VW Begins U.S. Deliveries of Jetta TDI Sedan and SportWagen
By Ward’s Staff WardsAuto.com, Aug 21, 2008 3:58 PM

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Volkswagen of America Inc. begins customer deliveries of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen, making it the first auto maker to market clean-diesel technology across all 50 states.

Unlike other diesels available in the U.S. with 50-state compliance, the Jetta TDI does not rely on urea injection to reduce harmful emissions. A typically costly after-treatment, urea is dispensed from tanks that also require periodic refilling.

VW says its Jetta TDI will deliver better fuel efficiency and and more low-end torque than gasoline-powered cars. The Jetta TDI achieves an estimated 29 mpg city (8 L/100 km) and 40 mpg hwy. (6 L/100 km), according to the Environmental Protection Agency. However, VW says third-party research suggests performance closer to 38/44 city/hwy. (6/5 L 100/km).

“We believe our Jetta TDIs truly offer a no compromise alternative-fuel driving experience that provides the customer the best of both worlds – excellent fuel efficiency combined with a dynamic driving experience,” says Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO, VW of America, in a statement.

The Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen start at $21,990 and $23,590, respectively. The vehicles also qualify for a recently announced $1,300 federal tax credit.

Last year, diesel fuel was competitive with gasoline prices, but since the recent spike in oil prices it has shot ahead by as much as $0.50. A gallon of diesel in the U.S. cost an average of $4.39 this week, or $1.45 more expensive than year-ago.