VW Jetta 1.4 TSI

With the vast array of exceptionally good mid-range saloons available today, one might tend to believe that the new Volkswagen Jetta is on the back foot before even driving onto the showroom floor. However don’t discount it just yet.

You see the all new Jetta is literally that, all new. It is no longer simply a Golf with a boot. Volkswagen has completely redesigned the vehicle – and never before has a Jetta been this large, this sporty or this independent. Just how independent is evident from the fact that the Jetta no longer shares a single body part with the Golf.

The addition of Volkswagen’s latest ‘design DNA’ sharpens the car’s styling.  As a result, clear, precise lines and muscular surfaces impart a timeless elegance and dynamic styling to the saloon and give the impression that it is a car from a higher class, helped in no small part by its increased proportions. This means the Jetta now has a presence akin to a mini-Passat, rather than just a booted Golf.

Thanks to the Jetta’s growth, of 90mm in length to be exact, leg room in the back has noticeably increased. Other bits and bobs around the interior have also undergone some changes – like the instruments surrounds, which now look more similar to the Passat. However for the most part the changes are purely ergonomic, everything else looks and feels of a VW standard. In other words plain, simple and of exceptional quality.

Under the bonnet of my test vehicle lay a 1.4 litre TSI motor, developing 118kW through the use of both a supercharger and a turbocharger. With this engine, the Jetta sprints to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 221km/h. I must admit it is a remarkable bit of engineering that works well in the real world. There’s a great amount of torque available at lower revs and then no real indication of when the turbo kicks in later on. If I were to be critical I’d say the six speed manual transmission is a bit notchy, but otherwise every part of the drivetrain compliments the others very well.

The compliments continue from a ride and handling perspective as well, but only if you want nothing more than for it to be relaxing without being sloppy. If that is the case, it exceeds those expectations through a reassuringly stable, unflappable and well rounded compromise between body control and bump absorption. From a purists point of view the handling does across a bit dull; with nothing but glimmers of joy derived from the decent grip, composed handling and nicely weighted steering offered by the Jetta.

I do however have two complaints. First of which is the stated consumption figure of 6.3 litres per 100km. If driven exceptionally carefully this can be achieved, however with the way the TSI motor delivers its power, driving carefully is nigh on impossible, ruining consumption figures in the process. Second is the low standard specification for a price tag of R274,500. Personally I’d like to see VW throw in a few extra goodies to match the competition – however people do seem willing to pay a premium for VW products.

If you’re one of those people, you won’t be unhappy with your purchase. Volkswagen has created a car that is simple to use and ergonomically pleasing in its design and layout. It’s well built and will no doubt be reliable too. What more could one expect from a mid-range saloon?

Price: R 274,500
Engine: 1390cc 4 cylinder TSI
Power: 118 kW
Torque:  240 Nm
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 8.3
Top speed (km/h): 221
Fuel consumption (l/100km): 6.3 (claimed)

Miles Downard
First published in Autodealer KZN on 27 April 2012