Volkswagen Jetta TDI Value Edition Offsets Higher Cost of Diesel

Nationally, during the first week of January in 2014, the average price of diesel fuel was $3.90, according to TruckMiles.com. That's 60 cents higher than what GasBuddy.com claims is the average price of regular unleaded fuel during the same time period. Given that diesel is so much more expensive than unleaded, it comes as no surprise that Volkswagen is looking for ways to keep its popular but pricey diesel-burning Jetta TDI model appealing to consumers.

Starting this month, compact car buyers who want to get as much as 42 mpg on the highway can choose the new 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Value Edition model, with a starting price of $21,295* with a 6-speed manual transmission or $22,395* with a 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG).

The Jetta TDI still commands a premium, in this case $4,575 more than a standard Jetta S, but does offer upgrades in the form of a better steering system, larger wheels and tires, cruise control, heated front seats, an iPod connection, satellite radio, and extra stereo speakers. Beyond these factors, the Jetta TDI Value Edition is also much more powerful than a standard Jetta S, and is rated to get 34 mpg in combined driving compared with the less powerful Jetta S at 25-26 mpg.