Volkswagen Jetta Preview

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By Tim Beissmann | August 22nd, 2011

Update: Volkswagen Jetta Review.

CarAdvice is at the launch of the all-new Volkswagen Jetta in Melbourne today.

The new model represents the sixth generation of the Jetta nameplate, which debuted as a Golf Mk1-based compact sedan and coupe in 1979. Over the past 32 years, almost 10 million Jettas have been sold around the world.

With the all-new model, Volkswagen is aiming to shake the vehicle’s ‘Golf with a boot’ image.

Compared with the previous model, the new Jetta has grown substantially. Measuring 4740mm, the new four-door sedan is 190mm longer than before, making it just 30mm shorter than its traditional big brother, the Passat.

The new model is one of the last vehicles in Volkswagen’s line-up to evolve from the previous round, bulbous styling direction to the current, squarer design language.

The Jetta is perhaps the most conservatively styled of the new crop, although the look is still modern and attractive. The exterior now shares more in common with the Passat than the Golf, although the interior is almost a carbon copy of the popular hatchback.

Volkswagen Australia will confirm the full details of new Jetta range today, however we understand the new range will carry over at least two petrol engines – the 118kW/240Nm 1.4-litre and the 147kW/280Nm 2.0-litre – and at least one diesel – the 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre.

Sales of the Jetta have slowed this year as demand for the old model waned and supply dried up. Just 498 have been registered in Australia so far. The Jetta’s most successful year was 2007, when more than 4000 were sold across the country.

In 2010, Volkswagen sold 2391 Jettas, giving it a 3.8 per cent share of the medium segment – just behind the Passat on 2603 units and a 4.2 per cent share.

Stay tuned for our complete first drive review and 60-second spin video.

Robbie

*yawn*

F1MotoGP

We would like to know what car you driving, must be a Commodore or a Gemini. For some people is just a perfect car. Sold more than 10Mill.

hehe

@ F1MotoGP – yeah Camry sells quite well as well but that doesn’t make it an exciting car either.

Homer

Obviously never driven the 147kw version (Jetta not Camry!)

Freddo

147kw wow!
Jimsim

Better come with 12 point harnesses for that sort of power. Also a chute to. Just in case.
Dan

Whooptie do! 147 kw? Wow! That’s like, half way to a decent powered car… must do well in a drag race with a Hyundai Getz huh!
Homer

Reference Wheels magazine. 147kw Jetta 0-100km/h 7.2 seconds. Honda Accord Euro 9.5, Mazda 6 9.2, BMW 325i 8.6, Falcon XR6 7.2 Commodore SV6 7.4, Lexus 250 8.8, Kia Optima 9.0, Liberty 2.5 9.5, Forester XT 7.9. So Dan pull your uninformed head in. By the way Getz 11.9 sec.

anthony

VW Jetta is a top seller in a few important markets,eg China,America,Canada,and Mexico…and is VWs no 1 seller in Singapore.
Also millions of them in South Africa…

Hung Low

Also subjected to the Lemon Laws in the USA! Google away!

anthony

The MK5 Jetta was put on the reccomended list by Consumer Reports,who mainly have Hondas and Toyotas on their lists.

Adam

why read it then if it bores you?

m2m

The first picture is dissappointing, it’s very bland. Probably will still
Sell quite well, but if you’re gonna buy ‘vanilla’ styling, you may as well buy a Skoda Octavia.

anthony

Jetta will have better resale value than the Skoda,and far more dealers as well.

m2m

True! VW definitely has that advantage. I think
a Jetta Wagon would look fantastic; to replace the MkV based golf
Wagon. Probably look better too, like the Passat and Superb estates.
Able

I don’t know how you expect a brand that’s only been here 4 years to already have 160 billion dealerships.

Drac

I don’t really expect any brand to have 160 billion dealerships!

Dragan

Bring on the VDubs share of “whitegoods” comments

Good interior as always for the VW but ext. very boring…..rear lights are all audi as well as the boot design lines [yes im aware they same car group]
delux

Saw this at the Melbourne motor show. Looked very nice in the metal.

PhantomHamster

Yeah, I agree, it looks much nicer in the flesh…not sure about the wheels… but still great interior as always.

anthony

Funny,the one thing I really liked about it at the motor show was the alloys…

PhantomHamster

Anthony, how about you buy a jetta, u can keep the wheels and give me the rest of the car that you dont want… I think thats an awesome deal

anthony

I would love the new Jetta,had the previous one ,and never had a problem with it.
By the way,loved the shiny chrome alloys on that as well.

Wizzy

I like the look of the old model much more then this

anthony

The old one looked good with its chromed front,but this one will probably grow on you over time…

Hung Low

Looks a generation or two back in design!
Even the Skoda Octavia is more exciting than this!

Bent 8 Brigade

This would look awesome in beige! How about it bungle?

gmh-bogan

Bent 8 my colour prefernce is canary yellow or a hot pink

anthony

The new Jetta has been a huge sales success for VW ,and it is selling like hot cakes overseas.
The MK5 was a hit in Australia,with nearly 16 000 units sold,so I am sure the new one will sell well here too,expecially with its Audi A4 looks.
Great looking interior.
VW has become very aggtrssive,and I wonder how they will price it.
Was targeted at Honda Accord Euro and Mazda 6 previous generations.
Wonder if it will still be targeted at the main mid sized sedans again ???

Cant wait to test drive it ……………………..
Robbo

No wonder no-one buys Falcon’s any more when they can have this as a family car instead.

Hung Low

Until warranty runs out, the running cost get absurd or they need to take the FAMILY boat or caravan on a trip!
Freddo

Thing is that family’s usually own cars for more than 3 years and these struggle to get there without multiple visits to the dealer.
Price of parts, size, and power just aren’t comparable.

HJP

I’d rather take Skoda Octavia which looks more exciting than this very boring old looking Jetta. Even looking the car itself in these photos, makes me sleepy.

Homer

To each their own, but I don’t think too many would agree with you. Wait to see one in the metal.
Hung Low

Agree, better built, equipped, reliability, value and now in looks.

Hung Low

I was referring to the Skoda! Also the Skoda has a much better ride.

Nelly Potato

The Skoda Octavia does look good, especially from a value point of view…..until you look closer and do some research. Skoda is VWs budget brand, and while the Jetta is not finished to Golf standards, it is still at least as well finished as the Octavia. More importantly, look at the crash test results….Octavia compares with a 1998 Golf/Jetta….ummm…its not 1998 anymore. Scoda is just a great way for the VW group to keep selling old platforms and technology, which improves the return on research and development….very clever from a business point of view. However, I would prefer to miss out on some gadgets +/or pay a bit more, before I put my family in a vehicle with safety standards from the 90′s. Jetta beats the Octavia hands down in that department as it is nearly up to Gold standards.

Nelly Potato

hmmmm….not “Gold standards”….I meant to say “Golf standards”. Jetta offers 94% adult protection versus the Golf’s 97%….the Jetta loses marks in the front impact and especially in the Pole Test.

Grady

Any idea on pricing and availability? I like it’s conservative looks. I think it makes it look classier, and definitely doesn’t offend the senses. I wonder if audi-esque xenons would ever be available?

Phil

CA is slow, Fairfax had these prices listed this morning:

118TSI Comfortline $26,490 (6 spd manual)

103TDI Comfortline $34,990 (7spd DSG)

147TSI Highline $37,990 (7spd DSG)

Massive price gap between 118TSI and TDI. Apparently the 118TSI uses 6.2L\100km anyway which makes the Diesel seem pretty pointless.

anthony

The 118 TSI TRENDLINE manual is $26490.
The 118 TSI TRENDLINE auto is $28990
The 118 Comfortline auto is $32490.

Your 103 TDI and 147 TSI prices are correct.

I think these prices are quite aggressive,these cars WILL most certainly be very popular.

Grady

I like it! I like the look of smooth panels and squarish styling, it doesnt offend the senses. Any idea on pricing and availability?
Lachy

Not the most exciting car VW has ever made, but that’s what the Golf GTI and R are for.

I would choose a Jetta over a Toyota Camry any day.

Golfschwein

Ditto. Excitement’s a game that Volkswagen have never played with the Jetta, with the possible exception of the V5 Bora, which was spiritually a Jetta. It was only ever meant to be a good compact sedan with a big boot. Have a look at a Mk I to see what I mean. If I had to, I’d go one over a Camry any day also.

anthony

I think turbo Jettas,and v6 4 motion Boras were pretty exciting ???

Golfschwein

Yeah, okay, I’ll give that.

Ford Fairlane

These Jettas make Toyota Aurions and Camrys look good.

Daavid

Hmm..think ill stay with my 2010 125TDI Highline

anthony

That was a great car…

Reality

Any word from VW about delivery times on these? I was talking to a fleet exec a couple of weeks back and he was saying 6 months or more.
DLR1

seems a backwards step styling wise. Very dull looks, otherwise quite good. And just because something is a big seller in the US doesnt mean its a good car. The Ford Taurus was a best seller their for years. Need i say more?
BB

They’ve taken conservative to a new level entirely.
Μr Gaspo

Jetta wagon please VW.

Able

What is a Jetta wagon in a few other countries is the Golf wagon here. A bit silly if you ask me!

Mr Gaspo

Not silly at all. The Golf wagon does not work stylistically for me and its use of Golf V interiors makes it even less appealing. The square design language of the Jetta would translate to a better looking compact wagon in my opinion.

Ezzagun

Would have one of these over a Camry but that’s not saying much is it? It is very Audi-esque from the rear but I’m just not a fan of VW’s whole ‘generic family face’ styling of its current model range, bland comes to mind…. where’s the character, the individuality of a Passst from Golf from a Tiguan? Have to agree Skodas have more presence if not exactly the latest in styling trends. Can’t really fault the build quality or materials, nor the engine/drivetrain technology, used by VW but I find it hard to ‘get excited’ about VW’s current model range apart from their performance cars.
gmh-bogan

Revolting styling like the Passat,Scoda and Audi.Without Golf and Amorak VW would be dead in the water in Australia.

Homer

Yeah GMH Bogan, they need a big plastic wing on the back, huge engines, clunky drivetrains and an interior Great Wall would be embarrassed by to become attractive. Not everything in our lives has to shout “look at me” and look like a hat full of busted bums.

Bogan Hater

You forgot about the Chev badge, so many Holden tools getting around with Chev badges. Oh I forgot about the Unit stickers. I mean come on tools we already know your a unit, we don’t need you to tell us.

Devil’s Advocate

I guess there is one positive about those people though. At least they are under no delusion that GM-Holden is actually an American company and in the case of the V8 models, what actually powers it. Either that or they are naive and just think it is “fooly sik bro”…

gmh-bogan

At least Holden design and style there own vechles.
Your VW Jetta is no more than a Toyota copy.

Bangel

Similar style to the new passat which has been a sales success, and looks better in the flesh than in pics .

We wait with baited breath to see the next incarnation of the bogan crummer , which keeps falling in the sales race, oh thats right the crude is taking over from the crummer , i forgot .
anthony

I am not so sure about that,everything VW is selling like hot cakes these days.
Stick to your Holdens.

gmh-bogan

The Koreans offer lots of cars this size,with heaps more options and greater reliability.

Phil

Please create a list of these “lots” of cars the Koreans offer this size.

I’m only aware of one sedan this size that the Koreans offer us; the Hyundai i45/Kia Optima (same car, different clothing).

Devil’s Advocate

Are you sure you are not confusing the Jetta with the Passat Phil?

Able

I like the pricing of the basic non-Comfortline 118TSI but considering it comes with little equipment, it doesn’t seem to be a very good option at all… The other annoying thing is that you can only get a manual on the very base model. Errr… No thanks Volkswagen!

It’s been mentioned a lot of times but a Skoda Octavia is certainly a better bet. Why?
- It’s actually European – Jettas are built in Mexico and it’s no wonder they have such a crappy reliability record around the world
- It’s better value for money – A $31k 118TSI has sat-nav and auto/electric everything as standard equipment, AND I can choose a manual across the whole range!
- It looks better than the Jetta – the aggressive front on the Octavia suggests SOME sort of heart to the design! They didn’t just steal a front from the rest of their range.
- The interior is higher-quality – the cheapening of the US Jetta appears to have affected the ‘world’ Jetta; the one I sat in at MIMS ’11 had hard, unappealing interior plastics, the opposite of the Octavia.
- The Octavia is a more practical car – the boot is larger/more accessible and the interior features far many more storage spots.

Hey ‘trollin’ Anthony’ as I like to call you, what’s your position on this – as a former Jetta owner are you as disgusted at the new Jetta as the rest of us? Would you still have your Accord Euro over it?

http://caradvice.com.au Pom

Able.

And the 118Tsi in the Octavia is a 1.8 Turbo from the Audi A4 not the 1.4 twin turbo thingy – less reliability issues than the 1.4. I’ve had one for 3 years and it’s a peach on an engine!!!
anthony

Abie,I actually like the look of the new Jetta,as its VERY Audi,and no doubt,will sell like hot cakes,as it is doing all over the world.
I will test drive one as soon as they are available,but to be honest,I think the Accord Euro is far more up-market.
I loved my Jetta,but the Euro is far more refined,so I am not sure if I will be trading it in yet…
Roger Ramjet

I agree with Able, I have had my Octavia wagon for a month now and with comparison to the Golf wagon, it was a no brainer. It excels in every department and feels like a better more expensive car all around even though they share so many parts. The same can be said when comparing a Superb to a Passat.

The most impressive aspect of the Octavia is the ride and handling which is amazingly compatible t0 the rural roads in my area, VW’s ride is not as well suited to our conditions.
For just over $26k on road, I just could not find a better value and quality car as my 90 tsi wagon. More people need to take a Skoda for a drive.

Riker

Perplexed by this new Jetta…. Looks a bit bland but that is really niether here nor there, Sadly a bit of kit isn’t even an option any longer, an example being Xenon headlights which have been axed from the options list altogether… Weird packaging changes….

Dennis

Im a VW fan but I have to admit it looks quite bland, especially from the side. Lacks personality I think ? Just a tad too conservative for my tastes.

O

New jetta was designed for the us market so it really isn’t a golf with a boot anymore, lack of xenons is disappointing, however there are rumors of the next golf having a sedan version as the new jetta is so big so that could be interesting. I’d rather a skoda tbh, I’ve only heard good things from owners

Riker

Skoda are the cheaper brand of the Volkswagen group & this shows in some areas of packaging such as the sun visors not having lights. Aside from that I agree -O, the Octavia’s are great cars, especially the RS models….

Golfschwein

Right with you on that one. I sat in an Octavia RS at the Perth Motor Show last week. Golfs still have the bones of the old Mk V about them, including the lower parts of the dash, so the Octavia was refreshing and impressive, in its additional boot space, design and finish. But I thought, is there a catch? Yes. It’s the little things, such as the lights in the visors.

Kris

Efficient engines and drivetrains – check
Increased interior space – check
Good build quality – check
Exciting design – fail

Why oh why couldn’t VW give this car a bit more substance and style? I find it frustrating that they can build a car that will go, stop and handle reasonably well, but then they make it look so boring that I’d hesitate to even test drive it.

The only way I can see this car looking half decent is if Oettinger or one of the other Euro tuners come up with a half decent bodykit.

Golfschwein

I think it’s just how VW rolls with the Jetta, in particular. If you want swoopy lines, glitz, metallic orange or lime, other makers will gladly provide and VW will gladly allow them. There’s room for everyone.

Grim reaper

Anthony is as transparent as any over opinionated nobody on this sight myself included. He has a clear destain for Skoda and talks up the Vdubs at every option. Makes me wonder what complex he has to be so single minded.

It’s a car enthusiast site, not a VW enthusiast (but pretend not to be) site!!!

That aside the new Jetta is beautifully made but it is now so clinical I could imagine the lads at “The market” will be falling over eachother to get one. It will sell well though, but probably not as well as they think it will

anthony

I am a VW fan,as have owned 4 new ones in the past,have reccomended many to freinds and family,and everyone has loved their cars.
I am reluctant to reccomend Skoda,as know the resale values are shocking,there are very few dealers,and many of them have allready closed,and most people dont know what a Skoda is.
However,I have NEVER said its not a good car.

Luckily we have freedom of speech in Australia…

anthony

And by the way,I have replaced my Jetta with niether another VW or Skoda…

But have a 2011 Honda Accord Euro,which has exceeded all expectations.

Adam

Steel wheels on the 118 Comfortline? I like this car but that’s pretty poor for 27k.
Grim reaper

Anthony, I doubt you have a Honda, in fact u would put good dollars on the fact that you still have your VW in the drive way.

Skoda doesn’t appeal to you because you are a brand toff. Skoda is for the people who have half a brain and can look at things objectively. Where is your factual information RE: resale values being shocking???

Every dealer that’s closed has been replaced with something bigger and better, more committed dealers.

No one really understands where your coming from, it’s all just a bit odd. I like Skodabut can’t afford it, it’s nor better than VW but it has it’s befits that go far beyond your tunnel vusion point of view

anthony

My Jetta was wrirren off in a freak hail storm,and I have my Honda in the garage.
Prefer it to the Jetta actually…

I am still a VW fan,as have owned 4 new ones over the past 20 years,if you LOVE Skoda so much,surely you should like VW too,as VW owns Skoda ???

I am not a brand toff,have owned Ford,Holden,most of my family have Toyotas,and I think Mazdas are pretty good too.

Check out Redbook and carsales re resale…
Hung Low

He sounds like Bungle trolling in another name!

Andrew Cowley

Thought VW were dropping the twin charged engine due to major reliability problems? If there’s any car in their range that could be an all diesel offering then this is it. I reckon they should do that. Market it as the ‘all diesel Jetta’ as a way of pushing the whole Euro diesel thing.
vti07

I’m so glad the Comfortline here has a better engine than used for the Canadian model, an 85kw 2.0 litre petrol (see the VW Canada site for specs).

When will the new Jetta range be officially on sale?

Base model looks to be a bargain.

anthony

America also has the 2.0 base engine.
Roger Ramjet

The base model twin charge engine is a concern, as they are one of the least reliable engines around with many requiring a rebuild after a few thousand kms.

They should have just stuck with the less complicated and reliable 90tsi unit!

Sumpguard

I had the previous model jetta as a hire car (diesel) from Melbourne up the coastal roads to Brisbane a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it. Incredible economy, excellent performance ,superb ride and very ,very comfortable. The reliability issue stopped us owning one.

VW have gone backwards in a big way with the styling of this one. not for me thanks. Probably a great drive but way too bland.

anthony

Europcar had diesel Jettas and Octavias in their fleets until a year ago,they have now all been replaced with diesel Holden Cruze models now.

Homer

So what’s your point? And having driven 3 Eurocar Cruzes in the last 4 months they’re petrol 1.8 not diesel.

Al

At 1.4 tonnes it is about 300 kgs too heavy.
Cut out all the unnecessary crap. Bring back manual windows, simplicity, long-term value for money. Much cheaper to maintain without all the crap.
John

Bring out the Jetta R with the 3.6L V6 and I’ll put money down straight away.

anthony

There have been rumours of a Jetta R with the 3.6 V6,but VW are now focusing on the Jetta GLI in North America,which is a HOT looking sedan,and is a 4 door,booted Golf GTI.

Nelly Potato

Interesting that the editorial staff will keep a slanderous comment such as, “The base model twin charge engine is a concern, as they are one of the least reliable engines around with many requiring a rebuild after a few thousand kms.” But then they remove one that tells the facts. Namely that the twincharged engine has been used by thousands of VW/Audi/Seat and Scoda models since 2003. If it was so unreliable then the VWgroup would hardly have extracted even more power and torque before fitting it to the current Polo GTI and the Audi A1. It will also feature in the tiguan update, where it has more weight to haul. These are hardly things you would do with a record or poor reliability. When the engine is replaced it will be because technology has advanced and it is now possible to obtain similar results from twin-scroll turbos and systems like Alfa’s twin air.

Roger Ramjet

My “slanderous” comment is based on the amount of wide spread issues with this engine. Do a net search, it all starts with a misfire and leads to a rebuild or replacement! This is common across all models. Did it occur to you VW is stopping production of this engine due to escalating warranty repair cost? There are wide spread “service bulletins” for products fitted with this engine to eliminate inherent problems!
This engine has a POOR RELIABILITY RECORD fullstop. I own a VAG product so I have no reason to defame them other than the facts presented to me and feedback from the workshop that services my car!

Nelly Potato

As I said above, the engine isn’t stopping production. They are using it in the new Jetta, Polo GTI, Audi A1 FSI and Tiguan update etc. Of course it will eventually be replaced as the TSI/FSI engines began their development in the 90′s and newer technology is available. A “netsearch” is hardly reliable research, it is just a couple of people escalating their personal problems in an attempt to get back at “company xyz”. Try typing in ANY make or model of car with the words problems or reliablity and you will find forums full of complainers. Please show us all this “poor reliability record” and the imaginary “serice bulletins” I’d love to know exactly how many of the hundreds of thousands of these engines in production have actually brocken down.