The angular front bumper and prominent 'tornado' line along the sides of the Jetta keep it looking very 21st century without being too exaggerated, bold and in-your-face. The indicators integrated into the door mirrors, silver-framed driver instruments and high-quality materials all try to persuade us that it's unnecessary to spend our money on the Passat when quality can be much more affordable.
Standard safety kit includes 6 airbags and an array or acronyms. All that's important is that the Jetta performed well in its Euro NCAP testings achieving the highest possible 5-star rating. The 3 year mechanical warranty is not alone in reassuring you that your money is well-spent. It's joined by a 12 year anti-perforation guarantee, a 3 year paint warranty and an extendable 1 year membership of Volkswagen Assistance.
When it comes to choosing engines, you're not spoilt for choice. There are two EU6-compliant engines, both with two different power outputs. The 1.4 TSI petrol engine can be had with 123 and 148 bhp outputs. Both come standard with a 6-speed manual 'box although you can have the higher output petrol with a 7-speed DSG automatic. Both cars get to 62 mph in less than 10 seconds and are said to achieve over 50 mpg. CO2 figures range from 117-125 g/km making them cost £30-£110 a year to tax.
You could, however, opt for diesel power. The 2.0 TDI is to be had with 108 and 148 bhp outputs. The lesser powered unit can be mated to a 5-speed manual 'box or a 7-speed DSG. With the manual it's capable of 70.6 mpg, emitting 105 g/km of CO2. The top-of-the-range diesel comes with 6 gears, whether it be manual or DSG automatic. It's just 0.3 of a second off the quickest 1.4 TSI to 62 mph, at 8.9 seconds. Efficiency figures vary a bit with this engine, but mated to the 6-speed manual the 148bhp 2.0 TDI should get 67.3 mpg and emit 109 g/km. All diesels cost £20-£30 a year to tax. The engine range doesn't quite compete with that of the Škoda Octavia which has emissions starting from 90 g/km for the 108 bhp 1.6 TDI.
Unlike some rivals, for example the Octavia and the Audi A3 Saloon, the Jetta cannot be specified with a high-power output to give it some oomph. The former has a vRS variant which can be had with 2.0-litre TDI and TSI engines with power ranging from 181 to 227 bhp. The latter can be bought with a crazy 296 bhp 2.0 TFSI (petrol) engine and quattro all-wheel-drive.
To go with the shortage of engines is the shortage of trim levels. With three trim levels to choose from, it can instantly be cut down to two. Although the S has air conditioning and a simple touchscreen radio system, it lacks alloy wheels which means it's a trim to disregard. SE adds 16-inch alloys, cruise control and a more sophisticated radio system with Bluetooth and DAB digital radio at a £1,330 premium. Make that a GT for another £1,570 to add luxuries such as 17-inch alloys, front fog lights and automatic wipers.
The Volkswagen is a strict saloon, unlike the Octavia and Peugeot 508 which are also available with a more practical estate guise. The Peugeot 508 can alternatively be specified as an RXH which adds four-wheel-drive and off-road rugged looks and functionality. The Peugeot uses conventional combustion engines as well as offering a HYbrid4 - the all-wheel-drive hybrid that emits 95 g/km and achieves 70.6 mpg on certain models.
If I were in the market for a car like the Jetta, after having considered carefully the other options, I would spec my car like this:
Volkswagen Jetta Configuration
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