HEELS ON WHEELS: 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA REVIEW

MORE: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Specs, Prices and Comparisons
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HEELS ON WHEELS
By Katrina Ramser
San Francisco Bureau
The Auto Channel

INTRO TO THE 2011 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLE

For the first time in vehicle history, Volkswagen is actually showing signs of car-maker jealously. Nervous of what less-expensive commuter car competitors must be raking in, the German automaker has opted to put a cheaper price tag – a starting cost of $15,995 to be exact – on the 2011 VW Jetta sedan.

I drove a 2011 VW Jetta in the SEL trim with the 170-horsepower 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine and a 5-speed manual transmission which retains 23-city/33-highway driving MPG. The Jetta is available in four trims: S, SE, SEL and TDI Clean Diesel. The S trim is very basic and offers a 4-speaker audio system and power windows as highlights. The SEL with a starting price of $21,395 steps it up with a 6-speaker touch screen audio system, 17-inch Joda alloy wheels, a 5-inch color navigation screen, heated front seats and leather-wrapped features throughout. Optional are the $900 Sunroof Package (power tilting and sliding tinted sunroof) and $1,600 Sport Package (sport suspension, sport seats with V-Tex leatherette seating material and sport pedals).

The fact that Volkswagen price tags have historically been placed slightly out of reach in the car market is what has made them so desirable and popular. Therefore the carmaker takes a real chance here in modifying its wares to the frugal driver. And upon first impressions, it appears the tradeoff for making the Jetta a little too affordable is that corners have been cut in regards to the quality of interior materials and advanced technological features.

HEELS ON WHEELS REVIEW CRITERIA

Stylish But Comfortable Results: The multi-function trip computer or “tiptronics” located in the dash is a real asset: it doesn't just beep when something is wrong; a digital picture and words tell you the trouble (ie. a second-row left car door is open; E-brake has been left on). The seat's leatherette material has a modern feel with easier upkeep in the long run than real leather; but the interior dash overall holds a plastic-y feel and not what I’ve experienced in VW’s from the past years. Rear legroom offers passengers 3-feet of space. The trunk is surprisingly spacious at 15.5-cubic feet. The exterior unfortunately lacks significant style – it’s hard to decide if it’s the Jetta that does this or the fact other competitors in the small sedan market are just getting better looking.

Reliability & Safety Factor: The good news is the 2011 Jetta is listed as a top safety pick with The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), achieving ratings of “Good” in all areas (frontal, side, roof and rear crash tests). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) give the 2011 Jetta 4-stars for rollover and frontal crash and 5-stars for side crash. Many VW models have had issues with electrical components, and the NHTSA sites potentially over 70,000 2011 Jettas have been recalled for these issues.

Cost Issues: The whole selling point of the Jetta is that it is now attainable for the driver on a budget because the starting price for the S trim is just under $16k. The TDI Clean Diesel has all the kudos of the SE trim plus the leather interior accoutrements of the SEL and starts at $22,095.

Activity & Performance Ability: The 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine never quite delivers when pushed during highway acceleration or uphill. But the shifting is smooth and the handling tight on corners; overall driving comfort including visibility will create a spirited driver. Much excellence is showered on the alternative turbo diesel engine which is great on gas, has lots of nice turbo power and offers consistently smooth driving.

The Green Concern: The TDI Clean Diesel is the version to go with when it comes to several of Volkswagens current lineup, like the Jetta sedan and the Jetta SportsWagen. The140-horsepower 2.0-liter engine possesses excellent uphill acceleration with a cost to the earth of only 30-city/42-highway driving MPG. And this isn’t the smelly, smoky or loud diesel you might remember.

FINAL PARTING WORDS

It’s not as thrilling as it used to be to own this German sedan – going cheaper caused the car marker to lose some of its luster or interior quality. If you really want the Jetta to stand out performance-wise from the small sedan market, go with the TDI Clean Diesel trim. ©2011 Katrina Ramser