Regardless of the rise of the crossover, automakers have remained significantly loyal to compact sedans. Each mainstream Japanese model has an entry. Ditto Hyundai and Kia. And whereas the Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cruze, and Dodge Dart have taken their place within the huge scrapheap within the sky, even Germany’s Volkswagen continues to play on this in style section.
However the Volkswagen Jetta, significantly in its present type guise, has all the time represented a considerably totally different method to reasonably priced four-doors. The place different merchandise depend on youthful verve and extreme design, the Jetta has all the time felt extra grown up and (for essentially the most half) extra premium due to it. The newest mannequin strikes the suitable steadiness once more with its enticing, low-key demeanor and relaxed driving character, however whereas that was adequate over time, it will not be in 2021.
Execs
With an EPA-estimated effectivity ranking of 30 mpg metropolis, 40 freeway, and 34 mixed, the Jetta is without doubt one of the best gas-only compact sedans round. And whereas our gas economic system simply barely scratched town ranking, the blended circumstances and frosty climate throughout our take a look at left us satisfied that the mixed ranking needs to be achievable in common commuting. By comparability, the Honda Civic and its turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder web rankings of 30 metropolis, 38 freeway, and 33 mixed, whereas the Toyota Corolla lags at 29 metropolis, 37 freeway, and 32 mixed.
The brand new Hyundai Elantra returns as much as 33 metropolis, 43 freeway, and 37 mixed, which is a powerful achievement, however the Jetta nets its ranking whereas providing 187 pound-feet of torque to the Hyundai’s 132. We’ll fortunately sacrifice a few of the Jetta’s effectivity for the added twist. Realistically, the one approach to assure higher gas economic system with out giving up a boatload of torque is with a hybrid powertrain – the brand new Elantra Hybrid bests the Jetta’s torque ranking and returns as much as 54 mpg mixed.
Whereas the Jetta carries an ultra-low beginning worth of $19,695 (for an automatic-transmission mannequin), the $27,495 SEL Premium trim nonetheless appears like a really spectacular discount from behind the wheel. The SEL Premium is the one trim with energy seats, whereas the chairs themselves are “Consolation Sport” seats – we do not know what makes them such, however they’re each snug and supportive for a mainstream compact sedan. The Premium’s commonplace leather-based upholstery is a boon, too, whereas the nav-enabled 8.0-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster are uncommonly good for the category.
The lesser SEL has a few of this gear, the identical complete energetic security suite (adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and automated emergency braking are commonplace on each top-end trims), and shaves $2,000 off the value tag. It is price contemplating if worth is an object, however we might spend the additional on the powered seats and nav-enabled infotainment have been it our cash.
The Jetta incorporates a comparatively fundamental suspension setup, with entrance struts and a torsion beam out again, however it nonetheless manages to wow with its experience consolation. The tuning is delicate and relaxed, and with modest 17-inch wheels shod in 55-series rubber, the Jetta isolates its driver in a approach that is uncommon for a compact sedan. It is serene at freeway pace, permitting this German to excel within the type of uninteresting, unexciting commuting that makes up most of a car’s every day duties. Total, it is a far much less dynamic however arguably extra snug providing than what you will discover elsewhere within the class.
Save Hundreds On A New Volkswagen Jetta
MSRP $ 19,815
MSRP $ 19,815
Save on common over $3,400 off MSRP* with
Motor1.com Automobile Shopping for Service
Cons
Apart from the sporty GLI, each Jetta comes with a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine (for now), whereas most characteristic an ordinary eight-speed automated (the bottom and R-Line can be found with a six-speed guide that shaves $800 off the value). That is an uninspired powertrain, with simply 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque – the Jetta’s efficiency is purposeful for on a regular basis driving, with enough low-end torque, however it sounds awful when pushed and runs out of steam properly earlier than its already-low 6,000-rpm redline.
The eight-speed automated is sluggish to have interaction off the road, resulting in some jerky conduct in the event you apply sudden throttle from a standstill because the computer systems battle to get the ability to the entrance wheels. Compact sedans are hardly paragons of driving pleasure, however it’s onerous to think about the Jetta’s efficiency alongside extra nice, highly effective choices just like the Mazda3.
Yeah, we just like the minimalist design of the Jetta. It is clear and easy. However with compact vehicles predominantly centered on youthful adults, the Jetta, which as soon as counted itself because the king of youthful sedans within the 2000s, feels stodgy and out of contact. That is doubly true when seen alongside the polarizing Honda Civic, the attractive Mazda3, or the acute Hyundai Elantra. This isn’t a foul design, however it’s additionally removed from thrilling, and that could possibly be problematic for the youthful buyers the Jetta has lengthy succeeded in attracting.
Crossovers are king, which can clarify the comparatively few Jetta variants on the market. You possibly can have one of many 5 mainline trims (S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium) or the sporty GLI, and that is about it. There are not any plans for a hybrid mannequin, no actual competitor for the upcoming Elantra N (except for some outdated rumors), and simply the easy four-door physique fashion – nothing to compete with the Civic or Mazda hatchbacks. The one approach somebody retailers for a Jetta is that if they’re lifeless set on a standard sedan, and as a whole lot of reports reviews have mentioned, there simply aren’t that many individuals in search of such a factor.
