The reason was understandable-VW wanted to sell more cars. In creating the VW Jetta, the company essentially grafted a trunk onto the Rabbit. The Jetta was a game-changer for VW in North America, and has consistently been the brand’s top selling car in North America.
The trouble is, the car has lost its “VW-ness”. Even in top-spec SEL form as out test car was, the car offers nothing interesting to look at.
With the new Jetta, VW has taken that philosophy and pitched it in the trash bin for the sake a producing a car with a lower base price. Hard plastics abound.The Volkswagen Jetta sedan has been fully redesigned for 2011 and is now significantly different from the Jetta Sportwagen.
The Volkswagen Jetta has historically bridged a gap between salt-of-the-earth compact cars and Germany's entry-level luxury sedans. On the positive side, the new VW Jetta has a longer wheelbase for more rear seat room. The new base model Jetta S costs less than $15,000, and VW points out that it's actually $1,700 cheaper than a 2000 Jetta when you consider inflation. At the same time, the Jetta also boasts more standard features for the money than a Honda Civic. The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is a midsize sedan available in Base, S, SE, SEL and TDI trim levels. The Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen is reviewed separately.
The Jetta Base is a stripped-down model that comes with 15-inch steel wheels, power locks and windows, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, height-adjustable front seats, cloth upholstery and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Jetta SE gets a more powerful engine, 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, a front center armrest and storage compartment, a rear seat center armrest, a trunk pass-through and premium vinyl upholstery. The SEL Sport package adds the sunroof, a sport-tuned suspension, sport seats and sport pedals.
The Jetta TDI with its turbodiesel engine is equipped similarly to an SE with the Convenience and Sunroof packages. The Jetta SE and SEL get a 2.5-liter inline-5 that produces 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. The Jetta TDI features a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel inline-4 that produces 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard and Volkswagen's six-speed dual-clutch automated manual gearbox is optional. The 2011 VW Jetta comes standard with traction and stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. The SEL and TDI get rear discs. The 2011 VW Jetta has a disappointing interior, something we've never said about a Jetta before. For all that, the new Jetta is quite roomy.
The good: The cabin tech interface in the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SEL looks good and is easy to use. The Bluetooth phone system offers dial by name through voice command. The navigation system lacks advanced features.
The bottom line: The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SEL makes for decent, if unexciting, transportation and includes a good suite of cabin electronics.
Volkswagen previously priced itself above its intended market, but wants to regain the title of peoples' car with the all-new Jetta. At its very base S trim, the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta can be had for $15,995. For one, its navigation and Bluetooth phone systems are standard. One engine among many
On paper, the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine sounds quite powerful. The EPA ratings for the VW Jetta SEL are 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Nav and Bluetooth, standard
Surprising is Volkswagen's decision to mostly do away with options and make cabin tech dependent on trim level. The SEL trim car comes standard with navigation, Bluetooth phone system, and digital audio sources.
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