2009 Honda Diesel

Continued living with a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: More tales from the diesel side

Since my original blog on the ups and downs of living with my 2009 Jetta got so much reaction, I thought I’d pen an update as to the trials and tribulations of owning this diesel.

The Jetta I purchased was the test car we tested for the January 2009 issue. (Read: “ Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid vs. Volkswagen Jetta TDI .”)

One of the more popular urban myths about diesels is that their engines take longer to break in than regular gas motors. We decided to keep the car for an additional time to see whether this was true and to find out if fuel economy would improve with time. So we racked up 20,000 miles and repeated the formal fuel economy tests. Our conclusion: There was no change in the Jetta TDI’s fuel economy.

The reason I purchased the car was to give my son the safest one I could in this very dangerous time for new drivers.

I have always been impressed with VWs--this is the second one I have owned. I also bought the 2001.5 Passat 4Motion wagon test car for my wife in 2002. Previously, my wife had a ‘93 Range Rover until the Passat. Since then, she has owned a Honda Pilot and now a Chrysler Crossfire (that is another story). My daughter has a 2004 Acura TSX (another ex-test car), which she has owned from 14,000 miles to the current mileage of 103,000. All of these cars I have serviced regularly with no issues and at relatively little cost.

I had been very impressed with the Jetta up until my episode with the previously chronicled 40,000-mile service.

Being a DIY person and somewhat frugal (many in my family would say “cheap”), I enjoy servicing my cars. I would guess that many TDI owners are also likeminded and enjoy saving money.

I just completed the Jetta’s 50,000 mile service, but with some frustrations. For example, the TDI’s engine oil specification is for VW 507 00, which is difficult to find. Both of my local auto parts stores did not stock such oil spec, so I had to order it online. VW says it recommends Castrol-brand oil; looking at the various websites, the company’s SLX Professional LL03 is the one that complies with VW standards. It cost about $10 a quart (actually it’s sold by the liter) and interestingly, it is not even listed on Castrol’s U.S. website. The only other comparable oil I could find was a Mobil 1 ESP 5W30, but it’s not stocked by the auto parts stores. (The places I inquired said they could order some.) Thankfully, the TDI’s filter was readily available at the auto parts store.

2009 Honda Accord (European Version) Type S 2.2 L i-DTEC Diesel ...

* ASIMO, CR-Z concept and FCX Clarity on stand

A higher-powered, sportier Accord Type S will be unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March.

This more powerful variant of Honda’s D-sector model uses the acclaimed 2.2-litre i-DTEC diesel engine, like the standard Accord, but thanks to a revised turbo-charger, cylinder head and larger intercooler, produces 180PS at 4000rpm, a 30PS increase on the standard model with the peak power coming at the same rpm. Torque has also increased 30Nm to 380Nm at 2000rpm.

“The 180PS diesel model will be a welcome addition to the Accord range, especially for company car drivers that want a high-specification car in an even sportier package,” said Graham Avent, Manager – Corporate Operations, Honda (UK). “This model will undoubtedly appeal to high-performance diesel enthusiasts, looking for that something extra, but we hope it will also create a halo-effect across the diesel Accord range.”

As well as a significant increase in power, the Type S sits on a new design of 18-inch alloy wheels and gains clear indicator covers, a Type S badge plus two new paint colours – Premium White Pearl and Basque Red.

The Type S will be available in either saloon or Tourer bodyshapes with manual transmission.

Performance, fuel economy and emissions data will be available once homologation is completed, and pricing will be announced nearer the on sale date later this year.

ALL-NEW INSIGHT MAKES EUROPEAN DEBUT

Alongside the Accord Type S, Honda’s advanced humanoid robot, ASIMO will introduce Honda’s more affordable family hybrid, the all-new Insight.

Due to hit the showrooms in April, the practical 5-door family car will be lower in price than any other hybrid on the market, making petrol-electric technology accessible to more people.

In addition to its lower initial price, the Insight offers many running cost savings, including reduced road tax (£15), low company car tax, congestion charge exemption and frugal fuel economy.

By utilising Honda’s IMA hybrid system, the Insight benefits from low CO2 emissions of 101g/km (SE model) and excellent fuel economy of 64.2mpg (SE model). In addition, a unique system called Eco Assist features on the Insight, helping drivers to achieve better ‘real-world’ fuel economy.

Eco Assist is the world’s first system to combine three different functions to enhance fuel economy: an ECON Mode which controls engine, transmission and other powertrain components to support more fuel-efficient driving; a guidance function that helps drivers become more fuel efficient behind the wheel using the colour of the speedometer display; and a scoring function that provides instant and long term feedback on driving techniques, after each journey. Honda developed Eco Assist to help its customers improve their fuel economy in real world conditions. The scoring function provides cumulative, long-term feedback through graphic ‘leaves’, which ‘grow’ over time as drivers learn and then implement a smooth driving style that boosts fuel economy. The visual nature of the scoring function display makes it easy and enjoyable for drivers to improve the efficiency of their driving skills over time.

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