Volkswagen Jetta Car Review

FamilyCar Rating Styling Performance Value EcoFriendly Safety FamilyFriendly Overall Rating Model Reviewed Jetta 1.4 TSI Auto $33,490* As tested $36,790* Extras: Satellite Navigation, Media Device Interface What we liked Fuel efficient, huge boot, great sound system What we didn’t Unresponsive acceleration off the mark

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Review

The Jetta is the slightly bigger brother of the Golf, essentially the brother with the bigger bum. Having a bigger bum has its pros and cons. On the downside, the car is not as smart looking as the Golf, on the upside the boot space is enormous!

There are 5 models in the Jetta range with different engines, differing equipment levels and a choice of manual or automatic. There is a heavy focus on safety with all models having basically the same safety features.

We test drove the 118TSi which features a 1.4 litre engine with a 7 speed auto transmission.

Driver’s View

When I found out that I was test driving a car that was powered by a 1.4 litre engine I thought here comes a pretty sedate drive. To my surprise the car has plenty of power and takes next to no time to reach 80kms an hour. So all is great when you are up and running. However, before you can experience the Jetta’s spritely performance you have to overcome a very noticeable lag in power when you first push down on the accelerator. It’s like the lights are on but no one is home! This led to a real lack of confidence when making right hand turns with on coming traffic.

Apart from this, the car is pleasant to drive with everything in easy reach. Visibility out of the front is good, but limited out of the rear quarters because of the C pillars. The overall quality is good with some great features like auto headlights on, cruise control, rain sensing wipers and audio controls mounted on the steering wheel.

Safety

The safety list is long and includes, ABS, EBD, ESP, 6 airbags, Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist and Anti Slip Regulation. These are all really important features to protect you and your family in the event of a collission and can also help to stop you having one in the first place.

The front and rear parking sensors coupled with the visual console display comes in really handing when parking. The Optical Parking System shows what part of the car front right/left and rear right/left is close to an object so it’s pretty difficult to hit something when parking.

Family Friendly

First things first, the boot space is fantastic. You can fit in 2 large suitcases or enough groceries for a couples of weeks. For the skiers out there, you’ll like the convenience of being able to put your skis or any other long items through the boot into the rear seat. The rear seat also splits 60/40 for those larger loads.

There are plenty of drink holders with bottle holders in each door and 2 cup holders in the rear and 2 in the front centre console. There is also a sunglasses holder, small storage nooks in the front centre, under seat storage trays and a reasonable size glove box.

The rear passengers also get a middle armrest, air vents and pockets on the back of the front seats.

For those with 3 kids, you can get in 2 child restraints in the rear with room for a small child in the middle.

EcoFriendly

The Jetta delivers good fuel economy of 6.6 litres/100kms combined cycle and reasonably low emissions. In fact, the auto model is more fuel efficient than the manual model! Its Green Vehicle Rating is 4 stars, which is very acceptable.

Features We Love

• Touch screen sat nav and media interface system

• Stylish instrumentation cluster

• Digital speed read out

Overall View

The Jetta is for those who like the size of a Golf but prefer the shape of a sedan and require more boot space. Overall it is a good car, but will take some time to get used to the acceleration.

If you are considering this car you may also like to test drive the Honda Accord Euro, Mazda6, Toyota Camry or Ford Mondeo.

Features of Model Reviewed

*Manufacturer's RRP excludes dealer delivery and statutory on road costs.

# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your Volkswagen dealer for the most recent information.

Review Date: February 2010

Reviewed By: Melissa Pye