VOLKSWAGEN

Jetta

Boasting sleek sporty good looks, the Jetta is fitted with class-leading interior specifications and many advanced features usually associated with a luxury saloon. Safety is high on the agenda and the performance, at times, will astound.

The good

Great all-round value

The bad

A bit too much plastic inside

Tech Specs

Price from

£18,815

Combined Fuel up to

70.6mpg

0-62 from

8.6 seconds

max speed up to

137mph

co2 from

105g/km

Test Drive

Volkswagen Jetta Sport 2.0 TDI 140PS

Boasting more space for passengers and better technology, the latest VW Jetta has further enhanced its appeal as a stylish mid-sized saloon which is great value too.

It has an eye-catching exterior featuring smart alloys, body-coloured door mirrors with integrated indicators, an automatic arriving/leaving lighting system, neat light clusters and elegantly-designed streamlining.

And the quality is just as apparent once you take your seat behind the multi-function steering wheel. All dials, buttons and controls are ideally positioned for driver convenience and, unlike many models, the read-outs are very clear and precise.

The new Jetta offers extra space for rear passengers plus extra large rear windows means daylight floods into the cabin creating a light and airy atmosphere for all occupants.

The number of top notch features throughout the cabin are plentiful and include a semi-automatic climate control with dust and pollen filter, automatic driving lights with dusk sensor, electric windows, cruise control, a sound system compatible with all today’s devices, a multi-function computer and plenty more besides.

The extremely generously-sized boot seems to go on forever and can easily accommodate a family’s luggage requirements. And this capacity is further enhanced by split-folding rear seats that can be easily lowered via a lever positioned inside the boot.

In addition, there are plenty of other useful storage areas including a nicely-sized glove box and deep pockets in the back of the front seats.

The model tested boasted a 2.0-litre diesel-powered engine with six-speed manual transmission.

This provided excellent power and acceleration and the Jetta also proved deceptively nimble and easy to manoeuvre in tighter spaces.

Road-holding was excellent although comfort levels were a little bumpy at times – due to it being a sport model.

That aside though, cabin noise was relatively low and the general feel and performance of the vehicle was responsive and most enjoyable.

As one would expect, VW has packed plenty of top notch safety features into the Jetta, including anti-lock brakes, hydraulic brake assist, electronic stabilisation programme, numerous airbags and lots more.

All in all , when you take into consideration the asking price of just under £21k, the VW Jetta is very big on appeal without being too harsh on your savings.

Test Drive

Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 SE TSI 4dr

The name sounds like it could be a real blast from the past and, in fairness, it is. For this is the second time round for the Volkswagen Jetta.

First introduced back in 1980, it was replaced by the Vento and then Bora, but now the Jetta is back and back with a vengeance.

Slotting neatly between the Golf and Passat, the vehicle has plenty of space for five adults to travel in comfort and there is a generously-sized boot area along with numerous smaller storage compartments throughout.

But for me, after a week-long test drive, it was the incredible spec level that impressed the most.

Although the model supplied did have a few additional extras such as a top-of-the-range sat nav system and multi-functional steering wheel, the list of standard features was also very comprehensive and featured safety lighting, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, cruise control, electrically heated mirrors, rain sensors, snazzy alloys, leather trim and bags more.

And this list is only the start as the safety specifications on the Jetta are first class and very impressive too.

The vehicle was a pleasure to drive in busy congested areas with excellent all-round visibility and good manoeuvrability too.

Then, out on the more open road, the car burst into life with its 1.4-litre engine delivering plenty of power.

The Jetta boasts excellent fuel economy figures and the initial outlay will keep you on speaking terms with your bank manager.

Maybe, it doesn’t quite have the flair of the Golf or the superb spec level of the Passat, but there is certainly a place in our showrooms for such a classy vehicle and hopefully it’s here to stay this time.