Volkswagen Jetta is truly an all round performer, and easily the most understated car in its segment. The pricing may be a little over the top, but after the latest facelift this ‘Peoples’ Car’ fits the bill in every job that’s been laid upon it. The mileage is decent for the diesel model, German looks speak maturity and character, spacious interiors define comfort and the Volkswagen reliability make up a lasting impression on Jetta’s portfolio. The German auto maker is offering Indian buyers a great package in the form of Jetta executive sedan in the D segment. The diesel engine is highly spirited and among the most low maintenance running ones in its class. Therefore, decent engine, comfortable interiors, gorgeous looks and a healthy dose of practicality are what make Jetta a highly capable model. Let’s cover some of the key areas in a more detailed manner, which make Jetta a big contender in its category.
The Jetta saloon has everything that is resplendent with a native Volkswagen uprising- a minimalist attitude and sharp chiselled lines in place of the usual hustle-bustle of never ending curves and other shallow design elements. The curves are still present, but only when they are necessary, so expect nothing over the top in terms of styling here. After its mid life facelift, the new Jetta gets futuristic looking big round Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps. The front fascia looks modern and simplistic at the same time, but somewhat reminds a lot of its sibling Vento. However, Jetta looks handsome and ticks all the points in my check-list for a great looking saloon. Pitched against Skoda Octavia, Skoda Laura, Renault Fluence, Toyota Corolla Altis and Hyundai Sonata Fluidic in India, the Volkswagen Jetta had to maintain its positioning in the executive sedan segment, which it does with flamboyance and premium elan.
Under its hood, the Jetta diesel is powered with a 2.0 liter TDI engine that churns out a thumping power and torque output equation of 138 bhp and 320 Nm, quite adequate for a modern city car. On the other hand, Jetta petrol is powered with a 1.4 liter TSI turbocharged inter cooled powertrain which is decent as well. The petrol power plant develops 120 bhp as its peak power output, and can breach the 100 kmph mark in less than 11 seconds from a standstill.
Jetta has a strong and heavy build character that gets apparent while cruising on highways. The engine feels a bit languorous at times during lower rpm levels, but picks up as pressure is applied on the accelerator further. Jetta is a performer here, you probably won’t feel the pace it gets from inside the cabin (if one ignores the speedometer), since this model has stunning soundproofing that stops all diesel clatter from reaching your ears. Volkswagen Jetta has a solid grip on road, there is no body roll while negotiating corners and the car’s stability is off the charts.
Post the mild facelift, Volkswagen Jetta got some subtle interior changes but not quite as expected. We expected some excessive leather or leatherette and soft touch high quality plastic use on the insides to be honest, but the German auto marque kept minimalist approach and focused on the practicalities, instead. For example, the air volume rotary controls on each vent click shut and open, the audio system automatically lowers volume while engaging reverse gear and the glove box pops out in slow gradual motion. There are many more fantastic little touches that make Jetta a great car to have in your garage. The interior space setting is great, and even the guy (with six feet height) sitting on the front passenger seat can easily stretch his legs.
