Volkswagen have today released its revised 2010 Jetta range featuring a new range of engines, trim and specification levels – as well as a competitive reduction in pricing – across the entire Jetta line up.

CarAdvice this afternoon joined Volkswagen Group Australia for a drive day in Victoria’s picturesque Yarra Valley wine region for a taste of what next year’s Jetta has to offer.

Jetta 1.6 77TDI:

The 2010 Jetta range now kicks off with a new entry-level model, the 1.6 77TDI, which as the name suggests, is powered by a 77kW turbo-diesel common-rail engine of just 1.6-litres in capacity.

The base model powerplant shares much of its technology with Volkswagen’s familiar 2.0-litre (103kW) unit, albeit with a reduced capacity, and although some 6kg lighter, is no light-weight when it comes to providing competent on-road performance.

With 250Nm of torque – delivered from a low 1500rpm – the 1.6 77TDI is mated to a choice of traditional five-speed manual or silky smooth seven-speed DSG transmissions which in both instances deliver a fluid drive with only a hint of turbo lag noticed from the stick-shift offering.

In both instances a standard diesel particulate filter sees particulate emissions reduced keeping hand-in-hand with the 1.6 77TDI’s low CO2 emissions of just 127 grams per kilometre.

Frugal fuel consumption figures of just 4.9L and 5.0L per 100km (combined) for the manual and automatic models respectively further highlight the economy on offer from this new budget model.

Inside the quiet cabin new Jetta 1.6 77TDI features a generous standard kit list that includes front and rear acoustic parking sensors (optical parking system available as a cost option), revised instrument cluster with white “driver-centric” illumination, updated seat and decorative trims, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking (with window-down and boot release function), chilled glove box, cruise control, and a single CD tuner with steering wheel mounted remote controls.

Jetta also picks up a new sports steering wheel as first seen on the brand’s Mark VI Golf models. The air-conditioning system has also been modified to now offer ‘soft’ and ‘rapid’ settings.

Outside, the 1.6 77TDI offers 16-inch ‘Toronto’ alloy wheels in addition to subtle aesthetic changes that include a chrome V-shaped grille (familiar to Passat) and LED tail lamps.

Standard safety equipment, common across the entire 2010 Jetta range, includes ABS with EBA and EBD, ESC with Traction Control, EDL (Electronic Differential Lock), a full-size spare wheel, plus front, side and curtain airbags (six in total). Anti-whiplash, height-adjustable headrests and three-point seatbelts are offered in all five seating locations.

Jetta also offers a 527-litre boot with 60:40 split fold rear seats and ski-hatch.

Optionally the 1.6 77TDI is available with two upgrade packages: the ‘Comfort Package’ (at $1,000), which includes dual-zone climate control, self-dimming rear view mirror, coming/leaving home lights, rain sensing wipers; and the ‘Sport Package’ (at $2,300) that consists of 17-inch ‘Avignon’ alloy wheels, tinted rear-side and rear windows, front foglamps and sports suspension (15mm reduction in ride-height). A comprehensive individual option list also compliments the entire Jetta range (see bottom of page).

Pricing for the Jetta 1.6 77TDI starts at $28,990* for the manual and $31,490* for the DSG.

Jetta 1.4 118TSI:

Next in the 2010 line up, but sharing the same trim level as the 1.6 77TDI, is the twin-charged 1.4-litre petrol model.

Known for obvious reasons as the 1.4 118TSI, this model delivers 118kW of power from its supercharged and turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant and is distinguished by different badging and 16-inch ‘Sedona’ alloy wheels.

The engine, familiar to Golf Mark V GT and Golf Mark VI TSI models, has seen several modifications in joining the new Jetta range as its entry-level petrol unit.

A newly designed induction channel made it possible to eliminate gate switching to control the charged air movement. The results? An optimised torque curve – totaling 240Nm from 1500rpm – in the lower and middle reaches for smoother, and more rapid acceleration.

New generation high-pressure injectors create broader atomisation of the fuel that in turn sees a better fuel-air mixture for better fuel economy and reduced emissions.

Jetta 1.4 118TSI is offered with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG transmissions to return combined cycle fuel economy figures of 6.8L and 6.6L respectively (yes, the DSG actually uses less fuel than the manual).

These results show a 17 and 23 per cent improvement (respectively for manual and DSG transmission) over the previous generation in terms of economy while also seeing an 8 per cent increase in overall power. Acceleration from 0-100km/h is claimed at 8.5 seconds in either transmission guise.

Interior, exterior and safety equipment are typical to that found on the 1.6 77TDI while pricing for the Jetta 1.4 118TSI starts at $30,990* for the manual and $33,490* for the DSG.

The aforementioned ‘Sport’ option package is also available on Jetta 1.4 118TSI for $2300.

Jetta 2.0 103TDI:

In the middle of the 2010 Jetta range is the 2.0 103TDI model. Familiar to its predecessor in terms of both engine capacity and output, the new Jetta 2.0 103TDI model sees a revised powerplant that now utilises a common-rail injection system with piezo valve technology (formerly solenoid).

A subtle but important change, the move has reduced fuel consumption from 6.2L to 6.0L per 100km on the combined cycle while simultaneously making the engine smoother and more quiet.

Torque output remains unchanged at 320Nm from 1750rpm.

Sharing trim levels with Jetta 1.4 118TSI, Jetta 2.0 103TDI is available exclusively with six-speed version of Volkswagen’s DSG transmission from $35,990*.

Jetta 2.0 147TSI & 2.0 125TDI Highline:

Sitting atop the 2010 Jetta range are two ‘Highline’ models that see higher specification, trim and engine output levels than the three entry-spec models already covered.

The Highline range sees larger ‘Porto’ 17-inch alloy wheels as an external identifier while also picking up sport suspension, higher grade cloth trim and alloy dash insets, dual-zone climate control plus a six-CD tuner as additional standard equipment.

Powered by a choice of (125kW/350Nm) 2.0-litre turbo-diesel or (147kW) 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four cylinder engines, the Highline models offer more performance while also delivering impressive fuel economy figures of just 5.9L and 7.8L per 100km respectively (on the combined cycle).

Acceleration is equally sharp with 0-100km/h dealt with in 8.5 seconds for the TDI model and 7.2 seconds for the TSI. Both models are mated exclusively to six-speed DSG transmissions.

Pricing for both Highline models start at $38,990* with the ‘Sport’ option package, includng 18-inch ‘Charleston’ alloy wheels coming in at $2,000.

2010 Volkswagen Jetta pricing:

Volkswagen hopes that new entry-level models and a reduction in pricing – a direct result of passing on early duty savings – will draw a new audience to the Jetta range, further boosting the near 12,000 strong sales figures achieved since first going on sale back in 2007.

Ready to tackle the likes of Subaru Liberty, Mazda 6 and Ford Mondeo, the new 2010 Volkswagen Jetta range is priced as follows:

• Jetta 1.6 77TDI – $28,990* (Five-speed manual)
• Jetta 1.6 77TDI – $31,490* (Seven-speed DSG)
• Jetta 1.4 118TSI – $30,990* (Six-speed manual)
• Jetta 1.4 118TSI – $33,490* (Seven-speed DSG)
• Jetta 2.0 103TDI – $35,990* (Six-speed DSG)
• Jetta 2.0 147TSI Highline – $38,990* (Six-speed DSG)
• Jetta 2.0 125TDI Highline – $38,990* (Six-speed DSG)

Options:

• Metallic Paint – $700
• Electric Sunroof – $1,900
• Satellite Navigation – $3,000
• Satellite Navigation – $2,500 (Highline models)
• Media Device Interface – $300
• Leather Upholstery – $3,300
• Leather Upholstery – $3,000 (Highline models)
• Leather Upholstery with Elec. Driver’s Seat – $4,000
• Leather Upholstery with Elec. Driver’s Seat – $3,700 (Highline models)
• Bi-Xenon Headlamps – $1,900
• Front Foglamps – $400
• Alarm System – $600

Measurements:

• Length: 4,540mm
• Width: 1,780mm
• Height: 1,460mm

CarAdvice will bring you a full road test and review of the new Jetta range soon. Stay tuned!

*Pricing is a guide as recommended to us by the manufacturer.