MarkShort1958's Forum Comments
Showing all comments by MarkShort1958.
TDI EPA figures off?
Yes, there are many Jetta TDI people now on this site. More of the higher mpg acheivers in the Jetta TDI class, however are from owners of older diesels. If you use the filter available on the model guide and just select 2009 Jetta diesels, you will see that there seems to be a peak at around 39 mpg. Those driving older Jetta TDIs are usually getting better gas mileage than newer owners like me. I am not surpirsed as there had to be a 'cost' for the cleaner version of the 2009 series, and am nonetheless very happy with my mileage and the knowledge that I am somewhat more 'green'.
Actual mileage will always depend on your driving style. This makes it tough for anyone to give a single number for what individual drivers should expect. The new EPA guide does a better job of disclosing both the average number to expect as well as the range that is possible. 2009 Jetta TDIs are rated 30 city/41 highway BUT the range under each are 24-36/34-48.
I don't consider myself a hypermiler, but I do drive very conservatively. On my '09 Jetta TDI wagon, I am averaging just under 50 mpg using the same driving techniques I've used for a decade. I am only slightly above the maximum mileage that EPA predicted under their best case scenerio (admitedly mine is for a mix of highway and local driving whereas their 48 mpg gallon was for highway....).
In my mind, the EPA guides have been a useful tool to compare the efficiency of vehicles on a side-by-side basis and the newer guideline seems to be better. I really appreciate this site to see other techniques that might improve my numbers further (without coasting behind semi-trailers, thank you very much).
posted by MarkShort1958 August 15, 2009 at 1:49 PM