Driving Review: Volkswagen Jetta 1,4 TSI Comfortline 90 kW DSG
The Jetta was first introduced in South Africa in 1980. Since then over 273 000 units of Jettas have been sold locally. It’s a shock to me that even more aren’t sold. When I was at CAR magazine, I had the pleasure of ‘owning’ the previous generation Jetta as my longterm test car. And it was wonderful.
I had the 2,0 TDI and it was one of the most impressive engines I’d experienced. So I was very eager to get in to this new generation. Only this time, I would be testing the 1,4 TSI 90 kW DSG. Again, I was left impressed. With a smaller engine of course comes a lower fuel consumption; VW claims 6,0-litres/100 km. The claimed top speed is 202 km/h. The engines is mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission which is smooth and again, impressive. It is an easy car to drive and if you have read any of my previous driving reviews you will know that I LOVE an easy car…unless I am on a track!
Designers have redesigned the car to make the new Jetta sportier and more modern than its predecessor. The aerodynamics have been improved resulting in 10% reduction of the air drag. The interior design has been refreshed to ensure that the new Jetta is more sophisticated than before. The instrument cluster, steering wheel, upholstery materials (Trendline derivatives only) and accents are all new. It is typically Volkswagen.
The new Jetta is characterised by new instruments in a sporty tube look, multifunction display in the instruments, a new generation steering wheel, new accents for the centre console, elegant high-gloss black trim around the gear shift lever, new chrome accents (varies by derivative), redesigned controls for the air nozzles, ambient lighting (only available as an option with Highline derivatives) as well as designs for the seats and door trim.
The Jetta is offered in three different trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.
The engine line-up remains unchanged with three petrol engines (1.2 TSI 77 kW, 1.4 TSI 90 kW and 1.4 TSI 118 kW) and two diesel engines (1.6 TDI 77 kW and 2.0 TDI 103 kW).
The Jetta may not be a desirable car, but it is practical. The space, comfort and upmarket feel make this one of the most underrated cars on the market. It competes with the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze sedan, Hyundai Elantra and Kia Cerato sedan to name a few. The Jetta would undoubtedly be my first choice.
The model I tested, the 1,4 TSI 90 kW Comfortline DSG will cost you R308 400, but with all the added extras on my test unit, which included options such as a towbar (R6 950), rear assist with rear view camera (R3 050), Climatronic air-conditioner (R4 500), a sunroof (R7 050), parking distance control (R4 500) and leather seats (R11 500) came up to just under R370 000.
Retail Prices (VAT and emissions tax included.
1.2 TSI 77kW Trendline R258 000
1.4 TSI 90kW Trendline R272 500
1.4 TSI 90kW Comfortline R286 700
1.4 TSI 90kW Comfortline DSG R302 700
1.6 TDI 77kW Comfortline R302 900
1.6 TDI 77kW Comfortline DSG R318 900
1.4 TSI 118kW Highline DSG R331 900
2.0 TDI 103kW Highline DSG R358 000
SERVICE AND WARRANTY
The new Jetta range comes standard with a 5 year/90 000km AutoMotion Service Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.