Given the recent flurry of new car introductions in the US market, I think it's time for a brief overview of what's available for Model Year 2009:
2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (Diesel) Wagon
A recent MotorTrend review of the 2009 Jetta TDI showered the diesel powered automobile with high praise. And I couldn't agree more with the editors at MotorTrend. The Jetta brings the brilliant, a torque happy, TDI engine state side and it delivers with an EPA estimated 30(city)/41(highway) mpg! Moreover, the Jetta TDI produced 236 lb-ft of torque compared to 177 lb-ft found in the 2.5 liter standard, gas powered, engine. The diesel engine also puts less Co2 gases, per mile, into the atmosphere (.65 pounds per mile for the diesel engine versus .81 pounds per mile for the gas engine).
The Jetta has a very ergonomic and high quality interior and comes standard with nice safety features, including the all important electronic stability control.
2009 Mazda6 Sedan
Mazda has redesigned their flagship sedan for the US and the end result looks to be pretty good. The all new 2009 Mazda6 is larger, more powerful, and includes totally revamped exterior skin and cabin. The sheet metal in the Mazda is curvy without being too showy and the interior screams quality (without the German price tag). The NY Times Auto section and Peter Passell seem to love the new Mazda6!
2009 Audi A4 Wagon and Sedan
Speaking of being more powerful and larger, the 2009 Audi A4 sedan and wagon are claiming the same aforementioned attributes as the Mazda6! And, yes, the Audi sports both a new 2.0 Liter Turbo and a 3.2 Liter V6 along with a wheelbase that is 6 inches longer than the outgoing 2008 A4.
Exterior and interior styling and build quality have improved substantially, including cool LED day running lamps borrowed from the Audi R8 super car. Check out the AudiWorld site for pics and comments on the new A4 (these guys are for real!)
So, which vehicle would I purchase? My left brain tells me to go with the fuel saving, and practical, Jetta Wagon, but my irrational, Euro-crazed, right brain is screaming Audi, Audi, Audi!
Note: The views expressed herein are solely my own and should not be attributed to my employer in any way. This site is not maintained utilizing my employer's resources or on company time.
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