40MPG VW Jetta TDI Priced from $21,990

Volkswagen has announced that pricing for its 2009 diesel powered Jetta TDI Sedan and SportWagen models will start from $21,990 and $23,590, respectively. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates, the Jetta TDI is rated 29 mpg in the City and 40 mpg on the Highway. However, VW said that they hired a third-party certifier, AMCI, who found that the Jetta TDI performed 24% in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the City and 44 mpg on the Highway. Well, unless we test it, we’ll hold onto the EPA estimates. -Continued

Both Jetta TDIs come standard with six airbags (with optional rear side airbags) and Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP). Also standard for 2009 is VW’s carefree maintenance program. With this program VW promises that there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance as 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.