“Ooh, you’re right, that is big,” she said.
I had tried to warn my friend about the remarkable size of the Jetta boot, but it has to be seen to be believed. The car does not look particularly cavernous from the outside. Most people’s initial reaction, even to the standard models, is that it looks very sporty. But when you open the boot you are presented with enough space for a small vegetable patch.
The Jetta, like the saloon versions of other popular hatchbacks, is too often over-looked. If you are a fan of the Golf and want something just slightly bigger, then this is a no-brainer for you. If you have always been a hatchback driver but have reached a life stage where you need more luggage space, for children’s toys or whatever, it is worth considering.
As this is a Volkswagen, build quality can almost be taken for granted. The controls just all feel good and work first time. At night there is a gentle red glow around all the controls that may not be to everyone’s tastes, but I prefer it to the yellow in Vauxhalls.
Rear legroom feels as good in the Jetta as it does in its competitors and like it compares to some slightly bigger models and estates. All the seats are very comfortable and supportive.
The all-in-one sound system and satellite navigation was impressive and I felt it was slightly easier to use than the Audi version. The differences are minimal and it may just be personal preference. The test-car had a 6-cd changer in the armrest. If your passenger decides to change a CD whilst on the move this can be awkward. As no one I know wears gloves I always prefer cd changers fitted in the glove compartment.
Sitting in a traffic jam, minding my own business, the wind screen wipers suddenly swept the screen without being asked. I sat puzzled for a moment. It happened again. Then, a moment later some rain arrived. I couldn’t believe Volkswagen haven’t shouted more about their break-through technology. Lot’s of cars have rain sensors. But a car that can predict the weather before it happens, that is something! Sadly it didn’t do it again and so I think it may have been a one-off set of circumstances.
This car was actually laden with gismos: Rain sensors, automatic lighting up on unlocking, switching just one headlight and rear light on if you select an indicator then cut the engine; all nice touches seen on more expensive cars. They made the Jetta feel much more expensive than it is.
South of Cambridge, as you come off the M11 and go onto the A11, there is a long slip road where traffic continues at motorway speeds but the surface of the road has began to break up slightly on one corner. The Jetta took this potentially difficult bend and other long, sweeping turns with confidence and poise. So it was a little bit of a disappointment that there is quite noticeable body roll on tighter corners and smaller roundabouts.
The test-car’s 2.0 TDI engine is the flagship. Considering the power and torque it delivers, it is impressive that it averages 50.4 mpg. It doesn’t post a shattering 0-60 time, but it still feels like a swift car that climbs to cruising speed without fuss.
It’s potency is best displayed when exiting roundabouts onto major A-roads and dual carriageways; despite the road camber being all over the place, there is often a pressure from the traffic to make brisk progress. In these situations, boot the throttle and the ESP light flashes momentarily as a wheel struggles for grip, but the car just keeps pulling. Overtaking can be achieved in almost any gear, although on a single-carriageway road, dropping a gear was usually best.
Summary
There are no really weak links in the Volkswagen engines, but with all the safety features and added weight of the boot, I would avoid the 1.4 litre units on this car. With a sufficiently powerful engine this car is a good motorway cruiser without being difficult to manoeuvre in town.
It is a nice family car; a realistic alternative to a BMW 3-Series in terms of size and options. But the Jetta brand doesn’t have enough ‘cache’ for many people. I have often wondered why VW doesn’t follow other manufacturers and name their Golf saloon, the ‘Golf Saloon.’ But if they did, you and I wouldn’t find so many used bargains.
Whether buying new, nearly new or used, the Jetta is surprisingly good value. If Golf’s have seemed a little expensive to you, check out the Jetta prices and you might be pleasantly surprised. The used prices can be lower and the extra size makes the price feel worth it.
Road test car:
Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 Sport Tdi 6 speed manual
OTR: £18,172
0-62 mph: 9.7 secs
MPG: 50.4
Words: Matthew Tumbridge