Volkswagen Jetta (2014)

Expert Review by Maxabout

Volkswagen India has launched the new model of Jetta in Indian market. It is available in six variants - Trendline diesel, Trendline petrol, Comfortline diesel, Comfortline petrol, Highline and Highline Automatic. The New Jetta features all-new head lights, tail lights, fog lamps, bumpers and front grille. The interiors are also new with different shade for leather upholstery; it also gets minor changes in the design of central console and instrument cluster. The top model of New Jetta comes fully loaded with host of safety and comfort features like automatic climate control system, dash integrated music system, SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution system and reverse parking sensors.

When talking about German cars, one of the names that usually pop out of one’s head is the brand Volkswagen. Also called VW, this brand has been trusted by many generations for its quality and style. The company has produced six various generations of sedans or saloons, including the famous Jetta. Volkswagen Jetta was named after the Atlantic Jet Stream, a prominent kind of wind found in the Atlantic Ocean. Since its original version was released in 1980, over 10 million Volkswagen Jettas have been sold to different countries all-over the world, including India.

Exterior

When it comes to design, Volkswagen Jetta has a distinct look. Jetta was originally modified by adding a square trunk to the Golf hatchback with some unique style modifications either at the front end or inside the car itself. Since it has many versions, some come with two doors while there are some with four doors called the saloon or sedan type. Some have five doors also called the estate or station wagon versions. If you are looking for a car that is not too big or too small and is easy to drive, then you are looking for a Volkswagen Jetta. This sedan has a length of 4644mm, a width of 1778 and a height of 1453 mm. Its wheelbase is not too big either, which is at 2633 mm that is why most drivers feel comfortable travelling with it. New Jetta features new design for alloy wheels and daytime running LED lights.

Engine and Gearbox

The New Jetta is available in both petrol and diesel. The 1968cc diesel engine generates maximum power of 140 bhp with maximum torque of 320 Nm. New Volkswagen Jetta is expected to return decent mileage figures. The Highline variant has option between six-speed manual and six-speed automatic gearbox. Trendline and Comfortline features six-speed manual gearbox. The petrol Jetta is powered by 1.4 litre TSi engine; it generates maximum power of 120 bhp at 5000 rpm with maximum torque of 200 nm at 1500-4000 rpm.

Shades

New Volkswagen Jetta is available in seven shades: Candy white, Reflex silver, Toffee brawn, Deep black pearl, Platinum grey, Silver leaf (in diesel only) and Moon Rock Silver (in petrol only).

Ride and Handling

Driving the Jetta feels very smooth with exceptional handling while having a comfortable ride. It has electrical power steering that is very responsive and accurate due to its 1.8 litre TSi engine. Volkswagen Jetta’s TDI Turbo Diesel gives plenty of rotating force and is surprisingly suave, with minimal turbo suspension. The 2.0L Turbo engine is fast minus the hassles.

Safety Features

Like most luxury cars, Volkswagen Jetta has its own set of safety features. It has anti-lock brakes or ABS brakes to mechanically sense when a wheel has stopped spinning under extreme pressure upon decelerating. It will then modulate the force given to the brake to allow the tire to spin or move. This gives the vehicle the ability to turn even while slowing down. It also comes with stability control which automatically detects when the car’s handling limits have been overdone. The vehicle has been designed to reduce the engine’s power and apply selected brakes to prevent the driver from losing his or her control over the vehicle. In case of accidents, front-impact airbags have been installed for both the driver and passenger to keep the head from having any severe injuries during a frontal crash.

Side impact airbags for the front seats have been installed to keep the passenger’s torso in place during a side impact crash. Overhead airbags have been added for more protection in case of a side crash or a rollover. Pretensioners or seatbelt pretensioners have been put in place to tighten seat-belts automatically to prevent more body damage by keeping the occupant in an optimal seating position during a car crash. The car’s security system is fitted out with a program that anticipates any detected unwanted vehicle intrusion or forced entry. It also comes with an ignition disable device to stop the engine from starting in case the correct original Volkswagen manufacturer key is not used.

Variants

Volkswagen India has launched the New Jetta in 6 variants: Diesel Trendline, Diesel Comfortline, Diesel Highline, Diesel Highline Automatic, Petrol Trendline and Petrol Comfortline.

Accessories

Car accessories such as baby seats, Bluetooth device and other stuff needed by Volkswagen Jetta customers are available online and through Volkswagen showrooms throughout India. There may be offers from unlicensed manufacturers and dealers yet they can be risky since they are not under warranty and may not have passed quality control standards. Volkswagen accessories sold by legitimate dealers are guaranteed to work properly and are covered with Volkswagen warranty in case there are any manufacturer defects.

Value for Money

Some car owners regard the Jetta as a very costly car when it comes to maintenance. On the other hand, if you know how to use your car well and do basic maintenance regularly, this should not be a problem. You can also speak to any Volkswagen dealer to help you decide if this car suits your lifestyle. You can also get discounts from some dealers. Since Volkswagen cars are manufactured with high-quality, it would be very rare to experience extreme issues when it comes to the engine itself. There are also many Volkswagen centres in India so it is easy to get in touch to any Volkswagen representative should you need any help with parts and service.

Verdict

Overall, Volkswagen Jetta is a good deal if you are after on-road dynamics. It is very comfortable to drive plus you enjoy a good power-train. There are many equipped sedans in the market which may cost less than a Jetta but if you are looking for a complete package, Jetta is just the right car for you.