VW Touts Jetta TDI's World-Record 58.52 MPG

For the past few weeks, Volkswagen has been hyping a road trip.

One couple, Helen and John Taylor, set off to cross the country in a new 2009 VW Jetta TDI and traveled across the lower 48 states in 20 days, covering 9,419 miles. Their diesel-powered Jetta returned an average of 58.82 mpg, which set a Guinness World Record (previously 51.58 mpg).

VW was a little miffed when the EPA rated its new TDI 30/41 mpg city/highway. Clearly the diesel engine is capable of more than that on the highway. One user on the EPA’s website rated their average mileage at 49 mpg in mostly highway driving. However, the Taylors have admitted that they employ added mileage-saving techniques, like watching their speed. We don’t know if that should be considered “real-world” testing.

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