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VOLKSWAGEN JETTA REVIEW
Model Overview
Slotting below the midsize Passat, the Volkswagen Jetta offers a large trunk, plenty of space for passengers, and better driving dynamics than some competitors. Along with the standard model, the Jetta is also available in a performance-oriented GLI variant.
History
Volkswagen originally introduced the Jetta in the late 1970s as a sedan variant of the Golf and was available in two- or four-door variants in North America. In 1984, Volkswagen introduced the Jetta GLI, which was essentially a Golf GTI with a trunk. Jettas sold in the U.S. were built at Volkswagen’s Puebla, Mexico assembly plant. The second generation Jetta arrived in North America in 1985 and eventually became one of the best selling European cars in the U.S, outselling the Golf hatchback.
The third-generation Jetta arrived for the 1993 model year and was in production until the 1998 model year. Like its predecessors, it was a sedan variant of the Golf. A 2.8-liter V-6 was first offered in the Jetta for its third generation in the VR6 trim. In global markets, the Jetta used the Vento nameplate, which was the word for wind in Italian and Portuguese. Volkswagen revealed the fourth generation model for the 1999 model year and was in production until the 2004 model year. Alongside the Jetta VR6 was the sporty Jetta GLI, which used a 179-hp 1.8-liter turbo-four.
The wagon variant, called the Jetta SportWagen, first appeared in the Jetta’s fourth generation and was built in Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg, Germany plant instead of the Puebla facility that manufactures the sedan. Volkswagen introduced the fifth generation Jetta lineup for the 2005 model year and like its platform mate, the Golf hatchback, it received new engines including a 2.5-liter I-5 for the standard cars and a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four for the Jetta GLI. The automaker’s then new six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox also made its debut in the GLI and in diesel-powered variants.
The Latest Generation
The current-generation Volkswagen Jetta arrived for the 2011 model year with carryover engines but the standard cars’ rear suspension setup were downgraded to a a torsion beam. Only the Jetta GLI and Jetta Hybrid retained the multilink rear suspension before the 2014 refresh when all gas-powered variants were upgraded to full independent suspension setups. Volkswagen no longer offered a wagon variant for the sixth generation Jetta since that body style was moved to the Golf family.
A new infotainment system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen was added for the 2016 model year and can be had with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on higher trim levels. A new base engine, a 1.4-liter turbo-four, was added for 2016. In a 2016 First Test, It is said that on the twisties and around town, the slick transmission does a great job of surfing the torque to deliver responsive performance feel. In terms of driver appeal, this is one of the best entry-level power train combinations in the small sedan segment.
Why You’d Consider One
As one of the few compact car entries that comes standard with turbo power, the Volkswagen Jetta offers plenty of grunt on all models. Check out the 210-hp Jetta GLI if you’re in the market for a German sports sedan with an affordable price tag.
Why You’d Look Elsewhere
Compared to some of its competitors, the Volkswagen Jetta doesn’t have the most modern infotainment system. Despite the interface having Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the touchscreen is smaller than the ones found in its competitors. Also, some may find the styling, which will likely look as good in 10 years as it does today, to be too conservative. Three turbocharged four-cylinder engines are available in the 2018 Jetta. The base S and SE trims comes with a 1.4-liter unit with 150 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque that can be paired to a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
On the Sport and SEL trims, the Jetta gets a 1.8-liter with 170 hp and 184 lb-ft that’s coupled exclusively to a six-speed automatic. At the top of the range is the Jetta GLI, which comes with a 2.0-liter unit with 210 hp and 207 lb-ft paired to either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic. There’s 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk and it can be expanded via the standard 60 or 40 split-folding rear seats. The base S trim comes with 15-inch steel wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, 60 to 40 split-folding rear seats, LED daytime running lights, a 5.0-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, a USB port, and cloth upholstery.
The SE trim adds keyless entry/start, leatherette upholstery, blind spot warning, heated front seats, leatherette upholstery, 16-inch alloy wheels, and a sunroof. Moving up to the Sport trim adds fog lights, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, a 6.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler. The SEL trim builds on the Sport trim and adds dual-zone climate control, a power driver’s seat, a Fender premium audio system, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Jetta GLI comes with similar features as the SEL trim but it doesn’t have any driver assistance features other than blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.
