Outside the Box
The Jetta's styling polarized VW fans when it appeared in 2005, but time seems to have brought the Jetta's many faithful back into the fold. Except for the special Bioline 16-inch wheels, exclusive to the base TDI (17s are optional), and the occasional TDI badge, there is little to inform the outside world that you are driving a fuel-sipping diesel.
Like the SE model, the TDI comes standard with all-season tires, front and rear body color valences and a power sunroof. For 2010, White Gold is a new addition to the Jetta's color palette while Laser Blue is no longer available.
More Please
You have to believe that if more people had the opportunity to drive nice, fuel-efficient cars like VW's TDIs in general and the Jetta in particular, there would be a mass exodus away from gasoline fueled vehicles in this country. Admittedly, as a lifelong diesel driver and diesel aficionado I'm biased, but I do understand why most people avoided older diesel passenger and light truck engines like a case of the swine flu.
There's no reason to duck diesels any longer. Hybrids might be grabbing all the headlines, but VW is rewriting the diesel's story here in the U.S. Durable, efficient and no fun to drive, the dawn of the passenger car diesel age in America could finally be here.