even for an automaker like volkswagen that has traditionally focused on cars, the u.s. market has in recent times taken quite liberally to suvs. but that hasn't stopped the german brand from redesigning its staple jetta sedan for 2019, and it comes with some notable benefits — particularly in fuel-economy figures. that'll come in handy for shoppers as the cost of fuel remains high.
after 10 straight weeks of rising gas prices, motorists in parts of the u.s. are finally seeing some relief at the pump. the national average for regular gas on thursday was unchanged from a week ago at $2.96, according to the aaa daily fuel gauge report, but prices declined in several states over the past week.
with costs that high, fuel economy remains a priority for some vehicle shoppers, and the 2019 jetta offers above-average epa ratings without the help of a hybrid system or diesel used engine . the jetta comes with a 147-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas used engine and a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or eight-speed automatic. with either transmission, epa estimates are 30/40/34 mpg city/highway/combined — better than any 2018 variant. here are some fuel costs for the jetta based on current pump prices:
- filling its 13.2-gallon tank from empty would cost $39.07 based on the national average of $2.96 for regular.
- in california, where the average for regular rose a penny this past week to a national high of $3.74, the tab would be $49.37.
- in south carolina, where regular was going for the lowest national average at $2.64, the cost would drop to less than $35.
- motorists in the great lakes area saw the biggest declines. average prices for regular fell by 5 cents in ohio, 8 cents in michigan and 11 cents in indiana. prices in the great lakes area tend to be more volatile than in other parts of the country, so the declines may not last long.
regular was still 59 cents higher than a year ago, and premium gas was 60 cents higher at a national average of $3.49. diesel fuel was 70 cents higher at $3.21. pump prices fell in several states after oil prices plunged more than $4 over the past two weeks. regular gas averaged $3 or more in 17 states thursday, one less than a week ago.
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