 Nov. 24, 2008 - Volkswagen's affordable, fuel-efficient family sedan has beaten out a clean-diesel sport sedan, a hip microcar, and a pair of next-generation hybrids for Green Car Journal's 2009 Green Car of the Year.
The Jetta TDI’s advanced clean diesel engine and $21,000 price tag gave it the edge over the BMW 335d, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid, and smart fortwo.
The car features a 2.0-liter, turbocharged direct injection engine featuring the latest in diesel injection and emissions technology that allows it to meet strict emissions standards in all 50 states.
In awarding the prize, Green Car Journal notes that the Volkswagen's new-generation diesel powerplant is also exceptionally quiet for a diesel, reflecting just how far advanced diesel technology has come in recent years.
"The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI epitomizes what the Green Car of the Year honor is all about," says Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. "It raises the bar significantly in environmental performance with its EPA estimated 41 mpg highway fuel economy, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and extremely low tailpipe emissions. This is all the more impressive when you consider the Jetta TDI is a clean diesel, achieving the kind of fuel efficiency offered by gasoline-electric hybrids but in a more affordable way."
The choice is a surprise for many as automakers are struggle to promote "clean diesel" technology among Americans, who still see it as gasoline's dirtier, poorer cousin, despite the technological gains. The selection also stands in stark contrast to last year's pick, Chevy's hybrid SUV. |
