Although not much has changed on the new 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI since last year’s model, the Jetta TDI is still able to deliver amazing fuel economy, performance and interior space. Keeping the same uninspired yet pleasing exterior body as last year’s model, the 2014 VW Jetta, as Volkswagen says, is the Volkswagen for everyone.
ENGINE & DRIVE
Equipped with a 2.0L turbo charged four cylinder diesel engine, the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI provides a different style of driving than one might be used to. A 1-2 second delay comes in when you let go of the breaks before the car starts to move forward. If gas is applied before what seems like the breaks letting go then the acceleration feels a bit jerky. This can lead to a bit of a learning curve for driving smoothly in the city.
Although the horsepower of the turbo diesel engine in the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is lower (rated at 140 horsepower), the torque is much higher resulting in powerful acceleration at lower RPM. This combined with the posted fuel economy of 6.7 L/100km in the city and 4.7 L/100km on the highway, provides the perfect balance of performance and economy.
DIESEL SAVINGS
On top of the great fuel economy of the turbo diesel engine in the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI, you can also feel good about yourself for driving a car that has one of the lowest CO2 emissions out there.
So what do the fuel economy savings actually translate into? Let’s do the math:
The combined city/hwy fuel economy difference between the 2.0L Turbo Diesel and the base 2014 Jetta with the 2.0L engine works out to about 2.5 L/100km.
Assuming an average annual mileage of 20,000 kms and an average fuel price of $1.30/L, then the savings work out to $650 per year (or per 20,000 kms).
INSIDE & OUT
Although diesel engines are quite a bit louder than their gasoline counterpart, the interior of the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta does a great job of muting the engine noise.
The beautiful white Vienna leather of the 2014 Jetta TDI Highline that we tested provides an air of luxury for the interior. Combined with the high quality materials and excellent build, the bright and nicely finished interior is comparable to some luxury vehicles on the market.
The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta also has a very roomy interior for 5 passengers as well as a huge amount of trunk space. For awkward sized cargo, the rear seats also offer either an armrest pass-through or 60/40 split folding.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Want the best of 3 worlds – performance, fuel economy and German engineered quality? Then consider the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI to get over 1,000 kms per tank with enough over taking power at hand and a spacious and premium interior.
