Jetta TDI: 2009 Green Car of the Year
This morning at the LA Auto Show, Green Car Journal named the Volkswagen Jetta TDI 2009 Green Car of the Year. This is the first time that a diesel has been named Green Car of the Year, and to take the top honors it had to best stiff competition from microcars and hybrids alike. However, you have to keep in mind that the award has only been given since 2005, so it hasn't actually taken that long for a diesel to take top honors.
About the award, Green Car Journal editor and publisher Ron Cogan said, "The 2009 Volkswage Jetta TDI epitomizes what the Green Car of the Year honor is all about. It raises the bar significantly in environmental performance with its EPA estimated 41 mpg highway fuel economy, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and extremely low tailpipe emissions. This is all the more impressive when you consider the Jetta TDI is a clean diesel, achieving the kind of fuel efficiency offered by gasoline-electric hybrids but in a more affordable way."
The car is based on Jetta's 2.0-liter, turbocharged direct injection engine, which is the first from the company to meet 50 states diesel emissions requirements. However, this technology comes at a steep price with the base vehicle costing consumers $21,990 and boasting a reportedly 8 month long waiting list.
The TDI beat out the BMW 335d, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, smart fortwo to take the final prize. Other notable vehicles like the new Honda Insight Concept were not included in the competition.