lead to soft pedal conditions due to brake fluid boil, and possible extended stopping distance increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components free of charge. Workhorse is handling the remedy for this campaign please see 09V-110. Workhorse will conduct the owner and dealer notification. Owners may contact Workhorse at 1-877-246-7731.

GM is recalling 44,451 MY 2008 Saturn VUE vehicles with body color outside door handles. The outside door handles may stick or bind. If this were to occur, the door may not latch when closed. Driving with an unlatched door could result in an unbelted occupant falling out of the vehicle, causing increased risk of injury. Dealers will replace the outside door handles with chrome door handles free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before August 18, 2009. Owner may contact Saturn at 1-800-972-8876 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

Harley Davidson is recalling 11,005 FLSTSB, FXSTSSE2, and FXSTSSE3 MY 2008 and 2009 motorcycles. The acorn stud at the brake reaction link may fall out during use. If this occurs, the front brake and fender assembly would no longer be adequately retained. This condition could lead to a crash and potential injury to or death of the rider. Dealers will replace the existing acorn stud with a new acorn stud and retaining clip. The recall began on June 15, 2009. Owners may contact Harley Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

Newmar is recalling 2,578 motorhomes equipped with axles that include BOSCH ZOPS or ZOHT pin slide hydraulic disc brakes. When combined with occasional or seasonal vehicle operation may experience calipers sticking in the applied position. This can result in abnormal heat generation at the wheel end causing brake drag. The driver would normally have warning of the brake drag if undetected by the driver. The driver would normally detect the brake drag but if undetected the temperature increase at the wheel end can eventually lead to soft pedal conditions due to brake fluid boil, and possible extended stopping distance increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the necessary components free of charge. Workhorse is handling the remedy and owner notification for this campaign please see 09V-110. Owners may contact Workhorse at 1-877-246-7731.

Piaggio is recalling 2,428 MY 2006-2008 BV 500 and MY 2005-2007 X9 500 scooters. The fuel hose connecting the fuel filter to the fuel pump may come loose. If this fuel hose connection is loose, or has become completely disconnected, then there will be a drop in, or loss of, fuel pressure to the engine. Loss of fuel pressure and engine stalling will increase the risk of a crash. A fuel leak can also result in a fire. Dealers will replace the length of fuel hose connecting the fuel pump to the fuel filter free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2009. Owners may contact Piaggio at 1-212-380-4400.

Toyota is recalling 1,281 Model Year 2006 through 2009 Sienna, 2004 Land Cruiser, and 2009 Lexus GX passenger vehicles. The vehicle capacity weight on the tire and loading information label and the GVWR on the certification label is insufficient for certain vehicles. Some vehicles were accessorized through vehicle processing centers and had accessories installed that caused the vehicle to exceed the GVWR value. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims," and 49 CFR Part 567. The GVWR is insufficient for the load carrying capacity of the vehicles. Toyota will notify owners instructing them to return their vehicle to a Toyota or Lexus dealer for an exchange of the certification label and the tire and loading information label, an installation of the load carrying capacity modification label, if necessary, and a correction to the owner's manual. This remedy will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during July 2009. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371.

Toyota is recalling 1,348 Model Year 2009 and 2010 passenger cars built from June 2, 2008 to May 4, 2009. These vehicles were not equipped with load carrying capacity modification labels which fails to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, ''Tire Selection and Rims.'' Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash. Toyota will notify owners and provide them with a new, accurate label to be installed over the inaccurate label free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during July 2009. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-888-270-9371.

Volvo is recalling 17,614 Y 2008-2009 S80, V70, and XC70 vehicles. The engine cooling fan may stop working due to a software programming error in the fan control module (FCM). Depending on driving conditions, the customer may experience reduced air conditioning performance, and/or rapid increase in engine coolant temperature. This situation may result in loss of cooling system function and engine failure. The driver may not have sufficient time to react to the warning light(s) or the text message in the instrument panel, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the fan control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2009. Owners may contact Volvo Customer Care Center at 1-800-458-1552.

Bookmark with:

Delicious |  Digg |  reddit |  Facebook |  StumbleUpon