Volkswagen JettaRange
Weve had Ventos and Boras in the interim, but to many, a Volkswagen Golf with a boot on the back will always be a Jetta. In fact, in many markets the Jetta name was never retired, and Volkswagen have opted to apply a global strategy, thus reviving the Jetta name in the UK. But whereas the old Jetta was a rather basic, no nonsense sort of car, the latest version sees it spear considerably upmarket.
Youre probably aware of the issue with small cars with boots attached to their posteriors. They may sell well in the US, but over here, we get deeply suspicious of anything less than the size of a Mondeo that doesnt have a hatchback. Thats why the original Jetta and its Bora and Vento successors never exceeded 20 per cent of Golf sales when measured on a like for like basis. Volkswagen realised that something rather different needed to be done.
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Volvo recognised it and developed the S40 to capture sales of people who want a car thats a cut above the usual Ford Focus/Vauxhall Astra norm but which is priced below the entry level for BMW and Audi saloons. Size isnt an issue, but badge equity most certainly is. Thats why Volvo and now Volkswagen are here. Saab have missed a trick in not launching a smaller car based on Vauxhall Astra mechanicals to claim a slice of the pie, but something tells me the top brass in Wolfsburg wont be shedding any tears over General Motors ability to take their eyes off the prize.
Viewed in profile, its easy to establish the Jettas genetics. The wheelbase looks a little short for a car of its length, giving it some rather old fashioned long overhangs. Nevertheless, from virtually every other angle one has to contend that its a very neat bit of styling. The rear end in particular is almost impossible to discern at a fleeting glance from that of the Passat, sharing its LED rear lights and beautifully integrated bumper assembly.
"This Jetta is so much more than a Golf with an ungainly appendage"
The chromed grille at the front also gives the Jetta a little more overtaking presence than the Golf and the differences dont stop there. Given that Volkswagen is pitching the Jetta as a slightly upscale alternative to its hatchback cousin, it also benefits from additional standard equipment. The range consists of just three variants S, SE and Sport yet all models get air conditioning, alloy wheels, a six-speaker CD stereo, trip computer and electric windows all round. Somewhat perversely, the biggest threat to Jetta sales could come from the Passat.
Volkswagen have pitched Passat prices rather aggressively and given that the Jetta carries a premium of around £1,000 over its Golf equivalent, the two booted cars could be uncomfortably close bedfellows in terms of price. The Jetta does without the poverty-spec 1.4-litre engines that kick off the Golf line up, the opening point instead being the 122bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI unit.
Next up is the intriguing 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged and supercharged engine in 140 and 170bhp form and then a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine shared with the Golf GTi thats good for 197bhp. Theres also a pair of TDI diesel engines.
The rather unlovely 105bhp 1.9-litre is best ignored, many feeling that the more modern 2.0-litre 138bhp unit is worth the extra expense. Both diesel engines are offered with Volkswagens pioneering DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) system.
One criticism levelled at the two previous generation Bora models was that although the cars offered a ride and refinement package that was hard to beat, they never really offered the sort of infectious handling that many rivals could boast. The fifth generation car adopts a pragmatic tactic in benchmarking the suspension of the Ford Focus and first impressions are promising. The body is eighty per cent stiffer than its predecessor and the new electro-mechanical steering feel and composed body control are leagues ahead. The interior is a little plusher than standard Golf fare, although the basic architecture of the dashboard is the same.
In many ways, its reminiscent of the Phaeton luxury saloon, although the centre console is lifted from the Touran mini-MPV. With the possible exception of its pricier Volkswagen Group cousin, the Audi A3, the cabin has the beating of anything out there as regards ambience. The interior features soft-feel slush-moulded plastics, high-quality switches, subtle use of chrome, fabric-covered A-pillars plus blue instrument backlighting with red needles, a signature of the fourth generation model. The latest Golf set new standards by introducing 2Zone climate control and four-way lumbar support within the line-up, so the Jetta benefits from these features too.
In addition, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme), no fewer than six airbags as well as anti-lock brakes are fitted as standard throughout the range. Big car features such as automatic activation of headlamps and wipers are built into the cars electronics. The boot itself is bigger than the old Boras. Capacity has gone up from a not inconsiderable 455 litres to a hefty 527 litres, making it more capacious than the boot of a BMW 7 Series.
For extra flexibility, the 60/40 split rear back-rest can be folded forwards to form an almost flat floor up to the front seats. With all this in mind, you wont be surprised to learn that the Jetta is a larger vehicle than the Bora that it replaces. At 4.56 m long, it has grown by 18.
2 cm, while width has increased by 2.5 cm to 1.76 m. Volkswagen will have to walk a very fine line in marketing the Jetta as a model that sits between the Golf and Passat.
If they can pull it off, theres no reason why this model shouldnt eclipse the success of all its booted predecessors. Small four-door cars havent always found a ready audience in this country but by subtly altering the Jettas appeal, Volkswagen think they may have this thorny issue cracked.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Volkswagen Jetta range
PRICES: £14,952-£19,007 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 6-15
CO2 EMISSIONS: 137-189g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.4 TSI 140PS] Max Speed 127mph / 0-60mph 9.3s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.4 TSI 122PS] 44.8mpg (combined)
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin airbags / ABS / Side airbags / ESP
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm 4560/1760/1460
