The Volkswagen Jetta has long been a standard for small sedans from Europe, and is the best selling VW in the United States. In some respects, the Jetta sedan was made for the United States market and has done well. It has shown steady improvements and good tweaks since it's introduction in 2011 The 2017 version changes its configuration some to make the interior larger, so there is more legroom, and a less cramped feel. A backup camera is now standard on all Jettas. Even though the interior is larger, it is getting dated, reviewers say, and they complain about too much plastic being used. Even so, its relatively low price and other positive qualities, such as more space, excellent handling and adequate pep at all trim levels, make it a winner. Read on to learn more about this popular sedan.
Volkswagen has reduced the number of trim packages to four. The rear view camera is now standard at all trim levels, and some of the higher trim level features are now available on the more basic packages as options.
There are three engines available. It starts with a 1.4 liter turbo that cranks out 150 horsepower and delivers 184 lb-ft of torque. A Jetta with this engine should get 28 to 40 miles per gallon. The second engine is a 1.8 liter turbo, that cranks out 170 horsepower and has 184 foot pounds of torque. This one will get 25 to 35 miles per gallon. The strongest engine is for the sportier trim levels. It is a 2.0 liter turbo that can crank out 210 horsepower with premium fuel. It delivers 207 foot pounds of torque and is rated at 23 to 33 miles per gallon.
Standard five speed automatic and standard transmissions are available at all trim levels. There is also a six speed DSG performance transmission for the GLI package, that offers seamless acceleration and very fast gear changes.
The basic trim levels are S, SE, SEL, and GLI. The S is the base package and generally comes with the 1.4 liter engine. The SE also comes with the 1.4 engine, and it offers keyless access and push button start. The SEL is a bit more luxurious, and comes with the 1.8 engine. It has dual zone climate control, a touch screen navigation system, and autonomous emergency braking. The GLI is the more sport oriented car, and comes with the 2.0 liter engine. This version also has 18 inch Mallory wheels and a Fender premium audio system.
This works with your Android Auto or your Apple Car Play phone. Plug it into the system and the apps from your phone will appear on a the information center's touch screen. This allows you to use your apps from inside the car.
There is a blind spot monitor and lane departure warning system. The park assist feature can help you park by showing you how much distance you have in front and in back as you pull in or back in to a parking spot. It has an audible warning, and shows other obstacles as well. There is a rear traffic alert, as well as a forward traffic alert. The front assist gives a collision warning and offers emergency braking.
The most basic safety feature is a tire pressure monitoring system that alerts you when tires are low. There is also a post collision braking system that continues after a crash. An “Intelligent Crash Response System” will turn off the fuel pump, open doors and activate hazard lights in a crash.
The Jetta can go from zero to 60 in 8.4 seconds, and can get to 100 miles per hour in 22.4 seconds. It takes 40 seconds for it to go from zero to 120 miles per hour. The Jetta can do a standing quarter mile in 16.3 seconds, at 87 miles per hour. Its braking, 70 to zero, was rated at 185 feet.