Volkswagen Jetta: Road Test

A growth spurt has given German small sedan a big car feel

Volkswagen Jetta 103TDI Comfortline DSG
Road Test

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory and delivery charges): $34,990
Options fitted (not included in above price): metallic paint $500, sat nav $3000, leather seats with power adjust $3500, Sports package $2000)
Crash rating: Five-star (Euro NCAP)
Fuel: Diesel
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 5.5
CO2 emissions (g/km): 143
Also consider: Ford Mondeo, Mazda Mazda6, Renault Latitude, Subaru Liberty 

Is Volkswagen’s Jetta a small or medium sized car? According to industry statistician VFACTS the latest Jetta, which has grown in size to be just 25mm shorter than its Passat big brother, is a medium car. This means it now competes head on with Mazda Mazda6, Toyota Camry and, of course, the Volkswagen Passat.

The previous Jetta though, which was about the same size as the Toyota Corolla small car, was also classified as a medium-sized car. Confused? Don’t be. As like the kid at school who returns after summer break with a growth spurt, the Jetta sedan has grown up, now longer by 190mm.
It’s good news for those shopping for a smallish sedan with big car space. Jetta now offers more rear passenger room along with a super-sized boot.

The other thing going for the latest Jetta is pricing, with the range now kicking off at $26,490 for the entry-level 1.4-litre petrol with a six-speed manual.

Our test car though, was towards the other end of the affordability scale. Powered by the 2.0-litre TDI diesel (only available with six-speed DSG auto and mid-spec Comfortline trim), it also came with every available option bar sunroof (metallic paint, sat nav, leather trim with power driver’s seat and sports package), lifting the price to $43,990... Well into Passat territory, and taking the edge off the Jetta’s value for money proposition.

In standard form though, at $34,990 the 103TDI Comfortline still comes well equipped with highlights including 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, dusk sensing headlights, auto wipers, reversing camera and rear parking sensors, plus a full suite of VW safety aids including six airbags.

It also comes with some techno-wizardry you don’t see every day, like windows and sunroof that remotely open to help cool the car before you get in.

While the Jetta’s bland styling, inside and out, won’t win it any design accolades, you couldn’t criticise the car’s functionality and ergonomics; particularly the user-friendly dash layout with its minimal array of buttons and switches and easy to use interfaces.

The Comfortline highlights help improve the sombre mood inside with some subtle use of chrome and gloss including ‘Black Pyramid’ inserts in the dash and doors. Soft touchpoints like the leather steering wheel and rubber knobs also make you feel you’re in something a little bit special. The only thing letting down the side is some hard plastics in the doors.

The driver’s seat with its optional leather panelling is a bit flat but otherwise comfortable, and getting a good driving position is no problem. Full marks for gadgetry too, with Bluetooth for phone and audio -- or for those without a smartphone, an AUX plug or USB socket in the chilled glovebox.

There’s a 12V outlet for both front and rear passengers, and easy to reach steering wheel controls for trip computer and infotainment system. While I liked the touchscreen display, the sat nav got a bit confused on one across-town trip -- we’re not sure if the software was up to date. Audio sound quality was above average, though.

Adding to a good array of storage areas throughout the cabin is the massive boot. This swallows 510 litres of luggage and can be expanded further by folding down the 60:40 split seats. There’s also a handy side compartment in the boot for smaller items, and a full-sized spare under the floor.

While not quite Commodore-size, the extra legroom in the rear should accommodate three average-sized adults, although taller teenagers and long-legged grown-ups could struggle, particularly with headroom. At 192cm tall, my head brushed the sloping roofline.

But from the driver’s seat, the Jetta is hard to fault, with the quick-thinking DSG transmission well matched to the smooth diesel engine, eliciting some sporty characteristics while optimising fuel economy. The 103kW/320Nm engine is quiet and refined, with minimal turbo lag and enough grunt for brisk commuting and stress-free highway work.

In ‘D’ mode, the DSG quickly upshifts to sixth gear in normal driving, keeping revs between 1000-2000rpm where possible for better fuel economy, while still responding eagerly to throttle input. In top gear at 60km/h, the engine remains tractable and will cruise easily at 1800rpm at 100km/h.

Shift to ‘S’ mode and it drops down a cog or two to keep revs around 2000rpm or higher for maximum response. You can also change manually via the gearlever, but I was quite happy to leave it to its own devices most of the time. It doesn’t get raucous when revved either, in case you’re that way inclined.

The steering is light and offers decent feel, and the car can be hustled reasonably hard through corners with minimal body roll. The grippy Bridgestone Potenza rubber makes the car feel secure in both wet and dry conditions, although the trade off is some tyre noise over coarse bitumen.

Fitted with the optional sports suspension package (which includes 17inch alloys with 225/45 tyres and also lowers the ride height by 15mm), the Jetta’s ride comfort is a pleasant surprise, remaining Euro-firm but with enough compliance to soak up the worst of Melbourne’s tattered tarmac.

The touchy brake pedal requires a light touch in stop-start traffic, but the over-assisted brakes are appreciated when hauling the 1487kg sedan to a rapid standstill.

Fuel economy is another revelation: 6.8L/100km during our week-long test period (compared to the official 5.5 figure), despite being driven with little regard for conserving fuel.

Overall, the new Jetta is a solid package, with no real outstanding features, but delivers the goods on a number of counts including comfort and features for the price, practicality and driving experience. These qualities should help put it on the radar of more family buyers, as it won’t necessarily have to be replaced by a bigger vehicle when the kids experience that summer holiday’s spurt.

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