Review:
Volkswagen previously priced itself above its intended market, but wants to regain the title of peoples' car with the all-new Jetta. At its very base S trim, the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta can be had for $15,995. But forget any tech features at that level--for the good stuff you need to move up to the SEL trim, a little pricier at $21,395.
Our Jetta SEL review car looked like a very good value, even at that price. For one, its navigation and Bluetooth phone systems are standard.
In an effort to hone in on its core North American audience, Volkswagen has redesigned its highly successful Jetta sedan for the latest model year. This all-new Jetta has been tailored specifically for North America - and it boasts an expanded lineup compared with the model it replaced.
Boasting a design clearly inspired by VW's New Concept Coupe that debuted in early 2010 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Jetta's design is very clearly derivative of VW's other current offerings.
As a result, the Jetta's wheelbase is now 2.76 inches longer than the outgoing model, while its length increases by 3.54 inches, putting the overall length of the sedan up to 182.6 inches. As a result, the interior is the roomiest ever offered on a Jetta. The sedan is a mere inch or two shorter than the popular fifth-generation Passat, which was sold between 1996 and 2005.
A key benefit of the extended wheelbase is a more comfortable layout of the five-seat rear seating area. Legroom is now a class-leading 38.1 inches, a 2.7-inch gain from the previous model.
Four trim levels (S, SE, SEL, TDI) will continue to be offered, although the base price has been dropped to $15,995 for the entry-level S model.
The base Jetta boasts ESC, ABS and six airbags for safety, along with tire pressure monitoring, remote keyless entry, outdoor temperature display and daytime running lights. Inside passengers will enjoy a pollen filter, power locks, two cupholders, A/C, AM/FM radio with CD capability with an auxiliary input.
Upgrading to the SE trim will add a 2.5-liter engine, 16-inch wheels, V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, body-colored side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a chrome interior package that accents the rotary light switch, bezels for air nozzles, HVAC controls, parking brake and steering wheel emblem.
The front center console includes a storage box and two cupholders, as well as a rear center armrest with two cupholders. Cruise control, a lockable and illuminated glove box, front reading lamps, illuminated vanity mirrors and floor mats round out the standard features for this trim level.
Available as options, one can add the Convenience package for an extra $1,350, which adds a leather multifunction steering wheel, leather gearshift grip and leather parking brake cover, along with upgraded 16-inch alloy wheels and two additional interior speakers.
Also added is Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod connectivity, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth and heated seats and windshield nozzles. A sunroof can also be added for an extra $1,250.
Next in the trim line hierarchy is the SEL, starting at $21,395, and including everything listed in the SE plus Convenience package, in addition to fog lamps, chrome accents on the radiator grille, chrome trim around the windows, machine-polished 17-inch alloy wheels and rear disc brakes.
Also included is keyless access and push-button start, along with driver's seat lumbar adjustment, interior metal-look accept pieces and a trip computer.
SEL can also be had with the Sport Package, which brings the price to $22,995, and adds a sport-tuned suspension, sport-bolstered seats, aluminum pedals and restyled door sills.
The range-topping TDI starts at $22,995, includes everything found on the SE with Convenience plus sunroof, along with a trip computer, rear disc brakes and 16-inch wheels.
TDI with Nav tacks on an additional $1,200, and adds navigation, fog lamps, chrome exterior accents and keyless access with push-button start.
The latest Jetta also sees the return of Volkswagen's 115-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain as its base engine, while the previously standard 170 horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder will be on the options list. (The GLI trim level is listed as its own vehicle on LeftLaneNews).
The more performance-oriented Jettas come with the 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI four-cylinder, good for 200 horsepower, while the ever-popular 2.0-liter TDI diesel four-cylinder is available as its own trim level.
The TDI outputs 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, and has been modified to meet the latest emissions standards in the U.S., but VW says it will average around 34 mpg in mixed driving and 42 mpg on the highway. Five-speed manual transmissions will be standard across the line (Except for the TDI, which receives a six-speed manual), while six-speed automatics will be optional. The TSI and TDI engines get VW's advanced six-speed DSG automatic.
The all-new Jetta includes several features designed to enhance driver and passenger safety including electronic stability control to help prevent drivers from losing control of their cars and tire pressure monitoring. The Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) is unique in its class. ICRS turns off the fuel pump, activates the hazard lights and unlocks the doors in the case of an airbag deployment.
