2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Review

Article
Gallery

By Matt Brogan | July 03rd, 2008

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.

Next page…

Pages: 1 2 3

Acceleration is strong after a brief initial (turbo) lag and the sprint to 100km/h can be managed in around 10 seconds, provided you make good use of manual mode on the brilliant DSG gearbox.

This transmission, offered as an option in most VWs, has to be one of the best of its kind available with seamless self shifting in ‘D’ (Drive) and the far more lively option of ‘S’ (Sportsmode) to really get things moving. If that’s not enough to sate the driver in you, the stick can be flicked to the left and driven in manual mode. It’s an intelligent gearbox and is always ready to make good use of the available torque.

Riding on a basic recipe of McPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear end, Jetta’s ride is well tuned, compliant, and rather confident too with only a hint of body roll noticed when pushing to ten tenths. Understeer, despite a rather heavy cast iron block putting much of the weight well forward, is of little consequence, and even when pushed the car is impressively agile, surprising so considering the overall mass.

Speed proportional hydraulic power steering offers fluid feedback and superb weighting meaning driver input is quite well interpreted when slicing through high speed corners and provides a feel of being in command rather than simply along for the ride, something usually lacking in similarly priced rivals. A decent turning circle of just under 11 metres means parking Jetta is also an easy task.

Typical to most Volkswagen passenger models is the over assisted brake pedal, which I simply adore. Some people find it too firm and lacking in travel but I find the feel and feedback offered, and the rapid rate of initiation, unbeatable and would rate it among the best of any car currently on the market, even the high end stuff.

The usual rate of primacy shown in all Volkswagen’s wide array of standard features is of course available in Jetta with quiet dual-zone climate control, detailed trip computer, steering wheel mounted audio, menu and cruise controls, crisp single CD tuner, power windows and heated power mirrors, self activating headlamps and wipers and flip key remote central locking – that also activates the power windows – all included in the list price.

Next page…

One nifty VW idea, which some other car companies are beginning to adopt, is the passenger wing mirror dipping in and downward when reverse is selected to better aid parallel parking. Combined with the rear parking sensors, this simple feature makes parking a job even novices will grow to love.

You may further option a sunroof, metallic paint (fitted), fog lamps, alarm system, heated leather upholstery (fitted), electric seat adjustment, six stack CD changer, bi-xenon headlamps, 18” alloy wheels and the brilliant RNS510 satellite navigation package all for quite reasonable prices to make Jetta feel more personalised and even more comfortable.

On the safety front, and in addition to a five star ANCAP rating, Jetta offers the common spread of acronyms including ABS, EBA, EBD, ESP, ISOFIX, TCS and of course the complete air bag package to further enhance what is already a thoroughly well kitted and safe vehicle. In keeping with the warm safe feeling there’s also standard tyre pressure monitoring, speed activated door locks, and coming/leaving home lights.

Boot space is a surprisingly generous 527 litres and the rear seats of course fold 60:40 for even more space when the need requires. An unobtrusive side hinged boot lid and a smooth flat floor makes loading and unloading a breeze and all the car’s utility items are stored neatly out of sight.

When all is said and done yes, you could find a cheaper similar sized sedan elsewhere but, if the budget allows, why would you? Jetta is simply too good to pass up and has an elite air about it which combined with sparkling fuel economy figures, near unparalleled safety and renowned Volkswagen reliability makes for a stylish sedan worthy of any driveway.

CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Specifications:

Engine: 1968cc DOHC four cylinder 16 valve turbo
Power: 103kW@4000rpm
Torque: 320Nm@1750rpm
Transmission: DSG Automatic
Brakes: ABS with EBA & EBD
Driven Wheels: Front
Top Speed: 207km/h
0-100km/h: 9.7 seconds
Fuel Type: Diesel
Fuel Tank Capacity: 55 litres
Fuel Consumption: 5.8 litres/100km (ADR Combined)
Safety: ESP; TCS; Front, Side & Curtain Airbags
Service Interval: 12 months/15,000km
Spare Wheel: 16” Steel
Turning Circle: 10.9 metres
Towing Capacity: 1400kg (Braked)
Warranty: 3 year/100,000km
Weight: 1,553kg (Tare)
Wheels: 16 x 6.5” Alloy

Road Test the Rivals:

laurie

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
http://evo Frugal One

*****PRIMO!*****

Truth hurts huh?

Cheers

F-0
Reckless1

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.
Michael

great photography
Myke

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.
Carl

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!
realcar

Nice interior for the ask.
Tom

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

DAVIDZ

yeap and new and constant friendship with workshops…

lol

suckers wanted,,,,,,

Jake02

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!
Cameron

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!
Cameron

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.
Carl

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!
Phillip

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.
Tomas79

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.
Tomas79

You are correct Phillip, the Jetta is made in Puebla, Mexico.
Carl

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!
realcar

Close call between this and Mondeo.
Iamthestig

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…
VW Fan

The VW diesel is too noisy … and too much vibrations.
If you push the car harder, a lot of black smoke..
No Name

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.
Carl

^^^^Agree the VW diesel is a cracking engine^^^^

Some people just love living in the past!!!
Golfschwein

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!
Tomas79

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.
No Name

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.
Golfschwein

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.
http://www.ticketpoint.de/billigfluege/billigflug-afrika/fluege-suedafrika.html Billigflüge Südafrika

The Jetta has always been my favourite VW. It is not so mainstreem as the Golf, not so expensive and in addition more beautiful.
http://b2a222e onepoppa

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
freddy

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
Dlr1

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.
greenroom

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.
Luke

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.
Golfschwein

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!
Golfschwein

Luke, I bought a Golf. Equal runner-up, same year.
rick

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.
Iamthestig

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…
http://b2a222e onepoppa

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.
Cameron

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.
Duck

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?
Phillip

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..
Dlr1

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.
Golfschwein
Golfschwein

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?
riceboy

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?
JansJetta

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.
anthony

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.
Jake02

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!
scotty

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!!
Melts

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.
The Reg

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.
The Reg

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)
Maca

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.
http://ericsinlive.com.au eric

TO BUY A VOLVO INSTEAD OF A VW JETTA? FOR THE BETTER RESALE VALUE, WHICH VOLVO IS BEST KNOWN FOR?
http://ericsinlive.com.au EZZA

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
http://http:www.fluggesellschaften-weltweit.de Airline Bewerten

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 all that silver dash looks tacky…
http://www.kreditmove.de kredit move

Cool Review
Carl

A couple of things about VW. I have a Golf 2 litre TDI – yes the black smoke is bad – I found out that the particulate filter is left off Australian delivered cars because they meet our emissions levels without them. In Europe, they need the filters to meet their more stringent regulations. The VW diesel is not the most refined unit – the Citroen / Peugeot unit is more refined – incidentally, Ford use a Peugeot unit in the Mondeo. VW quality in general isn’t all that great, we have had numerous issues with our (South African built) car. Mexican built cars aren’t any different – in general. US market cars are no longer sourced from Mexico due to quality glitches….For my money, the Mondeo would be the go as a family car, slightly more space, slightly more fuel, but better all round. Quality would be no worse either – built in Belgium. As for badge snobbery – why do some people in Australia see VW as “upmarket” ? VW is no more upmarket than Ford, GM, Peugeot etc….VW = peoples car….
Pookie in the Bush

I’ve been very interested in everyone’s comments about the Jetta. You have been very informative.
I currently drive a BMW3301 (2002) which is a lovely car to get around in. However, I have recently had the pleasure of a couple of days with a Golf Pacific belonging to a friend. What a hoot. What’s this crap about diesel lag? This thing goes as soon as the foot hits the accelerator. The stoppers on this beat the 330′s hands down and it turns on a dime.
I love the Jetta’s styling and have always preferred something with a boot over a hatch – plus you usually get a better back window to see out of. The BMW – any model – may be a sedan (usually) but they don’t come with a boot. My Capri baby-sports car had as much boot (just about) as BMWs do. The Jetta is very generous in that department.
Nup. I’m in love. The dollars are great. My 300i was $108,000 new with all it’s bits, and it has just had its 6th birthday. I’ll be lucky if I can get $30,000 for it privately. But, I do know one thing. I wanna Jetta!! Now, all I need is someone to make me an offer …….
Melts

Great choice of vehicle Pookie!
I have an 07 TDI DSG, done just over 50,000kms. Only complaint: one slight rattle in the dash. Its hard to compare this vehicle to anything else with the standard equipment you get. Not to mention the 5 star Euro safety rating, untouchable fuel economy, 12 year anti corrosion warranty. We have had five Adults on board, luggage in boot: cruise control set at 100 up any hill and it does not even jump out of sixth gear let alone lose any speed! I can understand the comparasions to the Skoda, but Mondeos or Hondas are just completly different vehicles. The Skoda does not compare in the safety department, or looks for that!
Anyway, about to buy my second Jetta, will get a manual this time just for something different!

Jake02

How the hell does a Skoda not compare in the safety department? WTF??? Skoda Aus have a minimum 6-airbag/ESP/ABS policy on all cars. Does VW? Didn’t think so…

http://www.kdock.de Skateboard

The Jetta is a trendsetter, since years! I like the elder models. They are legendary, already!
http://www.gadax.de Gartenmöbel

I also Like the Jetta, it is a great Car.

Greetings Gartenmöbel
http://www.taschenneid.de Tasche

Things have changed in the market in the past two years but I would buy another if we had to replace it…
http://www.novobrazil.de Brasilien

Yes the jetta is a perfect car, I have had all times in my drivers life a jetta
micho

I’m looking at buying a TDI Jetta have looked at so many cars but the Jetta feels nice inside… is the 08 model still a good car ?
http://www.marla-schnee-cosmetics.de Haarentfernung

absolut nice car!