2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Trim Overview

Take VW’s reworked midsize sedan, jack in a turbodiesel engine and 6-speed stick shift and behold the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. This torque-heavy 5-passenger beauty comes with standard 16-inch alloy wheels and rear disc brakes to put it a notch above its SE sibling. The list of standard features continues with leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a leather steering wheel mounting cruise and audio controls, a leatherette-trimmed shifter knob and air conditioning for some additional posh, while a few extra convenience features include telescoping tilt-wheel steering and a trip computer. Entertainment and communications aboard the TDI include a 6-speaker single-CD player, satellite radio, phone pre-wiring, auxiliary iPod interface and Bluetooth hands-free technology. Options, meanwhile, include carpeted floor mats, door sills and a cargo net.

Not quite its old self, but nimble nonetheless, the front-wheel-drive (FWD) 2012 Jetta TDI’s true claim to fame is, of course, its direct-injected 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine and standard 6-speed manual transmission. This potent yet economical combo puts out 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque to the tune of 32 mpg city/42 highway. A DSG 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission is also available to the turbodiesel with identical mileage figures.

Such standard safety features as 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), as well as traction and stability control, endow the 2012 TDI, as well as the rest of the Jetta lineup. Occupant safety, meantime, consists of front and rear head airbags, front side-mounted airbags and front head-restraint whiplash protection. Topping off the list of standard safety features are daytime running lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a post-collision safety system.