Achieving emissions certification in all 50 states without the use of special additives, the 2009 Jetta TDI breaks new ground in the field of clean diesels.

The environmentally friendly and fuel efficient 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI clean diesel was awarded the 2009 Green Car of the Year designation by Green Car Journal, the industry’s leading measure of environmental progress. This is the first time that a clean diesel model has been awarded the title Green Car of the Year.

When the Jetta TDI arrived for my test drive, I’ll have to admit I was a bit skeptical having listened to my neighbor’s older model loud diesel truck warm up at very early morning hours for years. Like most new diesels, the Jetta combines a turbocharger and ultra-high-pressure fuel injectors to raise power and precisely tailor combustion. Very quickly my attitude toward diesel changed because there is no clatter, no smell, no smoke and no shake in the Jetta TDI.

The Environmental Protection agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 30 mpg City, and 41 mpg Highway. When Volkswagen went a step further to evaluate the real world fuel economy of the Jetta TDI with leading third-party certified AMCI, the Jetta TDI achieved 38 mpg in the City and 44 mpg on the Highway.

Last year the Jetta TDI set a new Guinness World Record for Lowest Fuel Consumption as it averaged 58.85 miles per gallon as it traveled through the 48 contiguous states. And probably even more inspiring are all the claims of superior mileage by current TDI owners.

Last week Stefan Jacoby, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, was in Seattle with the new Volkswagen product.

“It is a tremendous honor to have our Jetta TDI awarded Green Car of the Year,” Jacoby said. “We believe our Jetta TDIs truly offer a no compromise alternative fuel driving experience that provides our customers the best of both worlds – excellent fuel efficiency combined with a dynamic driving experience.”

During my drive of the Jetta TDI, I found the 2.0-liter engine with 140 horsepower coupled with a six-speed manual transmission to offer plenty of power for city and highway driving. Driving up steep and winding hills is a pleasure in the Jetta TDI because the steering is quick and responsive.

The Jetta TDI comfortably seats four people with room for a fifth small person in the middle of the back seat. The driver and front passenger are treated to bucket seats complete with heaters and adjustments for added comfort. Independent climate control for driver and passenger makes the driving experience more pleasant. A 60/40 split folding rear seat allows access to the large trunk, which holds 16 cubic feet of cargo. Inside the trunk is a full size spare tire under the trunk floor as well as tie downs and storage pockets for smaller cargo.

The exterior of the Jetta TDI is the same as that introduced in mid 2005. At the base of a v-shaped hood, the chrome grill features a lower air intake with chrome highlights. The headlights are elliptical with a small VW emblem placed inside the headlight cover.

The TDI models of the Volkswagen Jetta sedan, Jetta SportWagen, and Touareg are being joined by a completely redesigned 2010 VW Golf TDI.

Environmentally friendly, fuel efficient and fun to drive, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI is reasonably priced at $23K with a six speed manual transmission. Providing even more value to the Jetta TDI, a $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit is available because the vehicle qualifies for an Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax credit. Another consideration for the frugal minded is that diesel VWs have historically retained more value than gas powered models.

Sally Hanson, a 29-year resident of Kirkland, is a freelance automotive journalist who has test driven more than 1000 vehicles over the past 20 years. She received a B.A. degree in journalism from the University of Houston and is currently scholarship chair for the Northwest Automotive Press Association. Sally and her husband, Don, own Juanita Bay Pharmacy in Kirkland.