Volkswagen Jetta 5

The fifth-generation of Volkswagen’s Jetta provides everything that consumers expect from Wolfsburg’s booted sub-compact… elegant conservatism and cavernous interior space.The fifth-generation of Volkswagen’s Jetta provides everything that consumers expect from Wolfsburg’s booted sub-compact… elegant conservatism and cavernous dimensions.

Styling-wise, there are the inevitable hints of Golf 5 and new Passat, with a bit of Audi and even BMW 3 Series thrown in the mix, so there can be no complaint that the shape is not modern. A Golf with a boot it is not. And, incidentally, that boot is HUGE: VW claims a gross measurement of 527 dm3… Yes, that’s even before you’ve folded down the rear seat split backrest!

Other dimensions have also increased. Overall length is up by a considerable 179 mm to 4 554, width by 46 mm to 1 781, and height by 19 mm to 1 459. Significant increases have been made to the wheelbase and tracks, too: the former is up by 63 mm to 2 578, with the front track now 19 mm wider at 1 534, and the rear up 17 mm to 1 512.

Jetta 5 is handsome in a conservative rather than eye-catching way, despite the bold chromed grille and lower air intake surround. The famous VW badge is hardly subtle, either. But the whole does look classy. Typically, there is little wheelarch gap to the tyres: 16-inch rims – steel on Trendline, alloy on the rest – are fitted across the range, but the 2,0T models get 17-inch alloys.

The cabin architecture continues the elegant theme, the fit, finish and materials contributing towards an upmarket environment. It is spacious, the increased wheelbase affording an extra 65 mm of effective legroom. Ergonomics are excellent, with all controls logical to use and within easy reach. The facia’s hangdown section is located high up, presenting itself only just below the driver’s forward line of sight, and the “acid rock” lilac-and-red instrument backlighting continues to burn brightly…

Jetta 5 feels refined, with occupants well insulated from ambient and mechanically generated noise. Steering, with electro-mechanical power assistance, is accurate with good turn-in. Because of its rather conservative persona, Jetta does not encourage enthusiastic driving the way a Golf might, but anyone tempted to challenge the twisties will be rewarded with utterly benign handling and a well-controlled ride, the combination of which will see off many a hot hatch. A new rear suspension layout helps markedly in this regard. The seats, which have a long range of adjustment, keep you firmly but comfortably in place.

The spec levels are good, with items such as six airbags, ABS, LED tail-lights, multi-function computer, remote central locking, rake- and reach-adjustable steering wheel, semi-automatic air-con, electric windows and power mirrors with heaters standard even on the base Trendline. Most models have cruise control and rain sensors, the 2,0T FSI has additional dual-zone climatronic, auto-foldable mirrors, (heated leather seats) and optional equipment includes Xenon-headlights, sunroof and satellite navigation.

For additional safety, the latest ESP system (standard on 2,0T FSI but optional on other models) incorporates ABS, traction control, electronic brake pressure distribution, electronic differential lock, extended stability brake system (ESBS), hydraulic brake assist, engine braking control and additional hydraulic boost.Jetta 5 model line-up (all prices include 3 year/120 000 km warranty and 5 year/60 000 km Automotion plan) :

1,6 Trendline and Comfortline

The entry-level engine for the new Jetta uses multi-point fuel injection, and delivers 75kW at 5 600 r/min and 148 N.m at 3 800 r/min. VW claims the 1,6 will reach a top speed is 186km/h and complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 12.2 seconds. Fuel consumption is a claimed 7,4 litres per 100km on the combined cycle. The 1.6 is offered with a choice of 5-speed manual (R172 930 for Trendline, R190 850 for Comfortline) and six-speed Tiptronic transmissions (R202 570 for Comfortline model).

2,0 Trendline and Comfortline

This 2,0-litre engine produces 85 kW and peak torque of 170 N.m at 2 400 r/min. VW claims the 2,0 will accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 11.2 seconds, reach a top speed of 189km/h and achieve an overall fuel consumption figure of 8,2 litres per 100km. Both Trendline and Comfortline models have 5-speed manual transmissions and cost R177 030 and R194 950 respectively.

2,0 FSI and 2,0T FSI

All FSI-powered Jetta models come with Sportline specification. The 2,0 (R215 780 for the manual, no auto) has a maximum output of 110kW and can reportedly accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 9,2 seconds, topping out at 211km/h. The model is said to consume 7,8 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.

The 2,0-litre turbocharged FSI (as seen in the Golf 5 GTI and in Audi A3 Sportback models) produces 147 kW and 280 N.m of torque. The 0 to 100km/h sprint is claimed to take 7,5 secs in the manual (R246 580) and 7,2 sec in the DSG (R260 080).

1,9 TDI

The 1,9 TDI 4-cylinder turbodiesel produces 77kW at 4 000 r/min and 250 N.m at 1 900 r/min. Average fuel consumption is said to be 5,2 litres per 100km. For the first time in South Africa, the 1,9 TDI engine is now available with a DSG gearbox. The DSG Comfortline (R218 270) accelerates to 100km/h from standstill in 11,8 secs, while the manual-transmission Comfortline (R204 770) achieves the same acceleration in 11,9 seconds. The DSG model’s average fuel consumption figure is a claimed 5,7 litres per 100km.

2,0 TDI

The 103 kW 2,0 TDI (R234 400) is mated with a six-speed manual transmission and produces peak torque of 320 N.m between 1 750 and 2 500 r/min. It is said to be capable of accelerating from zero to 100km/h in 9,7 secs and reach a top speed of 207 km/h. The model’s claimed average consumption figure is 5,5 litres per 100km.