The Jetta sports a conservative but still impressive look. (CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA)
While most compact sedans today lean towards flashy styling, the Volkswagen Jetta’s remains in the conservative side.
But it isn’t worried and it shouldn’t be.
Because for some bizarre reason, the Jetta’s simplicity works well for many car enthusiasts. It is this conservative styling that makes the sedan look smart. And it is this styling, too, that makes this sedan successful.
Highlighting its exterior are crisp horizontal character lines at the side that complement the elegant layout up front, which is really handsome.
Each corner dons 17-inch alloy wheels fitted with 225/45R17 tires, which also look elegant and proportionate to the Jetta’s size.
When it comes to interior comfort and space, the Jetta passes with flying colors.
From the moment you grab the sporty, multi-function steering wheel, you’ll understand just how much fun you can have in such a conservative-looking sedan.
The dash, just like its exterior, is simple but functional.
Typical Volkswagen dashboard layout: simple yet functional. (CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA)
The leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter are comfortable to operate and the wheel adjusts for both reach and height.
Air-conditioning controls and all other secondary controls are well laid out that makes them simple to use.
Also a big plus is the roomy cabin space for occupants, front and back. When we say there’s more than ample space for five full-grown adults, we mean there is really enough space for five huge people.
The trunk is just as spacious with a relatively flat load space perfect for luggage or golf sets.
HIDDEN TALENT
Although the Jetta looks conservative inside and out, it doesn’t mean it can’t perform.
Two engines are available for the Jetta— a 2.0 TDI common rail turbo diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and 320 newton meter of torque, and a 1.4 TSI gasoline engine which produces 160hp and 240Nm of torque.
Volkswagen Cebu lent Cebu Daily News the diesel variant that really performed like a petrol-powered engine.
The TDI engine is mated to a 6-speed DSG (direct shift gearbox) dual-clutch transmission while the TSI engine is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
(CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA)
Combining the convenience of an automatic and the fuel-efficiency of a manual, the DSG gearbox gives the Jetta more power with every gear.
Volkswagen’s DSG transmission is renowned the world over for its smooth shifting and well-spaced gear rations.
If there’s safety in numbers, then one can also count on the new Jetta.
Proactive system like Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) with Brake Assistant, Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Differential Lock and Anti Slip Regulation make sure that your safety’s always accounted for. Even when you’re not counting on it.
At the end of our weekend date with the Jetta, we realized that this simple German compact deserves to be one of the top choices in the market today.
Not for its flashiness, though, but for its fit-and-finish, its sturdy structure and its patented no-nonsense German engineering.
Those who think otherwise may have a point but we dare them to test the sedan first before judging because looks can really be deceiving at times.