2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Review
July 3, 2008 by Matt Brogan
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.
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 ?