The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is a great choice for any car enthusiast who needs a practical but fun car for everyday driving. The Jetta TDI (which stands for turbocharged direct injection) has a whole host of features to attract buyers, and it’s priced to attract compact car buyers who would ordinarily be looking at lower end models, like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.
Key Features
The 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine has a special shutter on the grille to help warm up the engine faster on cold days and to decrease drag and increase fuel efficiency. Between details like this, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI’s great fuel economy (42 MPG on the highway), and its DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox – allows you to shift from the steering wheel without a manual clutch), this is one of the most fun cars on the road today.
Changes for 2012
For 2012, Volkswagen brought back the GLI model of the Jetta TDI, along with a lot of upgrades to the headlights and taillights, as well as a chrome-accented interior and a more modern dash display.
What We Like
The TDI is not only fuel efficient, but it’s also fast and responsive. While you might look like you’re driving a practical sedan, you’ll feel as though you’re driving a race car.
What Concerns Us
Many people have complained that the new design of the Jetta feels a bit like a European Corolla. That’s not the case for the TDI, but we fear that it might hurt resale values, a factor that’s good if you’re considering a used 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI to buy now, but not so good when you want to sell it later.
Available Models
With plenty of horsepower and torque to spare, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI has a lot going for it in the specs department:
- Engine – 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo-charged diesel
- Power – 140 HP at 4000 RPM
- Torque – 236 lb-ft at 1750-2000 RPM
- Fuel economy (MPG city/highway) – 30/42 (manual or automatic)
Major Recalls
Only one recall has affected the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. In some models, the pulsing in the fuel injection line can resonate at a certain frequency and cause stress and strain on the fuel system.
Common Issues
The most common problems reported for the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI include some issues shifting for high-mileage vehicles with automatic transmissions. Loss of power may also occur due to oil and carbon build-up over time.
