Upgraded VW Jetta from under $23K

Dealers are now taking orders for the upgraded Volkswagen Jetta we first reported in April last year.

At the entry level, the Jetta 118TSI Trendline – with a manual transmission – is priced $2000 lower than before, at $22,790 plus on-road costs. Volkswagen also offers the base model with a seven-speed dual-clutch (DSG) transmission for $25,290.

The 1.4-litre direct-injected and turbocharged engine powering the 118 TSI variants is carried over from the superseded Jetta and develops 118kW (hence the name) and 240Nm. It's available in three different levels of trim: the low-spec Trendline grade, mid-range Comfortline and flagship Highline. Only the Trendline grade offers a manual variant, with seven-speed DSG transmissions the default choice for the other grades with the 118 TSI engine.

Diesel fanciers are catered for with the Jetta 103 TDI variant, equipped to Highline specification and fitted as standard with a six-speed DSG transmission. This engine – also retained from the pre-facelift Jetta range – is a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel rated at 103kW and 320Nm.

Topping the range is the new 155 TSI Highline Sport variant, priced at $39,990. A 2.0-litre direct-injected and turbocharged petrol four-cylinder resides under the bonnet, producing 155kW and 280Nm. The flagship model is available in just the one grade and with a six-speed DSG transmission as standard.

Fuel consumption figures are: 6.5L/100km (Trendline manual), 6.2L/100km (118 TSI models with DSG), 5.5L/100km (103 TDI) and 7.8L/100km (155 TSI).

Equipment is largely as it was in the past, except where noted as follows. Halogen daytime running lights are a feature of all models, other than the LED-equipped 155 TSI flagship, which is also the sole variant to gain the new bi-xenon headlights and LED tail-lights.

The Jetta's central locking system now incorporates a deadlock function and keyless entry/starting (the latter for Highline spec vehicles only). All models gain an extended electronic differential lock for the new model year.

Jetta Trendline migrates from 16-inch steel wheels to 'Sonoma' alloys of the same size. Previous 'Navarra' 16-inch alloy wheels for the Comfortline specification have given way to 'Porto' alloys measuring 17 inches in diameter. Highline models other than the 155 TSI variant now sport 'Lancaster' 17-inch alloys in lieu of the Porto wheels fitted before. The 155 TSI variant comes with 18-inch 'Charleston' alloys. Volkswagen has dropped the full-size 16-inch steel spare in favour of a space-saver unit across the range.

New features for the facelifted model include an alarm system across the range, Driver Fatigue Detection System, a dipping passenger-side mirror for reversing (N/A Trendline), rear map lights, electrically adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats (Highline only).

The RNS510 infotainment system (audio and sat-nav) is now standard in the Comfortline variant, as well as the Highline models. Only the base Trendline models soldier on with the RCD310 unit previously offered in the Jetta Comfortline. While the RCD310 is MP3-compatible and incorporates a CD player, the RNS510 features a 6.5-inch colour display, satellite-navigation with voice control function, 30GB hard disk for music and navigation, SD card slot and DVD player.

Interior decorative trim is new, comprising 'Checker plate titanium' for doors and dash in the Jetta Trendline, 'Zebrano' woodgrain for the Comfortline model and 'Checker plate black with chrome' for the Highline variants. Cruise control is now actuated from the multi-function steering wheel and shift paddles are introduced, but in the 155 TSI variant only. The 155 TSI also gains a sliding storage tray under the front passenger's seat.