FIRST DRIVE: 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
[Pages:4]2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
The new, sixth-generation Jetta changes its position in the Volkswagen family, becoming the entry model in the German automaker's Canadian lineup. As such, it replaces the Jetta City and the fifth-generation Jetta. The new, repositioned Jetta is distinguished by more imposing dimensions, gaining 7.3 cm in wheelbase length and 7.4 cm overall. For the first time, it has a dedicated platform distinct from the Golf's.
Customers have plenty of choice with this sedan. Three trims are offered with the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, Trendline, Trendline+ and Comfortline. With the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder and 2.0-litre turbo diesel, buyers will have to choose between Comfortline and Highline trims. The 5-cylinder Jetta is also available in Sportline trim. In the spring of 2011, performance buffs will be able to obtain the GLI model powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder producing 200 horsepower. A hybrid model will debut sometime in 2012.
Interior and trunk
Entry and exit, front and rear, are complicated by wide doorsills (and the grime they accumulate) and by a relatively low upper doorframe. The front seats are comfortable for most people, but there is no lumbar adjustment. We noted with a twinge of regret that the knob that allowed a continuously adjustable backrest angle has been replaced by a more imprecise lever system with pre-set notches, apparently because too many people found the knob hard to use. The tilt-andtelescoping steering column allows drivers to obtain a good driving position.
The rear bench seat is comfortable for just two adults, since the tunnel takes up most of the legroom in the centre. Legroom in the outboard positions is very good because of the longer wheelbase, and headroom is good. When folded, the 60/40-split seatback slopes up a bit towards the front and is a few centimetres higher than the floor of the trunk. All trims except Trendline have a ski pass-through in the 60-section.
As always, trunk capacity is impressive, and the opening is relatively large. However, the floor is made of a cardboard-type material and looks rather flimsy.
Convenience and safety features
Cabin finish is excellent, but the quality of materials, similar now to what's used by the competition, is not as good as before. Sound isolation is efficient, except against high-speed engine noise. Cabin storage is good.
Gauges and instruments are logically laid out and everything is illuminated at night, except the glove compartment in the Trendline. There is no engine temperature indicator, not even a symbol to indicate engine warm-up delay. Heating is slow, especially in the TDI models, and the poorly staged blower is weak in the second setting and noisy in the third. The outside temperature gauge no longer shows the minus sign for temperatures below ?10?C; is Volkswagen getting cheap?
Photo: Volkswagen
The windshield washer nozzles placed under the edge of the hood can easily be blocked by snow. Since the wipers cannot be lifted off the windshield because of the shape of the edge of the hood, they have a rather special feature: once the engine's switched off, a push on the wiper lever places the wipers in a vertical position to make it easier to remove snow from the bottom of the windshield. The wipers return to their normal position the next time the lever is activated. It's a very good feature, provided you remember to use it.
Safety equipment includes six airbags (dual front, side and curtain), antilock brakes, five head restraints, stability control, and an emergency braking assistance system. Visibility is good in all directions except to the rear when backing up, since it is hard to judge distances. The headlights are lacking in both intensity and range.
In U.S. government tests, the Jetta obtained four out of five stars for front-occupant protection in a frontal impact and five stars for all-occupant protection in a side crash. It earned four stars for rollover resistance. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Jetta a Good rating, its highest, for roof strength, for driver protection in a frontal offset impact and for all occupants in the event of a side or a rear crash.
Engine and transmission
The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine produces 115 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, providing adequate performance in routing driving. For a bit more energy, you have to wait until the engine (noisily) reaches 4,000 rpm and even then, it's not very enthusiastic. And since you have to step firmly on the gas in so many situations, fuel economy suffers, too.
The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel TDI develops 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque and delivers quite lively acceleration and pickup. Smooth and supple, it makes driving a pleasure. Apart from a slight, occasion diesel smell and the typical diesel chatter at start-up and during the warm-up period, it's like a gas engine... but with a lot of torque. As always, the TDI engine is meant for high-annual-mileage drivers to more easily offset the higher purchase and maintenance costs of this model. During the road test the fuel consumption has been 6.9 L/100 km.
As an option, the diesel engine can be mated to a six-speed double-clutch DSG automatic transmission. It shifts very smoothly and is well geared. Unfortunately, it does not allow the vehicle to be driven off in second. Sport and manual modes are relatively fast.
The optional transmission for the gasoline engines is a six-speed automatic, and unlike the one available for the diesel, it lets you drive off in second. In sport mode, it downshifts abruptly but is always very smooth in normal mode. However, with the 2.0-litre engine, we noticed a lot of hunting back and forth among the gears as soon as the road gets hilly, and once it reaches the crest, it is slow to shift to a higher gear. What's happening is that it is trying to compensate for the modest engine power while helping to reduce fuel consumption.
On the road
Not only is the platform new, some components attached to it are different from those of the former generation, at least on certain models. The rear suspension is now semi-independent, except on the GLI, which retains the independent suspension. A semi-independent rear suspension may upset the purists but unless they're always driving on the edge, few owners will find fault with the comportment of the new Jetta. The fact is that Volkswagen is a past master of this type of suspension. In the new Jetta, this savoir faire gives rise to a very nice blend of suppleness and firmness that allows the suspension to soak up bumps without upsetting comfort. Road holding is very good, and you have to push really hard to notice that the rear suspension is semi-independent.
The power steering is well weighted, stable, precise and quick. It transmits little road sensation.
The steering radius is small. The 2.0-litre and Comfortline 2.5-litre models have rear drums whereas the others get rear discs. Both braking systems are powerful, with good fade resistance.
Inspection
In an inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre we noted that the Jetta rests on a
sturdy platform that is well protected against corrosion. In the engine compartment, the windshield washer fluid tank and radiator expansion tank are close enough together to cause
confusion. An abundance of grime gets into the engine compartment through the fender liners.
From its design, the emergency brake looks as though it can seize up rather quickly. There are no tie-down hooks to allow a canoe or similar item to be securely attached to the roof. Openings
under the front bumper are large enough to allow road debris to get through and damage the air-conditioner condenser. The overhead camshaft is belt driven on the 2.0L gas and 2.0L diesel
engines, and chain driven on the 2.5L.
Conclusion
Volkswagen's goal is to become the world's number one automaker by 2018. To reach its
objective, it will have to be able to compete with the best in each segment, at a more-thancompetitive price. Volks must therefore make choices; a drop in the quality of certain materials, a
semi-independent rear suspension, rear-drum braking systems for certain models, etc. The new Jetta represents this new philosophy. It is nonetheless a spacious, comfortable, fun-to-drive
vehicle offered in a wide choice of engines and models.
PROS: road comportment, smooth automatic transmissions, large trunk, quiet cabin, TDI performance, choice of trims and engines
CONS: wide doorsills collect grime, slow heating (especially TDI), no temperature gauge, real seating for just four, 2.0L engine a bit modest and noisy, weak headlights
2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (except GLI)
Engine: 8-valve, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder; 16-valve, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel; 20-valve,
2.5-litre 5-cylinder Horsepower: 115 hp at 5,200 rpm; 140 hp at 4,000 rpm; 170 hp at 5,700 rpm
Torque: 125 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm; 236 lb-ft from 1,750 to 2,500 rpm; 177 at 4,250 rpm
Transmission: 5 or 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic Suspension: independent/semi-independent
Brakes: disc/drums (rear discs on some versions) Wheelbase: 265.1 cm
Length: 462.8 cm Width: 177.8 cm
Height: 145.3 cm Weight: 1,289 to 1,456 kg
Tires: 195/65R15; 205/55R16; 225/45R17
Maximum towing capacity: 454 kg
Airbags: dual front, two side and two curtain airbags
Fuel consumption with 2.0-litre and automatic transmission
Natural Resources Canada rating:
City: 9.3 L/100 km (30 mpg)
Highway: 6.7 L/100 km (42 mpg)
Test result: 8.2 L/100 km (34 mpg)
Test temperature: - 20?C to - 5?C
CO2 emissions: 3,726 kg/20,000 km Fuel tank capacity: 55 litres
Fuel requirement: regular grade gasoline, diesel
Acceleration: 0?100 km/h: 11.6 seconds
60?100 km/h: 7.3 seconds
Competition: Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Versa, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Corolla.
Warranty:
Full basic coverage: 4 years/80,000 km
Powertrain: 5 years/100,000 km Surface corrosion: 4 years/80,000 km
Perforation damage: 12 years/unlimited km Emissions control system: 4 years/80,000 km (full coverage); 8 years/130,000 km
(catalytic converter, electronic control module, onboard diagnostic system).
Factory replacement parts:
Rear bumper: $794 Front brake disc: $100
Brake pads: $90 Muffler: $935
Front fender: $285
Price according to trim level (freight and preparation included):
2.0 L Trendline: $17,240 2.0 L Trendline +: $18,630
2.0 L Comfortline: $20,440 2.5 L Comfortline: $22,540
2.5 L Sportline: $24,665 2.5 L Highline: $25,345
2.0 L Diesel Comfortline: $25,240 2.0 L Diesel Highline: $28,020
Main options: Automatic transmission: $1,400
Climatic package: $275 Sunroof: $1,400
Connectivity package: $675 Multimedia package: $1,300
Navigation system: $890
Price as tested:
2.0L Trendline +: $20,030 2.0 L Diesel Comfortline: $26,640
Dealers: Quebec: 41
Canada: 129
? February 2011. All rights reserved, CAA-Quebec
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