2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup EditionIts Diesel Quick!

By Charles Donaldson

When it comes to sports sedans you might think of high performance V8 gas-burning engines. Well, Volkswagen has put a twist on it; how would you like a blend of performance and handling while getting 42-miles-per-gallon to boot? There is a catch; the power actually comes from a diesel in the form of a 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Edition.

In 2008, Volkswagen created the Jetta TDI Cup racing series for the purpose of generating exposure of its new clean diesel engine. As the excitement grew for a race-inspired version, VW decided to create a TDI Cup Edition street version for the 2010 model year. It appears their racing series created a buzz, and I was surprised at how many folks knew about the TDI Cup series. To identify this special edition, a checkered flag and “TDI cup edition” graphic runs across the bottom of the doors.

VW is probably the most successful manufacturer selling diesel powered sedans in the United States. The foundation of the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition is the proven Jetta TDI model. Modifications to create the Cup Edition include the same full body kit found on the TDI Cup race cars with an aerodynamic front bumper, side skirts, and rear valance. Also included are 18-inch "Charleston" wheels with high-performance tires, larger GLI brakes with red painted calipers, and the European-tuned sport suspension from the GLI.

The interior “Cup” highlights include Sport seats with Interlagos cloth, a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel, and brushed aluminum door sills mark the interior. The 2010 Jetta is well equipped with standard equipment including: air conditioning, Bluetooth™ , Sirius Satellite Radio, AM/FM/CD stereo system with MP3 CD readability, eight speakers and an auxiliary input jack, cruise control, eight-way power front seats, and a three-spoke steering wheel with tilt and telescope. A touch screen located in the center of the dash operates the audio controls. Below the screen is an SD card slot as another way to play stored music.

Our test model also came with an optional rear wing spoiler ($499), power sunroof ($1,000), six-speed auto transmission with Tiptronic ($1,100), floor mat kit with trunk liner ($225), and a media device interface for IPod© integration ($100).

A quick run through of the rest of the 2010 Jetta sedan model lineup are: S, Limited Edition, SE, Wolfsburg Edition, TDI and SEL. The Jetta also is available as a station wagon: S, SE and TDI trims. TDI stands for Turbocharged Direct Injection and also indicates that the engine is a diesel.

Performance for the TDI Cup Edition comes from the same 2.0-liter TDI clean diesel engine used in the base TDI model. The 2.0L employs an electronically-controlled turbocharger and common rail-direct fuel injection to guarantee smooth acceleration and less tailpipe emissions. It generates 140 horsepower and 236 lbs.-ft. of torque, sent through either a six-speed manual, or an optional six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG®) transmission with Tiptronic® control. Tiptronic allows you to run an automatic transmission in manual mode and in this case shift gears using paddle shifters located on the steering wheel. The non-diesel versions come with a 5-cylinder 2.5-liter, 170 hp engine.

Room for improvement:

·         The front spoiler sits pretty low causing it to easily get scraped in dips or steep driveways

·         No navigation system is available

Cool Features:

·        TDI Cup series body kit

·        Great fuel economy – 30 City and 42 Highway (can go up to 600 miles on a single tank of gas)

The 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Edition’s safety list is extensive. In the inside, the Jetta comes standard with front, thorax, and side curtain airbags for both the driver and front passenger, as well as side curtain airbags for the rear passengers. Other mechanical safety features include Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Differential Lock, Anti-Slip Regulation, Engine Braking Assist and Electronic Stability Program®.

In Summary – The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition starts at $24,990 with a manual transmission. Not a bad price for a sporty diesel. The body kit truly adds to the racing theme along with the side stripes, aluminum trim, and optional spoiler. Both the front and rear seats were comfortable and the handling was confident and tight. I found the TDI Cup Edition to add just enough character to make this Jetta stand out in a crowd. As I think the Jetta is fun to drive; you’ll be driven to find out for yourself.  

For more information and a complete list of features and specification go to www.autofastracks.com.

Specifications

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition

Base price:                  $24,990  as driven: $31,113 (including destination and optional
                                    equipment)

Engine:                         2.0-Liter 4-cylinder diesel turbocharged

Horsepower:               140 @ 4000

Torque:                       236 pound-feet @ 1750 rpm

Transmission:               6-speed manual (test car: six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG®)

Drive:                          Front Wheel-Drive

Seating:                       5-passenger

Turning circle:              35.8 feet

Cargo space:               16 cubic feet

Curb weight:                3230 pounds

Fuel capacity:              14.5 gallons

EPA mileage:              42 highway, 30 city

Wheel Base:                101.5 inches

Warranty:                    3 years/36,000 miles

Also consider:              Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Mazda 3 i (note: these models are all equipped with gas engines, no other comparable diesel engine vehicles are available)