Volkwagen Diesels Now Qualify For Tax Credits Formerly Reserved For Hybrids

“The $1,300 tax credit provides an even greater value to the upcoming Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers the fuel efficiency that they’re looking for while providing power, utility, performance, safety and excellent value.”

Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen showcase the best of both worlds, an alternative fuel vehicle with no compromises. Fuel efficiency, performance and convenience come standard with the 50-state compliant Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen models, which meet the most stringent emissions standards in California. Vehicles are currently available to test drive at local Volkswagen dealers, both models will be available for sale this August.

While the Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, Volkswagen went a step further to show real world fuel economy of the Jetta TDI. Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway.*

The Jetta TDI models come standard with Volkswagen’s Prevent and Preserve Safety System, consisting of numerous standard safety features. Both the Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen include six airbags, with optional rear side airbags, and like all 2009 model year Volkswagens, Jetta TDIs also feature standard Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) for added safety.

Also standard for 2009 is Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program, with this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty — three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

mpwr - 7/29/2008 11:54:28 AM

+3 Boost

Are there any plans to add the diesel to the golf

Buddhabrown - 7/29/2008 2:11:17 PM

+5 Boost

More amazin insight from amazinbimmer. Must have taken you all day to think that one up.

SHOWTIME - 7/29/2008 2:13:18 PM

+5 Boost

Buddy, not everyone is strictly into performance cars.

Bored - 7/29/2008 2:37:05 PM

+5 Boost

@ amazin,

So are you saying that if (and when) BMW brings a clean diesel to the U.S., it will be a POS, too? Your comment is confusing. It sounds like troll BS, but I don't want to jump to conclusion. You aren't trying to replace MT are you?

aarononymous - 7/29/2008 7:43:21 PM

+3 Boost

amazinbimmer that's a great point, everyone knows that the only priority in a vehicle purchase for anyone is getting a good track car, especially with gas being so cheap. I don't know why BMW isn't the only car company in the world. I guess you need to continue enlightening everyone. Good job keeping up the standard of BMW ownership.

sector - 7/29/2008 2:44:10 PM

0 Boost

Why not, farmers get subsidized for tractor equipment don't they?

WorldofLuxury - 7/29/2008 6:13:28 PM

+1 Boost

AHAHHAHAHA..with a little patience, I can easily negotiate $2k of the MSRP x]

That is why I still don't understand the whole fuss auto enthusiasts get into when the MSRP gets raised or lowered by a couple hundreds or thousands of dollars.

02chuck - 7/29/2008 6:23:12 PM

+1 Boost

I looked at the SportWagen at the LA auto show and at that time it was not coming with the TDI engine. So does someone know if that has changed? The car I really want is the 335d M Sport wagon. It available on the British BMW site.

chewy - 7/29/2008 10:12:46 PM

+1 Boost

the Sportwagen is coming with the TDI engine as well

DieselRules - 8/1/2008 3:12:20 AM

+1 Boost

The Jetta Wagon (or Sportwagon in the USA, but just wagon in Canada) is available in TDI, and has that huge sunroof that you can't get in its twin, the A3 :)

ktu01 - 7/30/2008 1:37:25 AM

+1 Boost

This is pretty interesting. I'd be interested in test driving one as I've heard the latest diesel engines are a vast improvement over the older ones in all fronts.

I'd also be interested in trying out the BMW 335d.

neutral - 7/30/2008 8:56:01 AM

+2 Boost

If the 335d is anything like the mercedes 320CDI that I drove a little while ago, hold onto your hat!! Diesels are a blast to drive and the 3-liter benz motor is a little bit older than the 335d motor (and a tiny bit less powerful). I'd expect the 335d to be an absolute blast.

85bmw745i - 7/30/2008 2:40:36 AM

+2 Boost

I drove it last week and I was impressed by the amount of torque and power at 1800 RPM. when the tach hit 1800 it pulled very hard for what it is. It will light up the front tires. I would upshift the DSG just to feel the low end torque at 1800 rpm pull the car along smartly. Not saying it is balls to the walls fast, but certainly more than adequate for any car getting 40+ mpg. I was impressed for the price. Sticker price was at $24,000 with leather and moonroof and premium sound system with the 6 speed DSG. I have actually considered looking into one. and the trunk is huge! the engine is also very smooth, smoother than many gasoline 4 cylinders and even under full throttle and idle vibration is all but absent. If you want fuel afficient without sacrificing performance and power to merge onto the freeway without having to rev the engine to over 6,000 rpm this is the car for you.

85bmw745i - 7/30/2008 2:42:18 AM

+2 Boost

The dealer put a white terry cloth over the exhaust pipe and had me hold it to the floor for about 20-30 seconds, and when he took the towel off from the exhaust it was still white as ever with not a trace of clack soot or smoke.

Heyhuub - 7/30/2008 3:59:25 AM

+3 Boost

I remember the DTM back in 1990 when Audi started dominating with their FWD derived AWD touringcars the first year they entered.
It was BMW whos M3's weren't a match against the FWD derived AWD Audi's who started crying at the race leaders that Audi wasn't playing fair and should be penelized.

neutral - 7/30/2008 8:53:36 AM

+4 Boost

amazinBimmer,

I would have to agree, Cadillac is most definately more of a competitor to BMW than VW, however I never knew VW was ever trying to be a competitor to BMW. In that respect, it would be Audi, and one has to admit, Audi makes a fine automible.

chewy - 7/30/2008 9:03:05 PM

+2 Boost

You must have missed the part about the Jetta TDI being a car that is designed to get very good fuel economy while costing less than 25,000.

DieselRules - 8/1/2008 3:16:04 AM

+1 Boost

amazinLoser:
I think you have this post confused with another one.
Maybe you'll figure it out when you sober up.
Good luck with the headache.

DieselRules - 8/1/2008 3:22:27 AM

+1 Boost

Test drove the TDI last weekend.
Quick for a heavy, solid sedan (but no race-car).
Good handling (but no 3-series) but very limited by 16" all-season tires.
The most amazing part is how they got a sporty exhaust note out of an oil-burner.

We ordered our wagon in dark grey with black leather, plus dealer-installed tinted windows (before the dog fur gets everywhere). It will arrive late, late this year. Next spring I'll put 17 or 18" alloys on with proper high-performance tires, and keep the factory alloys for winter.

Its arguably the most practical car you can buy, combining comfort, handling, utility, high-mileage, high-resale, and performance that will blow any Prius off the road! :)

gregsfc - 8/1/2008 8:43:15 AM

+1 Boost

I've had a POS 2006 Jetta TDI fwd since October 2005.

Those front wheels have driven me around superbly, with no sacrifices in average compact-car performance and the added ability to use any blend of biodiesel fuel without sacrifice in fuel economy. I got all of that and have averaged 45 mpg (not 34 like the EPA says) and I paid only $1,100 more than the gas-guzzling, 2.5-liter, POS, fwd standard Jetta!

My Jetta TDI now books at $5,100 more than the standard gas guzzler in the same condition and more than any compact in its class. When you add the savings in fuel (even considering the current difference in gasoline and diesel fuel) and the added trade-in value, VW diesels are a win/win for consumers!

The new 2.0-liter CR will even be better as it will have better driving dynamics than just about any compact car choice on the market with 236 lbs of torque at only 1800 RPM while maintaining supreme real world fuel economy that will rival any hybrid on the market with a lower price tag.

gregsfc - 8/1/2008 8:47:39 AM

+1 Boost

We should try not to compare the performance of a "Peoples' Car" to that of a luxury/performance compact like a 335d. We wouldn't expect a Chevy to perform with a like Cadillac. So VWs are for regular people and BMWs are for those who identify themselves by the kind of cars they drive!