2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Trim Overview

Although the 2011 Jetta TDI carries the heftiest sticker price of the available trims this year, its diesel engine also offers the greatest fuel efficiency, as well as many of the standard features found in the high-end SEL trim (powered by a regular unleaded gasoline engine).

The TDI provides a 2.0-liter, 16-valve, inline four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine which, according to Volkswagen, runs 90% cleaner than diesels of old, and offers better fuel economy estimates than the regular unleaded Jetta engines: 30 mpg city/42 highway. With 140 hp at 4,000 rpm and 236 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm, the diesel doesn’t skimp on power, either. Paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission, the TDI also offers an optional six-speed DSG automatic transmission with Tiptronic and sport mode. Similar to the high-end SEL trim, the TDI has hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, adjustable with both tilt and telescoping features, and provides multi-function control of the audio and standard Bluetooth. Rather than the rear drum brakes found in the S and SE trims, the TDI provides antilock all-wheel disc brakes but, like the other Jetta trims this year, has switched from front and rear independent suspension to a rear twist-beam suspension system paired with MacPherson front independent suspension.

Outside, the TDI resembles the SE trim with the Convenience and Sunroof packages. The sedan provides standard heated, power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, heated windshield washer nozzles, a standard power tinted tilt/slide sunroof and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the TDI comes with standard cruise control and manual air conditioning with a pollen filter. Power windows are operable from all four windows, and the power locks come with two remote-control key fobs. In addition to the standard dashboard features, the TDI trim provides a multifunction trip computer with data about trip time and length, average trip speed, fuel consumption and the number of miles before empty. V-Tex leatherette covers the seats in the TDI, with 6-way manual adjustment of the front seats and a 60/40 split rear seat, as well as a standard rear center armrest with cupholders and pass-through to the spacious 15.5 cubic feet of cargo room in the trunk. The 6-speaker touchscreen Premium VIII sound system has MP3- and WMA-compatibility, and a 6-CD, in-dash player, SD memory card reader, and MDI with an iPod cable in the glovebox. SIRIUS Satellite radio is also provided with a trial 3-month subscription.

Safety features in the TDI match those in the other 2011 Jetta trims, including an Immobilizer III theft-deterrent system. The antilock brakes are supplemented by electronic brake-pressure distribution and hydraulic brake assist, and traction and stability are supported by electronic stability control, anti-slip regulation, electronic differential lock and engine brake assist. Six airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and an Intelligent Crash Response System (to shut off the fuel supply, unlock the doors and turn on the hazard lights in the event of airbag deployment) round out the additional safety features.

The 2011 Jetta TDI also offers an available Navigation package. This package brings the TDI in line with the high-end SEL trim, adding foglights to the front bumper, and chrome grille and window trim to the exterior. Inside, the package adds adjustable lumbar support to the driver’s seat and push-button start to the keyless access. An RNS 315 navigation package, with SD memory card reader and a 5-inch color touchscreen, offers basic navigation information, but has been criticized by reviews for failing to offer some basic features (such as external traffic and weather information) as well as its small screen size.