2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Review
July 3, 2008 by Matt Brogan
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:
- Skoda Octavia TDI
- Renault Megane dCi
- Hyundai Sonata CDRi
- Volkswagen Jetta TDI
- Peugeot 407 HDi
- Ford Mondeo TDCi
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 ?