Jetta may not be the first name springing to mind when compact-sized transports pop up in friendly conversation, but its variety of under-hood offerings certainly sparks up dialog. Volkswagen's peppy Jetta offers an unprecedented array of powertrains (including a high-mileage turbo diesel and a higher-mileage gas-electric hybrid) that certainly deserve scrutiny especially if prioritizing fuel economy.
The compact segment turned hyper-competitive during the past decade, with big investments by big players. Today's consumer expects many of the advancements and comforts found in larger transports. Volkswagen took a calculated gamble with its sixth-generation 2011 Jetta redesign, lowering price points to closer match the competition, but inadvertently slowed momentum. While engine quality and reliability never were in question, ho-hum interiors coupled with sub-par, plastic-like materials paled in comparison to upgraded rivals. Evaluators from many walks of life (including the general public) took notice.
To its credit, Volkswagen retooled a bit in the 2013 model year addressing interior issues with the addition of a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and hand-brake lever and decorative dash and door panel trim on all trim level sans bottom-base 'S.' These elements pay-it-forward in the 2014 campaign as Jetta regains much of its lost mojo. Great turn of events since Jetta offers a finely-tuned TDI (Turbo Direct Injection) clean diesel thrusting highway mileage beyond the 40 mpg barrier.
Diesel technology benefits from precise fuel injection directly into compressed air cylinders during the combustion stroke, negating the need for spark plugs. Diesel fuel's higher-energy density and slower burn properties add up to enhanced mileage and improved mid-range torque (more passing power when needed). Diesel engines deliver between 15 and 30 percent better mileage estimates than gas counterparts.
Our sedan tester's 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel generated 140 horses and impressive fuel estimates of 30 miles per gallon city and 42 highway teamed with either the standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Dual-clutch automatics provides the fuel economy of a manual, but driving dynamics of an automatic with no foot-clutch for drivers to contend with and it's available in gas-engine Jetta's too.
This year marks the 120th birthday of German-Engineer Rudolf Diesel's debut of the compression-ignition diesel engine. In Europe, almost half of new-cars sold are powered by diesel engines but in the U.S. the percentage lags under four. Expect substantial growth though thanks to the fuel's superior mileage-extending potential. With higher Corporate Average Fuel Economy targets looming by 2025 (54.5 miles per gallon for select passenger cars), diesel engines have expanded beyond heavy-duty pickups within the portfolios of the U.S. Big Three. Chevrolet's compact Cruze now includes a diesel variant as does the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Through October of 2013, TDI clean diesel cars and sport utility vehicles accounted for an eye-popping 22 percent of yearly Volkswagen sales in the United States.
In addition to the diesel engine, Volkswagen introduces a new 1.8-liter turbo gas four-cylinder engine to the compact Jetta and mid-sized Passat in 2014, joining a returning 2.0-liter four-cylinder. Also introduced last year, a gas-electric hybrid Jetta (starting at $27,260) extending fuel to an estimated 42 mpg city and 48 mpg highway).
The lowest-priced 2014 Jetta gas model, an 'S' trim with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and manual transmission checks in at $16,720.
Our front-wheel-drive Jetta TDI clean diesel tester came well equipped. No specific designate gets assigned to Jetta's Diesel model since it's marketed in one trim. Limited option packages and stand-alone extras keep the transaction process refreshingly simple. The gasoline-powered-version differs by offering distinctive alpha trims (S, SE, SEL).
Jetta diesel standard equipment includes air conditioning, satellite radio with trial subscription, heated front seats, cruise control and heated side-view mirrors. Our tester with standard six-speed manual and no option packages had a $23,195 starting price and bottom line of $24,051 when factoring in an $820 destination charge.
Two option packages are available with the diesel. A Premium Package includes power sunroof, dashboard touchscreen radio and rearview camera ($24,855 with manual transmission, $25,590 with automatic).The Premium/Navigation packages adds a six-way power driver's seat, push-button start, 17-inch aluminum wheels and, of course, in-dash navigation ($26,315 with manual transmission, $27,415 with automatic).
The manual six coupled with diesel's improved torque mixed well, creating a fun-to-drive, responsive experience, especially between 20 and 45 miles per hour. Gone are the days of noisy idles or sulfur-like, rotten egg exhaust fumes and shaky engine idles once stereotypical of diesels. Electronic assist power steering eases Jetta through intricate handling maneuvers. This is the performance high-mileage choice over the Jetta gas-electric hybrid.
The inline, straight across black dashboard is welcome simply for its simplicity. The instrument panel includes two full-circle gauges with a small digital display in between, including horizontal, half-moon fuel-level display and odometer. At night, hot red backlighting illuminates the dash and doors. The rectangular sound system incorporates user-friendly push-buttons and volume-controlling, station-changing twist dials.
The driver's door is home to the trunk-release button, a more convenient local than the floor. In-line dual beverage holders reside aft of the transmission shifter, with a narrow arm rest/storage bin ending the train. The armrest's sliding, multi-position top offers varying levels of elbow comfort and inside, a plug-in port aiding portable electronics. A second port along with a 12-volt outlet is found under the tri-dial vent functions along with a storage nook.
The manually-tilt-and-telescoping three-spoke steering wheel includes audio volume controls and left-side station preset port. Manual sliding front bucket seats include a convenient, large under-seat grab ring when adjustments are needed. Like most VW's front bucket seats (including our tester's vinyl material coverings) tilt towards plush rather than firm settings. Front-door power window controls reside at a 45-degree angle while power outside mirror and lock devices are on the driver's door near the smallish handle. The single-bin glove box is of a rather large girth and includes a top-shelf home for the in-vehicle instruction manual.
Comparatively speaking, rear-seat leg room is rather tight when measured against the competition. As with most compact back rows, two adults travel in maximum comfort, three is one too many. Head room, in back and front, is acceptable thanks to the exterior's arching roofline.
At 15.5 cubic feet, the trunk accommodates big-time cargo, growing more spacious when pull tabs get yanked, releasing the 40/60-split rear-seat backrest locking mechanism. The 15.5 cubic foot measurement is spacious for mid-size sedans, and most excellent for compacts like Jetta.
From the outside, Jetta's conservative style begins with a narrow grille and two horizontal strips flank the familiar circular and stacked VW logo. Headlight housing remains sleek as well. Thin 'C' pillars meet up with a slightly raised trunk lid. The side belt or character line remains relatively straight, rather than a sloped directional. Large side windows provide drivers with good visibility in all directions. Side-view mirrors included blinker bands alerting those around of your intention.
Volkswagen opened a state-of-the-art production facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 2011, home to the mid-size Passat sedan. In 2012, Volkswagen Group of America's U.S. sales topped 438,000 units, an impressive 35 percent jump from 2011. Volkswagen ranks as Europe's largest-volume automaker and the world's fourth-largest.
2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Price as tested: $24,015
Engine: 2.0-liter turbo direct injection four-cylinder diesel
Horsepower: 140
Fuel estimates: 30 mpg city, 42 mpg highway
Length: 182.2 inches
Wheelbase: 104.4 inches
Height: 57.2 inches
Width: 70.0 inches
Curb weight: 3,162 pounds
Drivetrain warranty: Five-year/ 60,000 miles
Assembly: Pueblo, Mexico