RETURN OF THE JETTA TDI
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Sun, Nov 21, 2004
By: The LACar Editorial Staff

© All photos by Harvey Schwartz
HIGH
MILEAGE HYBRID ALTERNATIVE
As the price goes past the $50.00 for a barrel of oil, the price
for a gallon of gasoline rises even faster at the gas station. High-mileage vehicles are the new game in town, as big and heavy pickups and sport
utilities sit waiting for takers at the dealership.
The smart money is on gas-electric hybrids to stretch out the miles, but the
number of models available is limited. Honda has the Insight and Civic
Hybrid, but they are too
small for a growing family with the many different uses it goes through for the
everyday family, couple or single person. The new Toyota Prius hybrid is
larger, but the waiting list at Toyota dealers is out the door and delivery time
can be over three months.
Here comes Volkswagen to the rescue with the new, 2004/2005 Jetta GL TDI model, equipped with a
powerful 1.9 liter TDI, (turbo-direct-injection), SOHC, in-line four-cylinder
diesel engine that generates 100 hp at 4,000 rpm - and a more impressive 177
lb.ft.
of torque from 1,800 rpm to 2,400 rpm. That's plenty of low-end torque for
quick acceleration and mid-range power - and more useable torque than the more
expensive Prius hybrid.
The cast-iron block/aluminum head 1.9-liter diesel engine is remarkably
fuel-efficient, delivering 46 mpg in highway driving and 38 mpg in city driving
when combined with the five-speed manual. The standard 14.5 gallon fuel
tank gives you a 551 mile city driving range and 667 mile highway driving range
between fill-ups.
My GL model came with the five-speed manual that shifted up and down very smoothly.
I quickly accelerated from first gear into second and all the way up as the
speeds increased. A five-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic
driver-shift mode is optional.
This was the first time that I have driven a diesel-powered automobile and I was
very impressed driving the Jetta around town, on the freeways and around curving
roads.
I was really surprised by the quietness of the diesel engine, with just a hint
of chatter at idle, but no noise when at speed or when the four windows are
closed in the comfortable, roomy and well-appointed cabin. The new Jetta TDI is
the car of choice for drivers who are looking for the precision and performance
of German engineering but who also look for value for their money. The
base price for the Jetta GL TDI is just $18,670.00. The starting price for
a new Toyota Prius is just over $20,000.00.
Exterior styling enhancements combine to update the dynamic German
style of the 2004 VW Jetta TDI and include a new chrome treatment for the front
grille and bumpers, aluminum side body moldings, re-designed taillights, and a
sportier trunk-lid edge.
The Jetta TDI provides the secure traction of front-wheel-drive, with rack
& pinion steering and a fully independent suspension for precise handling
and a firm, comfortable ride. The front suspension features MacPherson
struts, coil springs, telescopic gas-charged shocks and a 23mm stabilizer bar,
while the rear independent setup features a
torsion beam axle, coil springs, telescopic gas-charged shocks and a 18mm
stabilizer bar.
The Jetta quickly slows down with standard power-assisted
4-wheel disc brakes, 280 mm vented discs up front and 232 mm solid discs in the
rear. ABS is standard on the GL model, but Brake Force Distribution and
Brake Assist are optional. The Jetta GL TDI rides on P195/65R15
all-season radial tires that are wrapped around 15X6 steel wheels. Alloy wheels are optional.
The cabin is roomy, ergonomic, and very safe. The front bucket seats are
very comfortable and supportive for daily driving. The
tilting/telescoping, four-spoke steering wheel makes for the perfect driving
position and feels great in my hands.
The new aluminum-plated instrument cluster rings look great and make the driver
display information easier to read. The dashboard is slightly canted for
easier reach to the dials and buttons and the dashboard surface itself has a
finely textured treatment. The standard VW AM-FM stereo audio system
includes both an in-dash CD player and cassette-tape player with sounds coming
through 8-speakers.
Other standard equipment include air conditioning, CFC-free with
pollen and dust filter, cruise-control, power windows/door locks with pinch
protection, folding key with remote keyless entry, power/heated outside mirrors,
adjustable intermittent front wipers, height-adjustable front bucket seats,
60/40 split-folding rear seats that expands the rear cargo capabilities, dual
front visor vanity mirrors, rear reading lights, and remote/keyed releases for
the fuel filler door and trunk.
For strength and durability, the body of the VW Jetta is fully galvanized and is
constructed using high-tech bonding agents, laser welding and self-piercing
riveting to produce exceptional high torsional rigidity-a key to its handling
dynamics as well as why the Jetta receives the highest government rating
'five-stars' in frontal crash tests.
Standard safety equipment include
front and side airbag supplemental restraints, as well as side-impact protection
with Side Curtain airbags deployed from the roof liner to cover side windows
both for up front and rear seat occupants. Three-point safety belts and
headrests in all seating positions add to overall occupant comfort and
protection. Front seatbelts come with pre-tensioners and shoulder-height
adjustment. The collapsible steering wheel and column helps absorb
energies during impact. The Jetta also has Daytime Running Lamps and
side-turn indicators to help let other drivers know where you are and of your
intentions. The Jetta also comes with the LATCH system for child
passengers and rear-door child safety locks to add extra protection and peace of
mind when driving.
Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) is standard on
the GLI model and optional on the GL model that I tested. Also optional
this year is OnStar, the world-class communications and assistance program that
enhances safety, security and convenience.
If you are thinking about changing over to a higher mileage sedan but don't
want to have to wait three or six months for delivery, test drive the new VW
Jetta TDI and you'll be very impressed with the quieter, cleaner, more
powerful diesel engine.
© All text and photos by Harvey Schwartz
For more information on Volkswagen products, go to www.vw.com.
More photos from Harvey Schwartz can be found at www.autofotos.com
SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: 2004 VW Jetta TDI Price of vehicle: $28,679.00 Engine type: 1.9-liter SOHC, 2-valves per cylinder, turbo-direct injection, in-line four-cylinder, diesel engine with a cast-iron block and aluminum head. Horsepower: 100 at 4,000 rpm Torque: 177 lb.ft. of torque at from 1,800 rpm to 2,400 rpm Drive configuration: Front transverse mounted/front-wheel-drive Transmission type: Five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic with Tiptronic semi-manual shift Front suspension: Independent MacPherson struts, coil springs, telescopic gas-charged shocks, 23mm stabilizer bar Rear suspension: Independent torsion-beam axle, coil springs, telescopic gas-charged shocks, 18 mm stabilizer bar Wheels/tires: 15X6 steel wheels with alloy optional/P19565R15 all-season radial tires Brakes: Front: 280 mm vented discs Rear: 232 mm solid discs ABS standard with Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist optional Overall length: 172.3 in. Overall width: 68.3 in. Overall height: 56.7 in. Curb weight: 2,970 lbs. EPA mileage: 46 mpg/highway, 38 mpg/city