Jetta TDI Cup ‘Street’ version will be on sale soon

Jetta TDI Cup "Street Edition" seems to be finally facing dealers. This is a sports version of an economical car, and I have always been a supporter. In the Volkswagen case, this looks like a car that is both fun and cost-effective-and possibly the environment.

The Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition should be hitting dealer showrooms in January of 2010 after being displayed at TDI Cup races throughout the country, where it was well received by enthusiasts and consumers alike.

Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, had this to say about the company’s new ride: “Since our inaugural TDI Cup series in 2008 we have received numerous inquiries as to whether or not we would offer a TDI Cup replica vehicle. We’re thrilled to announce that a special edition Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will be available in dealer showrooms early next year. What makes this special edition so unique is that it features the optional, race inspired, TDI Cup body kit package combined with our clean diesel engine. The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition is one exceptional special model that is as fun-to-drive as it is to look at.”

So, what makes this Jetta different? The TDI Cup “Street” Edition Kit features the front bumper, side skirts and rear valance that are found on the TDI Cup race cars, so that’s nice. These are just tacked on things that LOOK like something found on a race car, they ARE tacked on things that are found on a race car.

It’s not just looks either. All “Street” Edition Jetta TDI’s have larger brakes with red calipers, sway bars and European sport tuned suspension from the performance oriented GLI.

Under the bonnet, the TDI Cup car has a 2.0-liter clean diesel engine that cranks out 140 horsepower and a remarkable 236 lbs.-ft. of torque. The engine also has an electronically controlled turbocharger as well as common rail direct injection technology. You get your choice of either a six-speed manual transmission or the totally bitchin’ DSG transmission. I’d go with the semi-auto box, because it works so very well, is quicker, and actually works well in traffic too.

The TDI Cup Edition has sport seats with Interlagos cloth on the inside, and a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel that features paddle shifters when you get the DSG box. Finishing everything off is a set of 18 inch Charleston wheels with performance all-season tires. Yes, I know, “performance all-season tires” is pretty much a contradiction in terms, but that’s what VW said, and you know, how many buyers are going to go with the factory skins anywho?

Price? The special edition starts at about $25,000, which is pretty good.