If you're in the market for a Jetta TDI sedan and like to drive, this is your car. The firmer GLI suspension, larger brakes, and upgraded antiroll bars go a long way towards making the Jetta sedan exciting to drive. Of course those upgrades do nothing to address the modest horsepower of a TDI engine, but we're especially sensitive to the TDI's horsepower output because we've been driving the superb VW GTI for a few months. Anyone considering a TDI vehicle understands the lack of hp is more than made up for by the car's incredible 41 mpg highway rating and insanely long cruising range.
I wish this suspension package were offered on the Jetta TDI Sportwagen. The more versatile wagon body style is appealing to me, but VW won't offer any factory upgrades to the rather soft suspension on that car. There are a few aftermarket solutions available to Sportwagen owners seeking more a performance-oriented suspension, but not everyone wants to deal with the hassle of buying and installing aftermarket parts on a new car. The projected take-rate for a TDI Sportwagen Cup Edition was probably deemed too small to justify the investment, though.
- Phil Floraday