Review
Introduction
The Jetta shares much of its underpinnings with the Rabbit/GTI hatchbacks. It sits between the Rabbit and Passat in Volkswagen’s lineup. The Jetta is the only nonluxury German small sedan and wagon for sale in the U.S., and it offers a stiff chassis, sporty handling, and clean styling inside and out. The Jetta SportWagen—that’s VW-speak for station wagon—is new this year.
Both body styles are available in S, SE, and SEL trims. All sedans and S and SE wagons use a 170-hp five-cylinder engine. All S and SE Jettas can be had with a five-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, and the SEL sedan is automatic only. The inline-five returns fuel economy of 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway with the automatic and 21/30 with the manual.
If you want more punch for your Jetta, step up to the 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder, which pumps out 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. It’s a wonderfully responsive engine, and it’s available in the Jetta GLI—basically, a sedan version of the much loved, 10Best-winning GTI—and the SEL trim level of the SportWagen. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and an optional six-speed dual-clutch automated manual (called DSG) with launch control. The punchy turbo four is relatively economical, too, with fuel economy coming in at 21/31 in manual form and 22/29 with the DSG. In its most recent comparison test appearance, a Jetta GLI placed first in a pack of fun-to-drive, everyday sedans, beating the likes of the Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Mazdaspeed 6, and Pontiac G6. With a 0-to-60-mph time of 6.4 seconds, the GLI is easily the quickest of the Jettas, and its sporty suspension won our praise in the twisty bits.
Returning for 2009 is the diesel-fueled Jetta TDI, which is available as a sedan or wagon. The TDI packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 140 hp and an impressive 236 lb-ft of torque. It can be mated to a six-speed manual or VW’s six-speed DSG. Perhaps most impressive, however, is the TDI’s ability to wring at least 40 miles out of every gallon of diesel on the highway. The EPA rates the Jetta TDI at 29/40 with the DSG and 30/41 with the manual. Sophisticated emissions-control devices allow the TDI to be sold in all 50 states.
Verdict
Although they share much of their chassis components and styling, the Jetta somehow looks bulbous, whereas the Rabbit and the hot-rod GTI have a muscular air about them. Unless driving a conventional sedan is a must for you, it’s difficult to justify the added cost of a Jetta sedan over a Rabbit hatch. If you have sporting intentions, the GLI is a good alternative to the GTI only if you’re married to the sedan format, and it costs $1000 more than the five-door GTI. The SportWagen offers even more practicality and cargo room than the Rabbit and GTI but isn’t offered with the GLI and GTI’s sporty suspension.
We often describe Volkswagen’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder as agricultural because of its rough sound and unrefined feel. It’s not a bad engine, but spring for a 2.0-liter engine—gas or diesel—if you can. Overall, the Jetta line offers a feeling of Euro solidness and some unique and truly Teutonic options, but it’s pricey against competitors like the Honda Civic, Chevy Cobalt, and Hyundai Elantra. Still, if you’re after European styling and a whiff of cheeky nonconformity—or a small station wagon—a Jetta fills the bill.
Click here for our full review of the Volkswagen Jetta.
Click here for our full review of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI.
Click here for our latest comparison test involving the Volkswagen Jetta.
What’s New for 2009
The diesel TDI makes its triumphant return for 2009 after being regulated out of existence following the 2006 model year. Along with gobs of torque, the latest version carries impressive EPA fuel economy ratings of 29 to 30 mpg in the city and 40 to 41 mpg on the highway, depending on transmission, and the TDI is available as a sedan or wagon. Aside from the higher cost of diesel and a steeper entry fee (somewhat offset by a $1300 federal tax credit), the TDI has none of the commonly held diesel disadvantages. It’s quiet, powerful, and fun to drive—giving the GLI a run for its money—and it doesn’t even smell funny.
The SportWagen is also new and offers a maximum of 66.9 cubic feet of cargo room with the second-row seats folded. Stability control is now standard across the board. A cable-style iPod adapter replaces the awkward console-mounted dock.
Highlights and Recommendations
Pricing for the S starts below $18,000 for a sedan, which gets you the most basic features, including velour seats. Stepping up to the SE will cost an extra $2500 or so, adding faux-leather seating, a standard sunroof, chrome window trim, floor mats, alloy wheels, and Sirius satellite radio. The SE adds the notable option of a touch-screen navigation system. SEL sedans sticker for about $3000 more, which gets you 17-inch alloys, a useful trip computer with a large screen placed between the main gauges, a multifunction steering wheel to control said computer and the stereo, and not much else. The SportWagen adds approximately $1500 to the price of an S or SE sedan and $3200 to an SEL version.
The TDI is priced just below the SEL but is optioned most like the SE model, with the diesel engine accounting for the price difference. The GLI is the most expensive of the Jetta lineup, with a starting price of just over $25,000, which is $1000 more than the cost of a four-door GTI hatch. GLI models include a standard sporty appearance package, unique cloth seats, and cool 17-inch wheels (18s are an option).
Although it’s on the pricier end of the Jetta spectrum, we’d be tempted to choose the Jetta SportWagen TDI. The combination of the TDI powertrain and SportWagen body makes for a very appealing and useful vehicle with a definite European feel. And at this point, the Jetta is the only Volkswagen—and one of the few passenger cars—offering a diesel option, so if that’s what you want, the choice is made. The GLI is the obvious choice for the semi-well-off boy racer, and the three five-cylinder models are still sportier than most of their domestic and import competition.
Safety
A tire-pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and front seatbelt pretensioners are standard, as are front, front side, and curtain airbags. Rear side airbags and outboard seatbelt pretensioners are optional.
