Review
/5
- Pros:
- Cheaper than a Golf
- More passenger space than in a Golf
- Cavernous boot
- Cons:
- Entry-level model is poorly equipped
- Saloon body not as versatile as a hatchback
- Dull image
reviewed by Carbuyer
"The latest Jetta distances itself from the Golf with its own look, a longer wheelbase and more room inside."
At a glance
- The greenest
- Sport TDI 105 BlueMotion Technology 4dr
£20,595 - The cheapest
- S TSI 122 4dr
£17,160 - The fastest
- SE TSI 122 4dr
£18,515 - Top of the range
- Sport TDI 105 DSG BlueMotion Technology 4dr
£21,920
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The latest Volkswagen Jetta shares its looks with the larger Volkswagen Passat, as VW tries to distance its compact saloon from the Golf that it shares many of its components with. The latest model has a longer wheelbase than the Volkswagen Golf, so there's more cabin space, while the car looks smarter, thanks to a shorter rear overhang for the saloon boot. As with the rest of the VW range, the Jetta is built to a high standard from high quality materials. Engines include the firm's 1.4 TSI petrol, plus 1.6 and 2.0-litre TDI diesels. The 1.6 TDI is also offered with VW's BlueMotion Technology pack, which saves fuel by turning the engine off when the car is in neutral.
Drive
Sharp handling on a par with the Golf
As it shares its suspension with the Golf, it's no surprise that the Jetta has the same sure-footed handling as the hatchback. The steering is sharp, too, and all of the engines have plenty of power, although the 1.4 TSI petrol needs to be worked harder to make the most of its performance.
Comfort
Longer wheelbase boosts cabin comfort
Occupants up front are treated to the same comfortable and high-quality interior as the Golf, while in the back, there's more room for passengers. The Jetta has a wheelbase that's 73mm longer than the Golf's, and as well as creating more legroom for passengers in the back, it means the Jetta is more comfortable on motorway journeys, too.
Reliability
All parts have been tried and tested across VW range
The Jetta uses the same platform as the Golf, a car which scored a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. All of the engines, gearboxes and components in the Jetta have already been tried and tested across the VW range, so reliability shouldn't be an issue.
Practicality
Big boot, but a hatchback is more versatile
A 510-litre boot is 160 litres larger than the Golf's and only 55 litres down on the larger Passat. The boot also has handy items such as a shopping bag hook and 12V power supply. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split on SE and Sport models, but the fact the Jetta is a saloon means that it can't carry bulky items in the same way that a hatchback can.
Value for money
Saloon is cheaper than the Golf
Prices for the Jetta are cheaper than the equivalent Golf, so you get more interior space for your money. All cars get air-conditioning and electric windows all-round, while SE models add alloy wheels, cruise control and steering wheel controls for the stereo and trip computer. Top-spec Sport models get chrome trim, sports seats and lowered sports suspension.
Running costs
Diesel with BlueMotion Technology is frugal choice
Our pick of the engine range is the 1.6 TDI diesel with BlueMotion Technology. This adds a stop-start function which cuts the engine when you put the car into neutral. It helps the Jetta to return 67.3mpg and emissions of 109g/km, which means Road Tax costs only £20 per year.
*Our monthly finance prices are updated on a regular basis, but due to the dynamic nature of the market are not guaranteed accurate. You can always confirm the monthly finance price with FinanceAcar.
