L.A. Auto Show: A VW diesel is Green Car of Year

And who's the greenest of them all? Volkswagen's new Jetta TDI.

The sporty diesel-powered sedan was named 2009 Green Car of the Year at the Los Angeles Auto Show today, beating out two hybrids, another diesel and a car that looks like a golf cart.

"It breaks new ground in the field of clean diesel," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of Green Car Journal, which sponsors the award. He cited the Jetta's "satisfying driving experience," low emissions and 41 mpg highway fuel economy.

The other finalists in the competition were BMW's 335d, also a diesel; the Ford Fusion gasoline-electric hybrid; the Saturn Vue hybrid; and the ultra-compact Smart ForTwo.

The award was bestowed by a nine-member panel of judges, including Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council; "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno; car guy Carroll Shelby; and Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club.

Pope conceded that a small group of Sierra Club members might question the group's participation in a contest that recognizes any automobile as "green" when there are such eco-friendly alternatives as bike riding or public transportation.

But the prevailing view is that environmentalists can help influence the sale, and more important the development, of cars that pollute less.

"The awards make a difference to people who design and engineer cars, and we want to get their support," Pope said in an interview earlier this week.

Cogan sounded a similar note at today's ceremony at the Los Angeles Convention Center: "Increasingly, concept cars ... are green in nature," he said. "Some may find their way to showrooms in just a few short years. Green cars represent the future of the industry."

This year's award is likely to raise fewer eyebrows than last year's winner: the eight-passenger V-8 Chevy Tahoe hybrid. Pope, no fan of sport utility vehicles, defended the choice.

"The reality is most people drive SUVs in urban use," the environmentalist said. "And the Tahoe got the same urban mileage as the Toyota Camry."

-- John Corrigan

Photo: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

For more information on the Green Car of the Year award and its finalists, click here.

For photos of green cars from the show, click here.

Comments

[Dan]

Too bad that you can't even purchase new diesel vehicle's here in California!

[Keith]

Someone please explain this: Fusion combined economy is 36.6 mpg. The Jetta combined economy is 34.1, and since it is a Diesel, it emits the same CO2 as 29.7 mpg gasoline, consumes oil equivalent to 27.3 mpg gasoline, plus it is much dirtier, just barely meeting the NOx and particulate limits. Just how is the Jetta more "green", exactly?

[Froby]

You can purchase the new VW TDI cars in all 50 states, that is what makes them so cool. I saw many of them the other day at a dealership in Glendale CA.

[Herr Professor X]

I am very skeptical of the choices for diesel cars, for two reasons.
Practical: they still emit more NOx gases than normal gasoline, diesel stations are rare in California if not the whole US.
Philosophical: The green trend is to move away from petroleum-based fuel and go toward plug-ins, where cleaner energy generation can be easily changed at the power stations compared to cars. A diesel hybrid may be acceptable but that's not the case here and given the goal of all electric and plug in, the choice of diesel cars as green cars is clearly a step in the wrong direction.

[Brad]

Dan, the 2009 VW Jetta TDI is available in California.
I am happy to see the 2009 Jetta TDI is the green car of the year. For far to long this country has poo pooed diesel powered cars, while in Europe diesel is hip. As the owner of a 2002 Jetta TDI, I know firsthand the cost savings, in fuel, these diesel cars provide. If we had 50% of our cars running on deisel, as is the case in Europe, we would be one step closer to energy independence. Hybrids and plug-in electric cars are not the total solution it is going to take a multi-faceted approach to wean this nation off of foreign oil. Therefore, I say way to go VW, and for the big 3 automakers, I say pull your heads out of your rearend and build a diesel focus, fusion, taurus or something so I can buy a diesel that is American made. Otherwise, my money will continue to go to Germany.

[JimF]

The numbers or perhaps the model of the Jeta seem confusing, at least to me. It looks like this model exceeds proposed California NOx standards.

Here's what I found in searching online: From GoMedia:
VW’s Jetta BlueTDI: 60 MPG, 90% Emissions Reduction for NOx

VW’s ultra-low emission 2009 Jetta will be coming to the US mid-summer, according to an announcement made late last month at the Vienna Motor Symposium.

This newer version of the Jetta will meet the strictest emissions standards in the world—BIN5/LEV2—which are enforced by 5 US states: California, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, and Vermont. BIN5/LEV2 standards severely cap nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions (0.05 g/mile), one of the two tailpipe pollutants that have given diesels a bad rap (that and particulate matter).

As it happens, Bin5/LEV2 standards are tougher than their European counterpart, the Euro-5, and VW had to custom modify the Jetta BlueTDI for the North American market. NOx reductions were met with internal engine modifications—some of which are “unique worldwide”—and a maintenance-free NOx exhaust trap. Altogether, this system reduces NOx emissions by 90%.

[Tyco's bra]

I understand some of the skepticism surrounding diesel cars -- it would be better to move totally away from petroleum, yes -- but the benefits of a diesel ride are inarguable. Hybrid diesel technology would definitely be nice to see.

Also -- it's not only about green, it's about the "driving experience," as noted above. Exactly. Diesel gives a much cleaner and much more robust driving experience than any hybrid -- they're simply more fun to drive. The amount of data around this -- check www.carfunfootprint.com for some comparative scores -- suggests that US automakers would have a far easier time peddling diesel technology than jumping on the somewhat dubious EV bandwagon.

[Keith]

JimF: The fact that the Jetta reduces NOx emissions by 90% allows it to barely meet the California standard. This is by design by VW, as making the exhaust cleaner would cost more. The Fusion (and most small gasoline-powered cars) meet that standard with a wide margin to spare, inherent to the stoichiometric gasoline combustion process.

Tyco: "cleaner" how? And how exactly is the "driving experience" relevant? This is supposed to be about "green", not about some Car & Driver comparison.

[TDI Fan!]

Good to see the some people still have misconceptions about diesel cars which hopefully make it easier to get my hands one of the new Jetta TDI's. I also have a 2002 Jetta TDI and I can't imagine going back to a regular gas car.....I get awesome gas mileage and up until recently with the rise in gas prices I always paid much less than regular gas customers.....just the other day I paid 2.65 for diesel and that was cheaper than regular gas, and a full tank should last me at least a week and a half and because most of the driving I do is on the highway I always get really good gas mileage....Now the question is when to go get me a new one?

[Tyco's bra]

Keith: I'm by no means a diesel expert, but my understanding is that diesel gets much better mpg than typical gasoline, and with some alterations can run on fewer emissions as well (see some comments above for more statistical data on the Jetta, which probably is not the best example of how a clean a diesel car can run). There are also options such as bio-diesel, although admittedly very few drivers opt in to them. All in all, however, I think we can assume that diesel cars are potentially "cleaner" than ordinary gasoline ones if the appropriate design considerations are made. Hybrid diesel would be an even further improvement.

And, true, maybe the driving experience shouldn't be relevant, but given the comments in the article itself it seems like it is (let's also bear in mind that a hybrid SUV won last year's "green" car of the year). So maybe the award is not truly for the "greenest" car of the year but the best car that falls into the "green" category, in which case driving experience should, indeed, be a criteria. My comment did not apply at all to the award, however, I was trying to suggest that diesel technology would give car makers more options along with hybrids, which in some circles have a less than stellar reputation.

[jk]

brad - right on!
I'm going to guess here - the us automakers once again lost the game. they will have to pay royalties to license 'green tech' IP from mercedes or vw, just like ford had to pay toyota for hybrid use. they stuck to diesels in large "work vehicles" only because they didn't have to address the problem there. Bad management decisions all around!

[David]

Before getting too caught up in the hybrid craze, it's important to acknowledge that the fuel economy of a hybrid is going to depend greatly on how it is driven. The vast bulk of my driving is freeway-commuting 35 miles each way to work. A hybrid would be spending most of that time running off the combustion engine, since any electrical power would quickly run out. A diesel vehicle would possibly be a better solution for me, since the fuel savings are most predominant when cruising on the freeway. If you spend most of your driving in stop-and-go city traffic, a hybrid may be the better choice. The increased cost and complexity of hybrid vehicles add to this equation. I am curious to see a few years from now when the Priuses currently on the streets start to be 6-7 years old and the batteries are losing their capacity to hold a charge. What will they cost to repair and how much will they be worth second-hand? That's not a green issue, but most of us can't afford to ignore it.

Did anyone see the test recently where a British car magazine drove a Prius and a BMW 5-series diesel from London to Geneva and the BMW used less gas...? In which of those cars would you rather spend your daily commute, honestly? Modern diesel vehicles are excellent, and it's about time they become available here.

[ray]

The domestic auto companies all manufacture diesel cars in Europe. The only reason they don't sell diesel cars in US is that the cost of diesel engine is too high and no one would buy it except environmental fans. If situation changed, i.e., fuel price as high as Europe, they will start to sell diesel cars here. So it's nothing related to whether they have the green tech; it really depend on whether regular consumers can afford for and will buy diesel cars.

[Ron]

Why can't regular consumers afford this car? This car starts at $23K. In addition, being a clean diesel, the car is eligible for a $1300 IRS Tax Credit. The average new car cost $30K and gets 23mpg, the 2009 Jetta diesel is at least $7K less and has tracked 58.8 mpg. Also when comparing diesel versus gasoline forget cost/gallon. The metric to focus on is cost/mile (ie. cpg $2/23 mpg = $0.09/mile versus diesel cpg $2.50/40 mpg = $0.06/mile). So if you drive 20,000 miles/year a diesel which averages 40 mpg will save you at least $600/year. Generally diesel prices would have to double relative to regular or premium for diesel on a cost basis to no longer be cost effective.

[matt]

All this talk about NOx and particulate limits and hybrid electric as the way of the future but noone has mentioned that you could run this TDI with used recycled vegetable oil - biodiesel fuel without any modifications to the car essentially eliminating the need to fill up with fossil based fuels and further reducing NOx and particulate emissions. Until we see all electric vehicles that we can purchase by walking into a dealership this sounds like a green car of the year to me. Just wait till VW releases their TDI diesel hybrid.

[Robert Fisher]

Intelligent design of a Taurus/ Camry car should easily yield 50 MPG.. The diesel engine and transmission must be matched, not mated with a gasoline transmission. We don't need zero to 60 MPH in six seconds; why not 9 or 10 seconds. Large cars such as the Taurus and Camry are much safer in an accident. The same vehicles with a battery hybrid could get 70 MPG.

Intelligent design means from Europe, not the United States. GM and Ford will " wait and see" with the diesels and will be out of business in a few years. Perhaps Volkswagen or Toyota will buy their name and facilities. They will have an experienced workforce once they design the American cars for diesels.

[Robert Fisher]

if the European diesels are hard to come by in America, it is probably because their factories are about maxed out supplying the European market.

[robert Fisher]

when comparing diesel fuel to gasoline, understand that gasoline is a high explosive and kills 1000 people a year in the U.S. in fires following accidents. ( actual statistics )

[Craig]

Everyone here is hyping on Nox....have you forgotten that CO2 is the greenhouse gas????? Most diesels produce LESS CO2 emissions than their gas powered counterparts. Those that complain that diesel fuel uses more petroleum need to realize that the fracking proccess (the crude oil to finished product proccess) produces X amount of gasoline and X amount of diesel and X amount of middle distilates ect..ect.. You can't make 50 gallons of gasoline or 50 gallons of diesel from 50 gallons of crude oil..it doesn't work that way.

None of this is even taking into account the ability to burn Bio-Diesel....there are currently ZERO hybrids that can make that claim, or the lognevity factor...a diesel motor that is properly maintained will last 400-500k miles easily...name a gas motor that does that regularly. You certainly have to add the resources saved over the life of the vehcle to the equation...if I buy a diesel powered car 1 time in 10 years as opposed to a hybrid every 5 years...then all that material adds up. Each type of motor is suitable for their best environment. If you a stop and go urban driver then the hybrid is the way to go....if you are a freeway driver that drives at least 20k a year then the diesel is often times the way to go. Oh BTW....for those hyping plugin EVs....do you realize that over 50% of the electricity generated in the US is from Coal....and you thought you were choosing a clean alternative ;) Our dependence on foriegn oil will not be cured by one magic bullet...it is going to require a multi-pronged effort with many different solutions. Diesel cars are just one of those solutions.

[English James]

Ten years ago we were just as sceptical about diesel cars as you are now. Back then they were smokey and slow.

All I would say is test drive one of these Jetta TDIs. You'll have a smile on your face within seconds. They have fabulous low down grunt and amazing performance for such a small engine. Also, the fuel economy with a diesel engine is much nearer the official figures than with a petrol (gas) engine under normal everyday driving. Put the cruise control on at 70 mph and you just won't believe how far you'll go on a tank.

Just try it and see. Now you know why they've now caught on over here despite a gallon of diesel costing about $1 US more than a gallon of petrol (gas).

Has anyone on here driven the new VW Jetta TDI?????

[Gerry McDonald]

Our country is in serious economic trouble largely due to our negative trade balance of $700,000,000,000 – a staggering number which is increasing by over $50,000,000,000 per year - those are Billions. We are shipping our wealth overseas while, at home, we live on printed money and banks and industries are begging for bailouts.

The U.S.A. consumes 3.2 Billion barrels per year of gasoline, which demands the importation of 3.5 Billion barrels of crude oil so that about $350,000,000,000 per year is transferred to, less than friendly, foreign countries

That can be greatly reduced. A gasoline auto is about 23% efficient while a diesel is about 46% efficient and therefore yields about twice the miles per gallon.
(Incidentally an auto that consumes half the amount of fuel also emits half the amount of total pollutants.)

Substituting 1.6 Billion bbls. of diesel for the 3.2 Billion bbls. of gasoline consumed in the US would reduce the outflow of dollars by $175,000,000,000 per year and more than reverse the U.S. trade imbalance. In addition even a threatened reduction in oil demand will cause the price of the reduced amount of imported crude to drop precipitously and stabilize our nation.

The auto companies are in distress and are begging for a bailout. Congress should grant that bailout, but as a loan, strictly conditioned upon all models produced after January 2010 demonstrating over 45 mpg. Those vehicles will be diesel or hybrids – the clean technology is available today. A “fast-track” program would put thousands of workers in the auto and related industries back to work and make another tangible contribution to restoring our economy, and our nation.

Gerry McDonald

Author: G. W. G. McDonald. 5780 Midnight Pass Rd.
Suite 401-B
Sarasota
FL 34242-3054 (941) 346 2555
GerryMcDonald@Comcast.net

[Dave]

"We don't need 0 - 60 in 6 seconds"... "Performance shouldn't be a factor" - WRONG!!!!

If you want to sell a car, it still has to be fun. Otherwise, the only people you sell it to are environmental fanatics. That isn't going to get the kind of market penetration you need to actaually make a difference in either the overall fuel consumption in the country or a significant improvement in the air quailty situation.