Germany’s top automaker wants to become the world’s biggest by 2018. To do this, it must significantly increase its sales with our American neighbors south of the border. To sweeten the pill, Volkswagen has placed all bets on Jetta’s lowered $15,876 starting price. If the Jetta City theoretically disappeared from its 2011 catalogue, this new basic Jetta model is the equivalent with a 4-cylinder, 2L, 115 HP engine, rear drum brakes, no air-conditioning and minimum furnishings. As it happens, Americans are far less demanding than we are, when it comes to materials and manufacturing quality.
With a dashboard that’s hard as iron and bad joint adjustment, first impressions of quality that Volkswagen enthusiasts have gotten used to is not all there. Even the beige leather of my seat seems to have absorbed the bluish tint of my denim jeans. This seems to be the price to pay for Volkswagen offering such an inexpensive car. Even Volkswagen’s own people admit it: “We have made concessions in areas that are the least likely to displease consumers.” But, thankfully, these compromises are largely aesthetic, and even the 2L engine with its 6-speed automatic or manual transmission makes it out okay.
A More American Look
Some VW fans are also disappointed with the Jetta’s more generic lines. Once again, this is meant to cater to American tastes. From the side view, the Jetta looks almost Audi-like. Personally, I find that the new Jetta is more elegant than the previous generation. To give it a more distinct personality, VW has given the Jetta its own distinctive panels, setting it apart from the Golf. Plus, with its high-end outfitting, the Jetta has a more exclusive look overall.
The Queen of the Road
We tested the diesel model on the road between Montreal and Magog, and the 2L on the way back. The diesel version behaves like royalty, on both highways and roads. It takes on the wine country’s curvy roads without a problem. The suspension is well calibrated, and, as quiet as it is, I would bet that the most passengers would have no idea that they are in a diesel-powered car. Inside, it is generously roomy, particularly in the back, which seats two adults comfortably. The trunk has 510 litres of space. Although deep, the storage area could be higher. The Jetta has two other drawbacks. The 40/60 seats are difficult to lower, and they don’t lie completely flat. Also, the driver’s seat manual adjustment is hard to manoeuver. Nonetheless, the diesel model is the top choice if you are looking to buy a Jetta. Yes, the price is a little higher, but, like they say, you get what you pay for.
Strengths
Responsive handling
Very reactive DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox)
Comfortably spacious
Benoit Charette
