Jetta makes complete break from Golf origins

Volkswagen's new Jetta, launched this week, is a clean-sheet design steeped in the visual language of the new Passat, Amarok and Touareg models launched earlier this year.

Growing a hefty 190mm over the model it supersedes, it now comes within 25mm of the Passat. Some 55mm of its growth spurt has taken place in the wheelbase, helping make it considerably roomier inside, especially for rear-seat legroom. Like its sibling, the Jetta now accommodates five adults, with a commensurately cavernous 510 litres of bootspace behind them.

The company has simplified the Jetta’s engine and specification lineup, dispensing with the previous model’s top-spec 125TDI and base 77TDI powertrains. The 1.4-litre 118kW TSI petrol model now forms the base with a six-speed manual gearbox; a seven-speed DSG is a $2500 option. Thanks to Volkswagen’s unusual ‘twin-charging’ setup – supercharging on take-off, segueing into turbocharging once it’s got its momentum up – it produces its peak 240Nm through a broad 1500-4000rpm band. It’s enough to carry the manual Jetta from 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds while sipping 6.5L/100km combined (dropping to 6.2 with the DSG).

Mid-spec Comfortline spec is available with the same drivetrain but DSG only, or with the familiar 103kW TDI diesel engine and six-speed DSG. The 2.0-litre oiler produces a peak 320Nm of torque from 1750-2500rpm, getting it from 0-100km/h in 9.5 seconds and consuming just 5.5L/100km combined.

Top spot in the lineup now goes to the 147kW TSI petrol engine with six-speed DSG. The 2.0-litre turbocharged four inherited from the Golf GTI generates a peak 280Nm from 1700rpm, getting it from 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds and using a combined 7.9L/100km.

Equipment levels have expanded in base-spec cars to include daytime running lights, Bluetooth phone connection and audio streaming, eight-speaker audio, anti-whiplash head restraints, chillable glove box. As an added security measure, the 60:40 split-fold rear seat-back can only be dropped from inside the boot, preventing boot entry from the cabin.

Mid-spec Comfortline models get 16-inch alloys with tyre-pressure monitoring, sensor-activated headlamps and wipers, dual zone climate control, front and rear parking beepers and reversing camera.

Highline spec adds front foglights with integrated static cornering lights, sports suspension with the ride height lowered by 15mm, 17-inch alloys, headlight washers, an audio upgrade with six-disc CD stacker and 6.5-inch touchscreen controls, heated leather sports seats with storage drawers.

Upmarket Comfortline and Highline models introduce new convenience features like remote operation of windows and sunroof (from the key-fob) to let out heat before entering the car, and simultaneous exterior mirror adjustment, which triangulates to automatically adjust the left wing mirror off input adjustment to the right one.

All models now get a full sized spare wheel.

Volkswagen has reduced the entry price to the range. At $26,490 plus on-road costs, the new base-spec 118 TSI manual starts $2500 below the superseded 77 TDI.

Prices for the new Jetta lineup:
118TSI 6sp manual from $26,490 ($2500 below superseded 77TDI model)
118TSI 7sp DSG from $28,990
118TSI 7sp DSG from $28,990
118TSI Comfortline 7sp DSG from $32,490
103TDI Comfortline 6sp DSG from $34,990
147 TSI Highline 6sp DSG from $37,990

Key to pictures: Entry level model in red (interior with manual transmission), Jetta Comfortline in blue (interior with DSG and dark decorative trim) and Jetta Highline in grey (interior with DSG and mid-tone decorative trim)

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