Volkswagen is in the midst of a product transformation. For model year 2011 it completely redesigned the popular Jetta and this year they are introducing a new Passat and Beetle. While giving the vehicles more precise lines there seems to be a strong determination to clean things up and simplify design and content while at the same time placing a great deal of urgency on “getting things right.”
We recently spent time in the new Jetta sedan and I believe they are “getting it right.”
Ours was a TDI model featuring a fuel-thrifty 2.0-liter 140hp turbodiesel inline four-cylinder engine in a front-drive configuration that was surprisingly swift. The inherent nature of turbodiesel engines gives them a low-end torque boost that equates to a feeling of enhanced acceleration when gripping the wheel.
Another benefit of the TDI powertrain in the Jetta is the 30 mpg we saw around town and more than 42 mpg out on the highway with the AC running full tilt.
OK, we were not looking for any Pony cars to test our driving skills against but with the six-speed manual gearbox and electronic differential lock we enjoyed a good bit of giddyup during our week.
As I mentioned earlier, it seems as if the makers of the “people’s car” have cleaned up the new models while simplifying design and content. This is not meant to be read as “cheapened” but some critics have expressed their opinions in that direction.
I suppose they make a point to a certain degree as the new models are, well, cheaper, beginning at just under 16 grand now. This makes Jetta an even better value and I did not find anything to denigrate when evaluating the new ride. Yes, designers have taken a different approach but what the model offers far outweighs the fact that it no longer “looks like a Jetta.”
The car is comfortable, roomy and simply works. It drove extremely well on the road both in town and out on the open stretches of wide open spaces we explored as we barely dipped into the 600-plus mile range of the TDI fuel tank. And the new TDI is 50-state compliant for emissions.
The new Jetta is rated a compact-class car but it feels like it is more mid-sized. While listing Honda Civic as a class competitor I would put its on-road feel leaning more towards that of Accord.
Trunk space is still cavernous and rear seat legroom is tops in its class and the new Jetta features all of the latest safety technology while also offering all the creature comforts we have become spoiled with.
Pricing for our TDI tester came in at $23,765 placing it at the upper end of the pricing scale for the new car. Should something a bit sportier be your flavor a new GLI model will be arriving in showrooms soon.
This all-new “cheaper” 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is by no means a cheapened car.