Volkswagen Jetta Saloon full 9 point review
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Performance
Petrol buyers get the choice of two 1.4 TSI engines with either 121- or 158bhp, or a 2.0 with 197bhp. All have strong performance, and the 2.0-litre gives proper hot hatch pace. Two 2.0-litre diesels are also on offer: a 138bhp unit that is perfectly strong enough in its own right, and another with an even more fiery 168bhp. The 1.6 TDI offers a cheaper way into a diesel Jetta, but the engine is flat at at the bottom of the rev range, so not terribly flexible.
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Ride & Handling
The Jetta's body is even stiffer than the Golf’s, so it's great to drive. It’s sharp and stable at speed, and controlled, if a little firm, over urban potholes. The electric power steering gets weightier with speed, but it doesn't give you enough feedback.
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Refinement
The 2.0 TDI engines are impressive by the standards of diesel engines, but the 2.0 petrol is hushed, and while the 1.4s can be a bit gruff at low revs, they sound better the more you push on. Wind noise is not an issue at UK speeds and road noise is rarely present. Most of the controls are smooth, although the manual gearshift baulks a bit.
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Buying & Owning
British buyers prefer hatchbacks to small saloons, so the Jetta loses value faster than a Golf. The small-capacity petrol and diesel engines give decent fuel economy, and low tax groups make them attractive as company cars. Servicing and insurance costs, and contract hire rates are respectable, too.
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Quality & Reliability
Jetta buyers can expect the same high standards as buyers of any small Volkswagen. Everything looks good and feels nice, although one or two surfaces do spoil things by looking a little too functional. The mechanicals are proven, so shouldn’t provide many problems.
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Safety & Security
All cars come with six airbags, anti-lock brakes and stability control as standard. There are also active front head restraints to minimise whiplash injuries. Every model has deadlocks and SE and above get an alarm.
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Behind The Wheel
The big cabin gives lots of head-and shoulder room up-front. The ratchet seat-height adjustment and two-way adjustable steering make getting comfortable a doddle, while more big-car driver aids, such as automatic lights and wipers, are available. The thick screen pillars create blind spots, however.
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Space & Practicality
Rear passengers benefit most from the Jetta’s large proportions. There’s good space in the back for two large adults or three children. The boot is simply gargantuan – it even rivals a Mondeo's for cargo space, although it isn’t as well shaped as it could be.
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Equipment
Every model has electric windows and mirrors, a CD player, alloy wheels, remote central locking, automatic lights and wipers, and air-conditioning. SE cars add cruise control and a leather steering wheel, while Sports models get a lowered sports suspension and front fog lights.
Jetta used car reviews
Volkswagen Jetta Saloon 1.4 TSI 122 SE 4dr
This version of the Jetta is our favourite, but the saloon shape means the boot could be more practical: there's quite a drop to the load floor, making it awkward to load heavy items
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