Citing its environmental-friendliness, fuel-efficiency and its appealing driving experience, MotorWeek named the Volkswagen Jetta TDI its “Best of the Year” 2009 Drivers’ Choice Award winner at the Chicago Auto Show this week.

Although the choice of a Volkswagen as the car of the year may not be too shocking, the fact that this car has a diesel engine makes the choice somewhat surprising. But John Davis, host of the PBS show MotorWeek says the choice of the Jetta TDI was clear.

“The Jetta TDI has no peer this year,” said Davis. “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. If history is any judge on past Volkswagen diesels, you can also add extremely reliable and durable to the list.”

In winning the award the TDI beat out 150 other vehicles that were evaluated by the show. It also named the car the Best Eco-Friendly vehicle.

Other cars taking home awards were the Honda Fit for Best Small Car, the Nissan GT-R for Best Performance Car and the Subaru Forester for Best Small Utility.

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