Vehicle Tested
| 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SEL
Base Price: $22,995
At-Tested Price: $23,765
Built in Puebla, Mexico.
Options
Sport Package
Engine: 2.5-liter I5
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Drive Wheels: Front-Wheel Drive
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If you're a fan of Volkswagen's punch-buggy game, you're probably very sorry the Jetta is included. It's as ubiquitous at the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla here in Chicagoland--even more popular in some neighborhoods. Though the New Beetle is the star of the game, it's the ever-popular Jetta that leads to sore arms and shoulders if you're not paying attention. Of course that's for good reason as the Jetta is Volkswagen's bestselling North American model.
Jetta is completely redesigned for 2011 with freshened styling, larger exterior and interior measurements and additional safety features. The biggest change is in overall length, which grows by 3.5 inches. Most of that additional length goes into growing rear-seat leg room by 2.5 inches. The new Jetta comes only as a four-door sedan, however a wagon bodystyle is available carrying over in with the 2010 design.
Four trim levels are offered: S, SE, SEL, and TDI. All have front-wheel drive. The S comes with a 115-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. SE and SEL get a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder. The TDI utilizes a turbocharged 140-horsepower 2.0-liter diesel engine. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on the S, SE and SEL. Standard on the TDI is a six-speed manual. Optional on all models is a six-speed automatic transmission.
Standard safety features on all models includes antilock brakes with brake assist, stability control, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunk release, daytime running lights and
Dual-front, front-side and curtain-side airbags. Blind-spot alert, park assist and rear-view monitor are not offered.
The S model lists for $15,995 when equipped with manual transmission. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt-telescope steering wheel, front bucket seats, split-folding rear seat, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with digital-media player connection, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, theft-deterrent system, 195/65HR15 tires and wheel covers.
Stepping up to the manual-equipped SE brings a tab of $18,195. On top of the S equipment, the SE adds cruise control, vinyl upholstery, center console, split-folding rear seat with trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors with integrated turn signals, illuminated visor mirrors, floormats and 205/55HR16 tires. Available on the SE is a Convenience Package that includes leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, heated front seats, AM/FM radio with in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, iPod interface system, Bluetooth cell-phone connection, heated washer jets and alloy wheels.
The $21,395 SEL adds to the SE with Convenience Package navigation system, front-seat lumbar adjustment, keyless access and starting, trip computer, fog lights and 225/45HR17 tires. Available on the SEL is a Sport Package, which adds power sunroof and sport suspension.
The TDI lists for $22,995 and adds to the SEL power sunroof and AM/FM/CD/MP3 player. Deleted from the TDI are the SEL's in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 changer and 16-inch alloy wheels. The navigation system is available on the TDI as a package.
Options are limited to carpeted or rubber floormats. The Jetta is built in Puebla, Mexico, and has a destination charge of $770.
Get Up and Go Volkswagen is unique among its competitors in offering a five-cylinder engine. As you might expect it strikes a fine balance between the economy of a four cylinder and the power offered by a V6. Acceleration from a stop is good and passing and merging power is above average. When pushed hard, the 2.5 will accelerate the Jetta from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds.
The engine also mates well to the smooth-shifting automatic transmission. Though initially hesitant to downshift when more power is needed in passing situations, a slightly deeper stab on the throttle elicits a quick and decisive downshift.
Do-it-yourself fans will appreciate VW's slick-shifting six-speed manual. The short throws have a positive snick and the clutch has a solid feel with a consistent pickup point.
Those wanting the utmost in fuel economy can opt for either the 2.0-liter four or the innovative turbodiesel. The four is a great choice for those on a budget, but the TDI wins in the overall fuel economy battle and will be less expensive over the long haul and worth more at trade-in time.
Speaking of fuel economy, the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine is rated at 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway when equipped with the manual transmission. Those numbers easily match six-cylinder competitors, but trail class-leading four-cylinders in overall fuel economy offered by Chevrolet and Hyundai. VW says both the four- and five-cylinder engines will run fine on regular-grade gasoline.
Real-world driving with the SEL manual is likely to return better than expected around town fuel economy numbers of between 25-27 mpg. Straight highway driving yields an impressive 35 mpg overall.
On the Road For more than a decade, the Jetta has set the standard in the compact car class for it's blend of ride comfort and athleticism. That doesn't change even though the new model is significantly larger, perhaps due to a slight reduction in overall weight.
Regardless of model or wheel size, the Jetta rides with decent comfort. Large bumps are nicely absorbed and minor road imperfections are more heard than felt. Occasionally an expansion joint or particularly nasty pot hole will pound through, but that's the exception rather than the rule.
Still one of the most nimble cars in the class, the new-for-2011 Jetta is fun to drive and quite sporty when equipped with the optional Sport Package. There's some body lean in turns and the tires don't have as much dry-road grip as you'd expect--eliciting some understeer in tight corners. Still the steering is delightfully direct and quick and the brakes are easy to modulate and provide plenty of stopping power.
Volkswagen engineers paid special attention to reducing unwanted cabin noise and it shows. The Jetta cruises quietly on the highway and the five-cylinder engine is surprisingly refined. The only qualm is tire thrum on coarse concrete surfaces.
Behind the Wheel The interior is all new and is perhaps a step backward in overall refinement. Though controls are conveniently placed, materials are just par for the class. The previous model had an interior that oozed luxury and the new Jetta interior screams compact car. That's too bad, but perhaps a necessary evil in the path toward weight savings and cost containment.
Gauges are easy to read, day or night, and the radio and climate controls are simple and straightforward. Opting for the available navigation system brings complexity though the system is easier to program than in most other cars in this class. Window, mirror and lock controls are placed on the driver's armrest.
Front-seat passengers are treated to generous head and leg room. The seats offer a good blend of comfort and support, though adjusting them is a little awkward. Drivers have good outward visibility to all directions. Sadly, the adjustable center-console armrest is gone, making it an uncomfortable rest for some drivers.
The new Jetta sports class-leading rear seat room. How much you ask? More than 38 inches, which is better than many midsize cars. The bench seat is comfortable and head room is good. Kudos to VW for correcting the previous model's biggest fault.
Jetta offers a spacious trunk with a large opening that makes loading and unloading easy. Split-folding rear seats offer additional versatility. Too bad they don't lie flat, creating an uneven load floor. Interior storage cubbies abound and the glovebox and door map pockets are quite large.
Bottom Line Jetta has been Volkswagen's bestselling model in the United States for quite some time--and for good reason. It offers European flavor, fun-to-drive characteristics and excellent fuel economy. None of that changes for 2011.
The new Jetta adds a truly useful back seat and continues to offer a class-exclusive fuel-sipping diesel engine. Throw in an unbelievably low starting price of just $16,000 and you can see this vehicle is quite a bargain.
Specifications 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SEL
| Dimensions
| 4-door sedan | Engine
| DOHC I5
| Wheelbase, in.
| 104.4
| Size, liters/cu. in.
| 2.5 / 151
| Length, in.
| 182.2 | Horsepower @ rpm
| 170 @ 6700
| Width, in.
| 70.0
| Torque (lb.-ft.) @ rpm
| 177 @ 4250
| Height, in.
| 57.2
| Transmission
| 5-Speed Manual | Weight, lbs.
| 3018
| EPA Estimates, mpg
| 23 city / 33 highway
| Cargo Capacity, cu. ft.
| 15.5 |
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| Fuel Capacity, gals.
| 14.5
| Manufacturer's Warranty
| Seating Capacity
| 5
| Bumper-to-Bumper
| 3 years / 36,000 miles
| Front Head Room, in.
| 38.2
| Powertrain
| 5 years / 60,000 miles
| Front Leg Room, in.
| 41.2
| Corrosion
| 12 years / Unlimited miles
| Second-Row Head Room, in.
| 37.1
| Free Roadside Assistance
| 3 years / 36,000 miles
| Second-Row Leg Room, in.
| 38.1
| Free Scheduled Maintenance
| None
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