CHICAGO, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The diesel-powered 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Wednesday was named MotorWeek's Driver's Choice Award winner at the 101st Chicago Auto Show.
MotorWeek praised the clean diesel Jetta TDI for performance and fuel-efficiency (30 city/41 highway) also naming it "Best Eco-Friendly" car as well as "Best of the Year."
"The Jetta TDI has no peer this year," said John Davis, host of public and cable television's MotorWeek since 1981. "It is the best of all worlds rolled into one vehicle. It's clean, powerful, fun to drive, roomy and comfortable, and it also happens to be very affordable."
The Jetta TDI is the first diesel passenger car legal in all 50 states.
Other award winners to be featured on MotorWeek on Feb. 13 include the Honda Fit, named Best Small Car; the Mazda6, Best Family Sedan; Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country, Best Minivan; BMW 1-Series, Best Convertible; Hyundai Genesis, Best Luxury Sedan and Cadillac CTS, Best Sport Sedan.
The Audi A5/S5 was named Best Sport Coupe, Nissan GT-R, Best Performance Car; Subaru Forester, Best Small Utility; Honda Pilot, Best Large Utility; Dodge Ram 1500, Best Pickup Truck and Chevrolet Corvette ZR/Ferrari California, tied as Best Dream Machine.
MotorWeek evaluated more than 150 vehicles for its 2009 best in class awards based on performance, fuel efficiency, technology, practicality and dollar value. The Driver's Choice Awards have been presented since 1983.
