2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Review
July 3, 2008 by Matt Brogan
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.
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.
TO BUY A VOLVO INSTEAD OF A VW JETTA? FOR THE BETTER RESALE VALUE, WHICH VOLVO IS BEST KNOWN FOR?
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
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…
Cool Review
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….
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 …….
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!
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…
The Jetta is a trendsetter, since years! I like the elder models. They are legendary, already!
I also Like the Jetta, it is a great Car.
Greetings Gartenmöbel
Things have changed in the market in the past two years but I would buy another if we had to replace it…
Yes the jetta is a perfect car, I have had all times in my drivers life a jetta
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 ?