Test Drive: 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Highline

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Highline. Click image to enlarge

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Review and photos by Paul Williams

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2010 Volkswagen Jetta

Although diesel power is becoming more prevalent in North American consumer cars, Volkswagen is still the only company offering the option in vehicles that are priced at the more affordable end of the spectrum.

Starting at $24,475 for the six-speed manual “Trendline” version, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (TDI stands for Turbo Direct Injection) is powered by an inline-four cylinder, 2.0-litre “Clean Diesel” engine that makes 140 horsepower at 4,000 r.p.m. and 236 pound-feet of torque at 1,750-2,500 r.p.m. The 2009 version of this vehicle, using the same powertrain, was named, “Green Car of the Year” (greencar.com).

There are two other Jetta TDI trim levels – Comfortline and Highline. Our “Highline” test car starts at $30,875 plus $1,400 for the automatic transmission, $1,365 freight charge, and $100 a/c tax. Total price as tested: $33,740.

The Highline specification includes 16-inch alloy wheels, heatable front seats, leather seating surfaces, multifunction trip computer, power sunroof and premium audio with six-disc CD changer and 10 speakers. Other features include heated windshield washer nozzles, front and rear centre armrest, digital compass, Media Device Interface with iPod adapter, auxiliary input jack, Sirius Satellite Radio (three months starter subscription), rear passenger thorax airbags and rear outboard seatbelt pre-tensioners, leather-wrapped multifunctional steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, electronic stability control and hydraulic brake assist.

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Highline. Click image to enlarge

The Jetta TDI has a lot to recommend it, starting with its dimensions, roominess and manoeuvrability. This is a compact car, but there is more room inside than you might expect. The passenger cabin is spacious for front seat occupants, while rear passengers are also treated to very good legroom and shoulder room.

The trunk is cavernous. You will truly be surprised at just how much cargo can be carried in this car. The 500-litre trunk dwarfs the Honda Civic’s 340 litres and the Toyota Corolla’s 348 litres, and this is without folding the 60/40 rear seatbacks. Jettas have always had good trunk capacity; this one’s is outstanding. The space-saving trunk struts are calibrated to behave as if the trunk lid is motorized; just press the button, and the trunk smoothly opens.

The Jetta’s compact exterior dimensions in combination with the generous amount of glass, thin A-pillars, and the position of the driver in the car make it very easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces. In a busy parking lot, for instance, the Jetta drives more like a subcompact, such is the agility and ease of parking. Unlike some vehicles, you seem to know exactly where you are in the Jetta in relation to your surroundings. Cars in front of you, cars beside you, lines separating parking spaces: it’s easy to position the Jetta exactly where you want it.

The interior design is very tidy and smart. Our black car with light beige (Beige Vienna) interior presented an eye-catching and appealing contrast, although both choices are easily soiled. All four windows are express up/down, which is a nice touch.