2014 Volkswagen Jetta SE
When this series Jetta came out it represented Volkswagen’s first concerted effort to truly build a car to be competitive in America. Before, its offerings were smaller yet more expensive than Asian players and sales suffered as a result. This model, though, was large and priced right in the heart of the market. Sales reflected this, hitting records for the Germans.
Two areas where the Jetta went backwards however were in the perceived quality of its interior, which was built of cheaper plastics than the model it replaced, and in the powertrain department, where the standard issue 2-liter four cylinder and 2.5-liter five were not frugal or powerful enough. VW has solved one of these issues by offering its new, 170hp 1.8-liter turbo in midmarket Jetta trims, as this engine does wonders for the whole driving experience.
In fact, this engine works better in the Jetta than in the new Audi A3, a more expensive vehicle (tested here). It’s calibrated to work seamlessly with VW’s six-speed automatic, and there is none of the hesitancy that plagues the Audi as you leave a stoplight. Turbo lag is well contained and once it hits boost there is 184lb-ft of torque on tap, and this smooth little four tugs the Jetta along with real alacrity. 0-60 takes only 7.2 seconds seconds, and altitude doesn’t affect it the way it does a normally aspirated car, meaning the VW is a great choice for those who go to the mountains on a regular basis.
Real-world fuel economy isn’t bad either; the test vehicle showed a 22mpg average in the city, not far off its EPA rating and good for such a quick car. The rest of the Jetta driving experience was a pleasant surprise as well. Ride quality was decent, with most urban road damage being dispatched in a polished manner, while handling felt solid and Germanic, especially in terms of steering precision.
The Jetta’s interior is roomy and the option groupings well chosen, though the shiny, hard plastics still grate a bit, especially when you know how well finished a Golf or Passat is. And the use of vinyl for the seating surfaces still strikes as a bad choice for hot days. At least the fronts are heated for the colder months. Also, the steering wheel and shifter are now finished in a high quality leather so that these frequent touch points exude an expensive feel.
In aggregate the Jetta is now a solid class competitor; more fun to drive than almost anything in the class; on par in technology, and slightly roomier than the class leading Mazda3 (tested here), while also being quicker at this elevation. If Volkswagen continues with this kind of polishing, the Jetta will soon regain its position as one of the most desirable cars in its class.
EPA ratings: 25/36mpg; 29mpg combined
Price as tested: $24,315
Here is what VW has to say about it.
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