Motor Week Host John Davis with Best-of-the-Year VW Jetta TDI
The JETTA TDI clean diesel was named “Best of the Year” by Motor Week in its 2009 Drivers’ Choice Award competition.
John Davis, Motor Week host, said the Jetta TDI really had no peer this year. “It is the best of all worlds rolled into one vehicle. It’s clean, powerful, fun to drive, roomy and comfortable and it also happens to be very affordable. If history is any judge on past Volkswagen diesels, you can add extremely reliable and durable to the list.”
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI gets an economical 29 miles per gallon in its City cycle and 40 miles per gallon on the Highway. Volkswagen went a step further to show the true fuel economy of the Jetta TDI. Third party testing found the Jetta performed 24 percent better in real world conditions – in sharp contrast to most vehicles, which typical deliver lower mileage than the EPA forecast — achieving 38 miles per gallon in the city and 44 mpg on the highway.
The other ‘Driver Choice’ awards included Best Small Car, Honda Fit; Best Family Sedan, Mazda6; Best Minivan, Dodge Grand Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country; Best Sport Sedan, Cadillac CTS; Best Luxury Sedan, Hyundai Genesis; Best Convertible, BMW1- Series; Best Small Utility, Subaru Forester; Best Large Utility, Honda Pilot; Best Pickup Truck, Dodge Ram; Best Sport Coupe, Audi A5/S5; Best Performance Car, Nissan GT-R, Best Eco-Friendly, Volkswagen GTI; Best Dream Machine, Chevrolet ZR1.