I declare the '09 TDI a winner, if you don't have one you want one.
Everyone wants one, and those that can't afford it nit pick or have a bad case of sour grapes. I declare the '09 TDI a winner. MPG is right close to the old TDI's except for those getting 98 mpg (its a joke please relax).
For the '09, there are already fairly reliable reports w/ seemingly good unbiased procedures that report the MPG is mid/high 40's, with a few dancing right at the magic 50 mpg. Yes these are new cars that need some break-in.
There really is nothing complicated about the exhaust. The cats (4 of them) are all passive. The big moving part is an exhaust valve way down stream. There are 6 sensors (including two Lambda's). Yes more cats/sensors to fail, but what car, especially diesel does not have a bunch of stuff already. Yes there is some magic going on in the ECU with the piezoelectric injectors. Yes there is chemical reactions going on in the cat but this is not high risk stuff. No doubt some where in the first 200,000 miles some or most of the active exhaust system will need replacing?
What will the cost of the exhaust system work out per mile?
How much cleaner, less NOx and CO2 will you have released?
How much fuel will you save?
TANSTAAFL
There is nothing really in the '09 that should negatively affect the MPG more than a few percent, and there are a few things that should be more efficient (like higher injector presser with more precise piezoelectric injectors).
Go buy one. You know you want to. I took a long test drive and I was impressed. I thought it has quality feel at least better than a Deluxe Honda Civic by a good margin, $26k out the door with lots of options.....high 50's MPG, fun to drive, clean, quiet, smooth, torque-ee........YEA.
PS the faux leather is nice. I have two leather interior cars now that are older and leather does give up the ghost. I suspect the synthetic leather will last as long or longer will looking nice. Marble counter tops are nice but expensive and may be radioactive. The synthetic solid countertops are better.
I laugh at all negative comments because I know you are drooling and just jealous of those who snagged one early. They soound like sour grapes.