2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and SportWagen Are Eligible for Federal Tax Credit

Date posted: 2008-07-29 21:41:00.0

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HERNDON, Virginia — Buyers of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Jetta SportWagen TDI got some good news on Tuesday. Volkswagen of America announced that the Internal Revenue Service has approved a $1,300 federal income tax credit for consumers who purchase the vehicles.

In effect, the move amounts to a price cut for the Jetta TDI and SportWagen. The 2009 Jetta TDI starts at $21,990, while the 2009 Jetta SportWagen TDI starts at $23,590. Both models arrive in showrooms in August.

VW of America said the two vehicles qualify for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit. According to the IRS, "A taxpayer may rely on the manufacturer's certification that a specific make, model and model year vehicle qualifies for the credit and the amount of credit for which it qualifies."

The vehicles are rated by the EPA at 29 mpg in city driving and 40 mpg on the highway. Diesel advocates had expected much higher EPA mileage ratings on the VW turbodiesel, due in part to VW's aggressive positioning. The automaker had said earlier that the TDI engine had an anticipated fuel efficiency of mid-50s highway and mid-40s city. The federal tax credit also takes some of the sting out of the lower-than-expected official EPA ratings.

What this means to you: Buyers of the '09 Jetta TDI vehicles will get a break on their taxes. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent