2009 Jetta TDI named Green Car of the Year

Though it faced some stiff competition, the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI was named as Green Car' Journal's 2009 Green Car of the Year. Hybrids have dominated this honor for the last several years, making this award a sort of vindication for the car's designers and proponents of clean diesel technology. "With its affordable price point, refined ride and handling, and high fuel economy, the Jetta TDI shows that hybrids now have a strong competitor in the marketplace," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal. "It is a tremendous honor to have our Jetta TDI awarded Green Car of the Year," said Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. "We believe our Jetta TDI's truly offer a no compromise alternative fuel driving experience that provides our customer the best of both worlds-excellent fuel efficiency combined with a dynamic driving experience." That combination seems to have found an audience, as Volkswagen's sold more than 8000 units since its mid-August introduction. While it produces 140 hp and a substantial 236 lb-ft of torque, it's also rated by the EPA at 30/41 mpg city/highway.