2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Review
3 Jul, 2008
53 Comments 
2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Review and Road Test
One of life’s little luxuries.
Model Tested:
- 2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI sedan 2.0 litre four cylinder diesel DSG automatic - $37,790 (RRP)
Options:
- Metallic Paint $690; Fog Lamps $390; Alarm $590; Sunroof $1890; Leather Trim $3290; Xenon Headlamps $1890; Alloys 18” $2990; Satellite Navigation $2990; Six CD Stacker $790
Capable & Economic Engine, Handsome Styling, Boot Space
Rear Leg Room, Tyre Noise, Due for a Facelift
CarAdvice Rating: 
- by Matt Brogan
Volkswagen’s Golf based Bora replacement has been kicking around for a couple of years now and despite having had the pleasure of our company before, Jetta decided to pay another visit to the CarAdvice office to see if after all this time its most recent guise was still a relevant contender.
What’s essentially a Golf with a boot, Jetta offers buyers a similarly sized package, albeit a little longer, with all the bells and whistles expected from our favourite hatch - only in sedan form.
With somewhat more of an upmarket and grown-up feel about it, Jetta feels like a curious meld of Golf and Passat sharing styling cues from each sibling that work harmoniously in both interior and exterior ornamentation to offer a handsome combination that although still attractive, could do with a facelift.
Smooth, flowing panel work, that distinguishable VW front end, and elegant chrome trim work around the windows make for a body whose substance is almost outdone by its good looks, unlike the original Jetta whose ungainly squared off style had all the charisma of a home brand tissue box.
Volkswagen Jetta Mk I was awarded a Five Star NHTSA Rating
What has remained unchanged since Jetta’s humble beginnings is the five star safety rating and continued offering of a diesel engine which, fortunately for us, offers substantially more go than the original 1.6-litre whose 37kW was sure to struggle with the proverbial custard skin.
Under the bonnet these days a capable 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel makes for an effortless 103kW@4000rpm, and with a very healthy 320Nm on hand from just 1750 revs, getting Jetta’s one and a half tonne mass moving is an easy feat indeed.
Location: Home / Volkswagen, Behind the Wheel, Diesel / ...
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(4 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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July 3rd, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Looking at the prices of the options I think the Mondeo is a bargain all I had to ad was leather seats $1800 Bluetooth+Voice control $380 paint was $350
laurie
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July 3rd, 2008 at 7:16 pm
*****PRIMO!*****
Truth hurts huh?
Cheers
F-0
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July 3rd, 2008 at 7:27 pm
If you have a pulse and need an automatic mid size sedan, this is it.
Mazda 6 Classic Sport might look better to some, but a 4 speed auto doesn’t cut it, and no diesel auto at all.
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July 3rd, 2008 at 7:36 pm
great photography
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July 3rd, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Reckless, Mazda don’t have the ‘Classic Sport’ model anymore, that was the last generation and anyway it had a 5 speed auto. Apparently an auto diesel is coming out next year on the 6.
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July 3rd, 2008 at 7:55 pm
For people looking for a very good medium size diesel car the Mondeo in my view would be better value, better looking, just as reliable and roomier than the Jetta….as long as you are not a “badge snob” however if the badge matters then the Jetta might just have the edge!
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July 3rd, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Nice interior for the ask.
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July 3rd, 2008 at 8:16 pm
I’m a big fan of every car VW makes currently.
From the Polo right up to the Touareg.
All are superb
That has a brilliant engine and a gorgeous interior too
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July 3rd, 2008 at 8:52 pm
why anyone would buy this over a Skoda Octavia 2.0TDI is quite beyond me. the skoda is:
1. Much better equipped
2. Much more practical (being a liftback not a sedan)
and
3. Better looking and rarer.
skoda’s are just the same underneath!
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July 3rd, 2008 at 9:50 pm
Agreed the look is getting dated. Would like to see VW drop in the 125KW TDI. Sadly the turbo lag is common to all the diesels in their passenge vehicle range.
Mondeo is a great looking car but compare the fuel consumption 7.3 Vs 5.8L for Jetta. If you want a Mondeo - go the XR5 and forget about notions of efficiency!
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July 3rd, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Jake I’m happy you like the Skoda, its a good car, but better looking???
Dare I say you’d be in a minority with that statement.
You may think rarer is desirable, but think how much difficulty you will have in sourcing spares in years to come.
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July 3rd, 2008 at 9:55 pm
The Mondeo fuel consumption is because it is almost as big as a Falcon and that makes it much more comfortable than the Jetta and if you are 6 foot 4 like i am then Mondeo size cars are a necessity not a luxury….of course you will pay more in you’re fuel bills for that extra legroom and luggage room!
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July 3rd, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe the Jetta is one of the Mexican-built VWs. The build quality of these (as seen in the Beetle) is a long way behind the German ones.
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July 3rd, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Jake02,
I agree I for one find the Skoda more attractive also, but the Jetta still pretty nice also. I also don’t know why it’s more expensive, when in fact it’s made in mexico.
Cameron, most of the important parts should be interchangeable, since it’s the same platform.
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July 3rd, 2008 at 10:02 pm
You are correct Phillip, the Jetta is made in Puebla, Mexico.
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July 3rd, 2008 at 10:34 pm
As far as the Octavia being uglier than the Jetta, i personally prefer the Skoda over the Jetta and i fear the build quality might be better as well…..having said that i don’t like the look of the Skoda very much and i would not buy one until it has proven it’s self in our market as far as resale and even longevity of the brand goes, if they manage to have good resale values and hang around longer than last time then Skoda will become a real alternative to VW but until then i’d stand back and watch! or wait for the Mazda 6 diesel!
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July 3rd, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Close call between this and Mondeo.
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July 3rd, 2008 at 10:55 pm
My missus has had her Petrol Manual Jetta for two years now. She loves it and I like to drive it too. She does 5000kms a year (95% around town) so the diesel wasn’t worth getting for us. The manual/petrol combo is a sweet drivetrain.
It may be built in Mexico but it is built very well. No rattles and you really couldn’t see that it wasn’t made in Germany…
I admit to make it look a bit better I changed the wheels and added some black GLI side skirts from the US model. IMHO looks much better…
Things have changed in the market in the past two years but I would buy another if we had to replace it. The Mondeo is too big for a second car for us (and what is it with no rear air vents eh ?) and all that silver dash looks tacky.
The new Jettas are now coming from South Africa I have heard.
PS. You only get the auto dipping mirror if you get electric seats…
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July 3rd, 2008 at 11:04 pm
The VW diesel is too noisy … and too much vibrations.
If you push the car harder, a lot of black smoke..
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July 3rd, 2008 at 11:21 pm
VW fan - go away your an uneducated arse making pathetic comment like that. Nobber
VW’s latest common rail injected diesels are amongst the best and quietest on the market. Go do some research dimmo.
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July 3rd, 2008 at 11:34 pm
^^^^Agree the VW diesel is a cracking engine^^^^
Some people just love living in the past!!!
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July 4th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Seeing this Mk1 Jetta in the pictures reminds me to let you know that the original Mk1 Golf is still made in South Africa and marketed as the Citi Golf alongside the current Mk5. I was checking it out online yesterday at volkswagen dot co dot za, if anyone’s game for a look.
It’s 33 years old now and has plastic bumpers, larger tail lamps and a modern dashboard, otherwise, the same!
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July 4th, 2008 at 12:38 am
The Citi Golf is cool, in a retro kind of way!!
I’d happily get one as a second car if it was sold here for under 20K. Although Judging from the pics, it doesn’t look too well put together.
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July 4th, 2008 at 12:44 am
Cameron - Have you ever driven a diesel to know about turbo lag? Nope you’ve probably read about it ten years ago. A well tuned diesel will have little noticeable turbo. Heard about variable vanes? they virtually eliminate turbo lag. A turbo diesel will leave a similar sized petrol for dust in day to day driveability. G try one.
Yep the Skodas a tad cheaper but not quite got the finish. Worth a look. We were really happy with our stretched Passat limo-like Skoda Superb till it went back to the company pool.
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July 4th, 2008 at 1:01 am
Yes, Tomas79, I guess the manufacturing jigs and dies must be showing some degree of wear after this amount of time, but to be honest, I can’t tell from these pics. I just had another look at the 360 degree java thingy, and I gotta say the little jigger looks as crisp and classic now as it did in 75.
Would it do business here at $19,990? I reckon it would, but VW Australia probably doesn’t want us to find out. Heck, it probably doesn’t even pass ADR and crash tests now.
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July 4th, 2008 at 1:03 am
The Jetta has always been my favourite VW. It is not so mainstreem as the Golf, not so expensive and in addition more beautiful.
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July 4th, 2008 at 9:30 am
It seems that the existing PD diesel will be replaced here before Xmas with the new common rail diesel as fitted to the Tiguan - according to Camberwell Volkswagen. This should see a welcome improvement in refinement.
One of the great things about Volkswagen products is that they can be had with light interiors (beige)- what a welcome change from the unremitting black interiors of the Mondeo and also the new Honda Accord Euro - which is light in the press and magazine reviews but only black in the showroom. A light interior Jetta - or Golf or Passat - feels so much less claustrophobic and about a half size larger
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July 4th, 2008 at 9:46 am
why anyone would buy this outdated model over something like the new Honda Euro is beyond me … base model 5sp auto for only 34990, japanese reliability vs questionable mexican workmaship
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July 4th, 2008 at 10:04 am
Golfschwein, i agree that the Citigolf has a certain retro appeal, but you would have to follow the pricing strategy that VW SA employ. AUD$9500-13000. While you are probably right that it might struggle to pass ADR standards and have a Barina-like 2 star crash rating, i would rather take one of these than a Daewoo/Holden.
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July 4th, 2008 at 10:55 am
The 2.0l tdi is a great engine, with so much torque it is a cracker. Agree with Cameron, I’d prefer seeing the Jetta with the 125kw.
I need to buy another TDI shortly, (would have been another Golf) but have decided to wait for RS Skoda TDI due in November. I reckon this will be the quiet achiever and should put Skoda an the map. The build quality and paint finish of the current Skoda RS TSI is superior to the Golf and Jetta. It looks a bit dated, but once you’re driving the Skoda, all is forgiven.
To VW fan…. get a life.
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July 4th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Dull as dishwater. The looks are unimaginative, and already look 8-9 years old. The proportions of the boot are all horrid also. The interior has the same design and quality issues as the Golf, and the handling is competent but not inspring or ‘fun’.
Go buy a Volvo S40 instead. Infinetely better looking, great intrior and build quality, and much better front-drive dynamics. Runner up in 2004 Wheels car of the Year is no small feat.
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July 4th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I didn’t do the maths DlR1, and you did. Yes, I humbly modify my assertion that it could be a $19,990 special. It would have to be the cheapest car on the market and VW won’t want to do that to its brand image.
But one of these over a Barina? Hell, YES!
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July 4th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Luke, I bought a Golf. Equal runner-up, same year.
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July 4th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Hmmmmm….personally why no one has mentioned Renault Megane diesel sedan is beyond me. They are quieter than VW better equipped for the same $ and the ride / comfort level is something the french have always done better than the germans….oh and the are built in Europe unlike the mexican south african chinese VW (Very worldly) cars. Reliable …VW worldwide ranks poorly for reliability. Amazing what good marketing can make joe public believe.
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July 4th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Geez Luke, I have a Volvo and a Jetta in my garage (I like both) but the S40 Volvo is in another league to a Jetta price wise. Go and check the specs - Lots of items that are standard in a Jetta are options in a S40…
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July 4th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Rick, if you check I think that you will find that the Megane sedans (not other Renaults) sold here are sourced from Turkey! And they only have a 4 speed auto.
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July 4th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
No Name, now its you who is being arrogant. Not only have I driven a VW diesel, I OWN ONE 2007 (GOLF TDI). “Virtually eliminate turbo lag” What the hell??? Turbo lag IS turbo lag, any day of the week. I make comment as it is one of the few weak points of the whole car.
Before you flame people, take a pill and actually read what people post. You have proved what an arse people can be by posting such an obviously WRONG assumption.
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July 4th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
527 litres of boot space that’s amazing! You sure that’s right CarAdvice, not doughting you but that’s astonishing for a medium sized vehicle!
- A Holden VE Commodore’s boot has 496 litres of space.
- A FG Ford Falcon’s boot has 535 litres of space.
The VE’s must be pretty small then! But it looks big! Holden might have to make it bigger, I say!
The Jetta has a well sized boot for a medium sized car. It has 31 litres more of boot space compared the the VE Commodore and only 8 litres less boot space compared the FG Falcon.
Holden needs 60:40 split seats too like the falcon.
Whats the size of the Toyota’s Aurion boot by the way?
How many litres of space?
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July 4th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
Re the Citigolf in South Africa, when I lived there for a while I was eager to import one back to Australia. However, one drive of one quickly changed my mind: it was hysterically awful to drive - massive body roll and a woefully ineffective 1.6 litre engine. Still, I really like the look of them..
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July 4th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Yes, the looks of the Citigolf may be beautifully retro, but so are the dynamics. One looks at the “safety” features of the car on the VW website and you can see why. They basically list two items. 1.Its made from steel, and 2.Its available with an alarm do it will still be where you parked it. Lol.
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July 5th, 2008 at 12:06 am
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July 5th, 2008 at 12:16 am
I cackled heartily at Phillip’s quote; “hysterically awful to drive”.
How quickly we forget. Its contemporaries were any of 1975’s Corollas, 120 Why’s, TD Cortinas with the 250 donk, Chrylser Centuras and HJ Holdens, all of which were probably hysterically awful to drive then, let alone now.
Time moves faster than memories, alas.
ps I wonder how my old 504 stacks up?
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July 6th, 2008 at 12:00 am
I think they look a little dated outside too, but I drove the GTI with DSG today, and it rocks! Now I just have to decide what options…xenons, beige leather, white paintjob…mmmmm… Anyone know which dealer is cheaper? I’ve heard Glen Waverley is a bit pricy?
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July 6th, 2008 at 11:16 am
My Spice Red TDi with Beige leather interior has been in the driveway for 18 months and have not had a problem. It has elegant conservitave looks a great DSG transmission. I regularly better the fuel stats having just got 5.8l/100 around town. The Jetta like the Golf set the standard in the mid size class offering standard features the likes of Mondeo & Accord are a having to match.
The Jettas if not already, will soon be made in South Africa, but hey I thought production lines were mainly robotic these days, so are German robots better than Mexican robots? I don’t think so. It all boils down to quality control and VW is good at that.
The Skoda’s are a great car now so it will be a matter of brand acceptance in Australia …. and then you have Seat, the Spanish arm of VW who have won many awards in Europe. That’s another success story.
In the mean time my Jetta will be part of the family for years to come. After all, it’s a diesel and you don’t change them every 2-3 or 5 years.
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July 14th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
I have had my Jetta for 18 months now,and all I can say is that it is an awesome car.
Also considered an Accord Euro and Mazda 6,but this came much better equiped,with all the luxury and safety features as standard equipment,and the 6 speed auto.
VW resale is usually excellent.
Not so sure about how it would be for the Mondeo or Octavia.
Have seen zero Skodas on the roads.
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July 22nd, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Greenroom,
I have to say definetely go for the RS TDi. I have a petrol RS and its got almost 1000km on the clock. During those 1000km its been fantastic. Very practical too as its a liftback not a sedan. If the TDi was around I would’ve bought that one as I was going for a TDI Wagon.
Its very nice and goes like the clappers, you should buy one!
AND I GIVE THAT ADVICE TO ANYONE WHOS WANTING TO BUY A CRAPPY FALCODORE!
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July 23rd, 2008 at 5:36 pm
personally i would look at an Aurion, great looking car and a little bigger than at jetta and a passat even. but if i had to choose one right here right now without driving them all i would have to choose the Mondeo, looks the part for sure!!
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August 14th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Who was that guy in the Accord Euro trying to keep up with me on the Great Ocean Road?
By the way, my average fuel consumption on that trip (Gippsland to Port Campbell) was 5.2 lts/100k’s in my 07 Jetta TDI DSG.
Oh yeah, and the boot space is amazing.
A car in a class of its own.
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August 19th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
I guess the Jetta will be redesigned to follow the lines of the new Golf?
I’ve had a TFSi DSG since may 2007. Great car to drive….averages 9l/1ooK’s round town and 7 on the open road….soI can’t really justidy changing to a diesel which even makes 98 ron look cheap these days.
An Aurion might ne nice too but use more juice.
I’d really like an R36 Passat Wagon.
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August 19th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
I’ve had a Jetta TFSi DSG since May ‘07 bought new.
It’s got to be one of the best value fun sedans on the road, with good if not shattering performance and handling plus great fuel economy….with Diesel making even 98 Ron look cheap these days…I’d stick with the TFSi at this stage.
I looked at the Mazda 6 Sport - Aurion ZX6 - Honda Accord - SV6 Commodore - VW GTi and even a Mazda MX5 before decicing on the Jetta…..I’d really like a Passat R36 Wagon…..(mainly cos I’m an Old Fart - but still enjoy my Driving)
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August 22nd, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Bring back to V5 I say. I currently own a V5 Bora and it’s a great little car. (For the size of the vehicle, the V5 does it’s justice quite well.)
Even though i guess now they have all these TSi engines that produce the same power.. I still kinda like the idea of having a bigger engine.
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August 25th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
TO BUY A VOLVO INSTEAD OF A VW JETTA? FOR THE BETTER RESALE VALUE, WHICH VOLVO IS BEST KNOWN FOR?
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August 25th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
TO MACA, I USED TO HAVE A V5 AS WELL, I JUST FOUND THE CONSUMPION A BIT TOO HIGH, THEN I’VE SWITCHED TO A V6 4 MOTION AND IT’S NOT MUCH MORE TO USE, FUEL-WISE.
ALTOUGH I HAVE TO SAY IT’S A BIT SMALL INSIDE COMPARE TO THE JETTA
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