Volkswagen’s entry-level sedan is new from the ground up, but it’s a whole lot more than the sum of its parts.
The 2019 Jetta — now on sale — exudes a much different attitude, one that’s decidedly more upscale, even though the car’s price tag and content are commensurate with its more popular peers.
Despite the current buying trend that skews toward utility vehicles of all sizes, there remains plenty of interest in models with trunks. For many first-time buyers, affordability and fuel economy are paramount, as is gripping the wheel of something stylish and fun to drive.
The Jetta fulfils those basic needs, and an increase in size results in a car that’s a bit less compact. There are slight gains in length, width, height and distance between the front and rear wheels. The little sedan also looks less frumpy than the previous model. The slippery sheetmetal, with its tautly drawn lines and a Passat-like grille, might convince you that the Jetta is larger than it actually is.
A corresponding increase in interior volume is good news, particularly for rear-seat passengers, while the cockpit-style dashboard is well laid out and the gauges — especially the optional digital versions — are easy to assimilate. The front buckets are comfortable and well bolstered, but some drivers might find them a bit narrow.
The Jetta perches on Volkswagen’s latest MBQ platform that’s used as the foundation for a number of VW and Audi models. It’s more resistant to bending and twisting, which is important for overall driving quality, comfort and reduced noise levels.
The 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine carries over essentially unchanged from 2018. Output is rated at 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
Buyers can select from a six-speed manual transmission or available eight-speed automatic. Both are upgrades from the previous five-speed manual gearbox and the extra-cost six-speed automatic.
Fuel economy with either transmission is rated at 7.8 l/100 km in the city and 5.9 on the highway, down from 8.3/5.9.
The previously optional turbocharged 170-horsepower 1.8-litre is gone, but the hot Jetta GLI — sporting a turbocharged 220-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder — is expected in early 2019.
In urban settings, the Jetta is mostly fun to drive, especially when the Sport model is selected. The turbo engine delivers plenty of torque at lower revs, making the car snappy enough to chirp the front tires from a stop. The eight-speed automatic shifts imperceptibly and always seems to have the right gear instantly available when accelerating. Cornering precision is also first rate, without undue body lean.
The only serious quibble is the Jetta’s behaviour over rough pavement, where an inordinate amount of bumping and booming is evident. For cost- and weight-saving reasons, Volkswagen installed a torsion-beam (solid) rear axle in place of the previous independent multi-link setup, which is a possible culprit. Anyone preferring a multilink-equipped Jetta should wait for the GLI to show up.
Pricing for the base Jetta Comfortline starts at $22,650, with destination charges. That includes most standard gear plus an electronic parking brake and 16-inch alloy wheels (no wheel covers). The next-in-line Highline costs about $3,100 more and adds a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, 17-inch alloy wheels and blind-spot monitor with rear-traffic alert.
The top-level Exceline trim ($29,350) comes equipped with navigation, ventilated leather seats, heated steering wheel, remote start, BeatsAudio-brand premium sound system and 17-inch “Toronado” wheels.
Crash-avoiding/mitigating dynamic-safety technology is optional.
Ultimately, the Jetta’s challenge is to close in on the front-running Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Cruze. Fortunately, a good-looking and roomy shell, spunky turbo engine and sharp driving manners should assist in achieving that goal.
