2010 Jetta Fuel Economy Is Out Of This World

The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta offers a choice ofestimates are 22/30 with the standard five-speed
three engines and six powertrain combinations,manual, 23/30 with the six-speed automatic.
each offering different pros and cons for buyersNeither figure is impressive, although they are
interested in fuel efficiency.comparable to the rival Mazda3 2.5 and Toyota
By far the most frugal Jetta is the TDI diesel,Corolla XRS.
introduced to the U.S. market last year. PoweredThe third option is the Jetta Wolfsburg Edition,
by Volkswagen's 140-horsepower, 2.0-literwith its 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged
turbodiesel, the TDI earns impressive EPA citygas engine. The Wolfsburg Edition is slightly
highway ratings of 30/41 with the standardcheaper than the TDI, but substantially thirstier.
six-speed manual, 30/42 with the optional DSGWith the six-speed manual, its EPA estimates are
semi-automatic transmission. Long-term testersonly 21/31, although it matches the 2.5-liter
say those estimates are realistic: Edmunds' 2009engine's 25-mpg combined rating. With the DSG
TDI averaged 34.4 mpg, very close to thesemi-automatic, the Wolfsburg Edition's EPA
34-mpg EPA combined rating. Unfortunately, theratings rise to 24/32, actually better than the
diesel's frugality isn't free: it costs over $2,000less-powerful 2.5. However, Volkswagen
more than the 2.5-liter engine. While it has therecommends premium gasoline for the Wolfsburg
smallest carbon footprint of any Jetta, it alsoEdition, while the 2.5 uses regular fuel. Long-term
emits more smog-producing emissions than eithertests also suggest that the turbo engine's EPA
of the other engines.estimates are optimistic. Real-world mileage can
The cheapest choice is the Jetta's base engine, adrop well under 20 mpg in urban commuting.
2.5-liter five with 170 horsepower. Its EPA