2011 Jetta Sportwagen TDI 6 speed - 30/42mpg or 29/39...which is it?

[gdlx]

Hello -

I just noticed that some 2011 JSW TDI 6-speed are rated as 30/42mpg, others are rated at 29/39 mpg. See the following links for examples:

30/42 mpg
http://www.grahamauto.com/show.aspx?vid=1616016

29/39 mpg
http://www.grahamauto.com/show.aspx?vid=1694451

As far as I can tell, these are the exact same model/engine/transmission. Why do they have different milage ratings? Which is correct? Is this a different EPA rating standard applied to the same car? Anyone know what's going on here?

Thanks!

 

[ToeBall]

Mine was a 44 mpg car with the LRR 205 tires, with the high grip 225's its a 38 mpg car. There's more to it, no doubt, but I can't think of any other differences that matter. Just a guess, but see if you can find one of the 42mpg ones without 16" rims.

 

[Lightflyer1]

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/sbs.htm

 

[Derrel H Green]

Hello -
I just noticed that some 2011 JSW TDI 6-speed are rated as 30/42mpg,
others are rated at 29/39 mpg. See the following links for examples:
30/42 mpg
http://www.grahamauto.com/show.aspx?vid=1616016
29/39 mpg
http://www.grahamauto.com/show.aspx?vid=1694451
As far as I can tell, these are the exact same model/engine/transmission.
Why do they have different mileage ratings? Which is correct? Is this a different EPA
rating standard applied to the same car? Anyone know what's going on here?
Thanks!

All VW TDIs are six speeds.

The only one that matters is the EPA posting on your Monroney.

To the best of my knowledge, there are no VW TDIs here in N A
that are rated 29/39 mpg no matter the transmissions!

Someone there in S D picked the incorrect numbers to post!



D

 

[gdlx]

Hi Derrel -

Sorry I wasn't clear on the initial post.

Both of those cars listed are 6-speed *automatic* transmissions. The point being that they are the same transmission.

Those numbers (29/39) aren't just typo by the people in SD; I noticed the same numbers on an actual sticker at a dealer here in the Bay Area. It seems to be for 2011 JSW cars that have arrived in after the new year.

 

[dubStrom]

EPA figures?

Ha! Funny!

As I recall, EPA put 30/42 on the DSG model, and 30/41 on the 6MT in 2010. I don't think those numbers changed at all for 2011,

But, my 2010 JSW (DSG) won't give me over 40 mpg on the highway because I drive 70+ mph, even allowing it to slow down up the hills and drift faster down the hills. Others say they get 45 mpg or better. All I can say is I wish I bought that JSW. Mine won't.

The good news is that I drive in the city virtually ALL of the time, and I never get less than 36 mpg. I am moderately aggressive too. Maybe I got one of the 29-39 mpg models

 

[jmw10]

But, my 2010 JSW (DSG) won't give me over 40 mpg on the highway because I drive 70+ mph, even allowing it to slow down up the hills and drift faster down the hills. Others say they get 45 mpg or better. All I can say is I wish I bought that JSW. Mine won't.

My JSW gives me the same MPG as yours.

 

[Lightflyer1]

Nope if you check the fuelecon link I posted above it isn't for the 2011 either. Someone screwed up.

 

[piney]

I ordered one today and half the 2011 models with the DSG they had on the lot were 30/42 and others 29/39. Can only imagine that something changed with the testing methodology. Am sure the one I'll get when it comes in will have the newer sticker on it.

 

[ricks]

Gas versus diesel? Either that or a printing error. With a 6-speed manual @ 70 MPG on flats over 3 hours drive time - I get 45 MPG - otherwise it is usually 41 combined

 

[BIGJOHNO]

I can confirm that some of the new JSW were posted at 29/39 when I was looking for a new TDI last month. The salesman said the EPA recalibrated the fuel economy ratings, though I have not seen this anywhere else.

John

 

[piney]

Gas versus diesel? Either that or a printing error. With a 6-speed manual @ 70 MPG on flats over 3 hours drive time - I get 45 MPG - otherwise it is usually 41 combined

The ones I was looking at were all TDI / DSG 2011 models.

 

[Spanish Johnny]

Yes. I saw the "29/39" figures on the factory window sticker, as well.
Not a dealer sticker or anything.
The normal factory window sticker which lists all the standard and optional stuff.

Anyone know why these list 1mpg less?

Spanish Johnny.

 

[ricks]

Were they all DSG? I know the manuals are rated 1 mpg less than the DSGs on the upper end.

 

[PlaneJob]

Blame Mike Monroney. He started all of this crap back in 58.

 

[Dodoma]

The difference in fuelage on the upper side (39 to 42) is less than ten percent. Since mileage is estimate, the difference represents the range you may get because there is no precise or one fuelage number.

 

[PaulGiz]

Remember: YMMV. There may have been a change in the cars, but I doubt it.

The testing standards are reviewed and adjusted periodically. US Testing procedures are not flattering to diesels for some reason.

I'm guessing the cars are identical, and will offer the same economy, but the test changed slightly.

P.

 

[Derrel H Green]

Are You Serious

Blame Mike Monroney. He started all of this crap back in 58.

That's not a smart thing for you to say! Why do you call the Monroney sticker 'crap'?

When the Monroney stickers first appeared, there was no mention on them of F E.

If it were not for that good old boy, many people would still be being taken advantage of
when buying a new car because they wouldn't know what the suggested retail value is.



D

 

[Derrel H Green]

Good Point

Hello - I just noticed that some 2011 JSW TDI 6-speed are rated as 30/42mpg,
others are rated at 29/39 mpg. Anyone know what's going on here? Thanks!

Do you suppose that the EPA has changed their formula and is just at the beginning
of the new year putting this into effect on the first of January 2011?

Someone who can check the build dates on the newer 2011s can verify that question.



D

 

[3rs]

Mileage

Derrell: I notice your fuelly shows 43.2 avg . How did you do that?? What speeds do you drive? My old Jetta 2002, solid 45 in town 50-51 on road.

 

[Derrel H Green]

If you have studied my Fuelly, you will note that in the beginning, F E was not nearly as
high as it became as the odometer mileage built and the motor became more broken-in.

Then the winterized fuel became the only fuel available, and my F E went down slightly.
As you will find out, these CR TDIs do not like colder weather. 60s and above is fine,
but mine does not do well when it is below 50 degrees for some reason?
The colder it is, the worse the F E!

My only slightly better F E from some others is in part due to a few of things:

My GY Assurance Fuel Max tires that are taller, and therefore change
the overall gearing and make it turn slightly lower rpms at any given speed.
Those GoodYear claims are evidently telling the truth.
These tires are truly LRR and is shows up in the F E.
And I keep them well inflated also.

The Opti-Lube XPD which I have been using regularly,
and the way I drive.
I don't speed and I don't wind it up very often.
As you well know, the faster one cruises, the lower the F E.

A lot of my driving is not in the city, but more in the suburbs.
When on the interstate, I usually set the C/C at a true 60 MPH.
With these 205/65-16s, my DSG is turning 1825 RPMs.

Try finding an absolutely level highway where you can set your C/C at a true 60 MPH.
Daytime and no wind. No A/C and no seat heaters!
After you have got everything all set up, reset your MFD '1' and note
what your F E readings become. I think that you will be surprised.
Mine will read 58 plus MPG.

Now try that same thing at only a true 50 MPH.
(Be careful, as most idiots have no idea that you are traveling that slowly!)
I get readings of better than 66 MPG.

This will give you an idea of how speed effects your F E.

HTHs



D

 

[c17chief]

Ha! Funny!

As I recall, EPA put 30/42 on the DSG model, and 30/41 on the 6MT in 2010. I don't think those numbers changed at all for 2011,

At least on the Golf's, 2011 is also 42 with MT. Remember they went to taller gearing in the MT later on with the 2010's, so my guess is the 2011 EPA estimates simply reflect that and not some changes otherwise.

 

[IceRaider360]

According to the Canadian VW site the 2011 TDI golf is rated for 6.7 l/100km (35 mpg) city and 4.6 l/100km (51 mpg) hwy on both DSG and manual.

So far on the one hwy trip I took it yielded 5.7 l/100km (41 mpg) but that was with blowing snow, winter diesel, only 5000 km on the odometer, -25C outside temp (-13F), 110km (68mph) average speed and non flat road conditions for 50% of the trip. Honestly on the way back if I reset the MFI on the last 3 hrs. of the trip I wouldn't be surprised if I managed 5.0 l/100km (47 mpg) because the instant reading was hovering in the mid 4 range allot and the road was really flat.

 

[luckeyd]

My 2011 JSW was purchased Dec 28, 2010, born on date Nov 10, 2010. Factory Window sticker listed 29/39 for milage estimates.

 

[epc]

At least on the Golf's, 2011 is also 42 with MT. Remember they went to taller gearing in the MT later on with the 2010's, so my guess is the 2011 EPA estimates simply reflect that and not some changes otherwise.

My 2010 Golf manual trans was built in May 2010 and was still rated at 41 mpg hwy. I'm surprised VW would change the transmission gearing with only a couple of months left in the model year.

 

[Derrel H Green]

They did not change the gearing.
In fact, all 6 MT Golf CR TDIs have the exact same gearing! The year does not matter.

1.9872 to one overall.



D

 

[epc]

They did not change the gearing.
In fact, all 6 MT Golf CR TDIs have the exact same gearing! The year does not matter.

1.9872 to one overall.



D

Do you have any idea then why 2011's hwy mpg is 42 and 2010's 41? You can see their numbers at the fueleconomy.gov website.

 

[Derrel H Green]

The Same

Do you have any idea then why 2011's hwy mpg is 42 and 2010's 41?
You can see their numbers at the fueleconomy.gov website.

When I look them up on that site, I find that they are exactly the same.



D

 

[epc]

When I look them up on that site, I find that they are exactly the same.



D

That's probably because you clicked on the wrong link.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008car1tablef.jsp?id=29406

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008car1tablef.jsp?id=30655

 

[gdlx]

Ok, so I have an update on this. I called vw directly, from the number on their website.

It turns out the 29/39 mpg cars are *exactly the same* as the 30/42 cars. The only thing that changed is the standard that the EPA is using to rate the cars, starting January 2011.

So I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if you purchased a 2011 JSW TDI, your mileage has been officially reduced. Also the automatic was rated with a combined mileage of 33, the manual with a combined mpg of 34 for some reason.

This all being said, I purchased a car with a sticker that said 29/39...and I'm getting mileage of over 42mpg on daily commute medium traffic freeway drives.