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I need some advice re buying a VW Jetta 2.0 TDI (which is diesel). I wanted to know the safety rating (ANCAP), what the diesel charges are, whether servicing costs are more and whether it's regarded as more environmentally friendly?

Cheers,

Penny

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

You're not clear on whether you are looking at NZ new or a used import so let's assume its NZ new.

The tech team at the AA were certainly impressed with this vehicle when we carried out an in-depth road test report in 2006, with the diesel engine option being our pick over the petrol.

The vehicle does not show on the ENCAP (European) website but I would suspect it would rate very high as it has front side and curtain airbags, which normally mean at least 4 and highly likely a 5-star rating. Electronic stability control (an active safety feature) is a standard feature on diesel variants of the Jetta as well.

Road user charges (RUC) for a diesel vehicle are currently set at $32.79 per 1000kms but we are expecting this will rise slightly mid this year.

Fuel consumption is claimed to be around the 6 litres per 100km mark which is very impressive but don't forget to add the RUC charges into any comparisons you may do with a 2.0 litre petrol vehicle.

On the environmental front, the vehicles as sold new in NZ are fitted with a particulate filter. This means any traces of soot or particulate which is the black smoke you often see pouring out of exhausts of many older diesel powered vehicles, are trapped in the exhaust system, making this vehicle very environmentally friendly.

Service intervals on most modern diesel powered vehicles are the same as for petrol but you may pay slightly more for parts, such as filters etc.

If the vehicle is a used import then all of the above may not be relevant. It would depend on the vehicles age, specification levels and country of first registration. If you are looking at a used import, then be very careful and choose wisely.