There are more details on the upcoming VW Jetta clean diesel model due in the U.S. next year.

Volkswagen confirms that the Jetta sedan will be the first of the company's vehicles to get its new clean diesel engine in 2008.

The clean-diesel Jetta TDI bows in the fourth quarter of this year. Production will begin in January of 2008 and it will go on sale by late spring. The new diesel will be 50-state compliant and will be badged as a TDI.

The engine will be a common-rail 2.0-liter diesel four with 140 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. An oxygen after-treatment system and a particulate filter will be used to meet 50-state diesel emission requirements. VW says that the new engine's fuel economy and NVH will be significantly improved over the former 1.9-liter diesel engine.

Pricing hasn't been announced but the diesel will be pricier than the gas-engined Jetta. Diesel Jetta sedans and SportWagens will hit California and New England first when they arrive in showrooms by March. 

Volkswagen is a diesel pioneer in the U.S. , with more than 800,000 diesel cars sold.

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