The VW Jetta may be smaller than the usual vehicle choice, but even in its small saloon size this model houses all kinds of advanced features. Despite its deceptive appearance, the VW Jetta offers enough boot capacity. It also comes with several engine choices: from the top selling choice of a 2.0 TDI at 138bhp for the SE Trim, to the entry-level 120bhp or 158bhp in the 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engines; there’s also the 1.6-litre TDI diesel at 104bhp or the 2.0-litre TDI at 138bhp.

Pros

The Jetta’s design by Klaus Bischoff derives elements from the New Compact Coupe (NCC) of 2010. It also sports familiar design features from the Sharan, Passat, and Polo, just some of Volkswagen’s latest generation vehicles. What results is a classy, clean, and handsome look that is easy on the eyes. Proportions such as the Jetta’s boot fits well into the tapered rear lights; the bootlid’s trailing edge has a smooth sculpting shape that enables less drag and better efficiency.

The interior carries on the form and functionality of the Jetta’s exterior. The driver’s seat is flat and firm enough for ease and comfort, giving the driver a straight alignment. Pedals are in all the right places, the wheel and seat readily adjustable, and the gearlever accessible from the driver’s position. The interior’s functionality is even more emphasized at the stereo/navigation of the centre console switchgear: the switches are large and practically located, dials accessible and readable, and the climate system angled properly to the driver. There’s also more than enough rear cabin space for adults thanks to the 4.6-metre length of the car; an added plus is the 510 litres luggage capacity.

Jetta owners will enjoy taking the 2.0-litre TDI at 140bhp on the motorway, as it revs towards 70mph at 2300rpm. At that speed and power, the Jetta provides a calm cruising ride and enough overtaking capability when necessary.

Engine noise is kept to a minimum, allowing the cabin to remain quiet and peaceful for all car riders to converse easily with one another. The motor checks out on all necessary functions, particularly with the Jetta 2.0 TDI at 140 bhp. We recommend this as your final engine choice.

The Jetta’s grip capability also allows for smooth handling and balanced control weights. Expect a smooth ride all around, assuring drivers of comfort in every aspect—from its luxurious yet practical interior to a smooth, worry and noise free drive at most speeds and roadways.

Cons

Although the Jetta can handle demanding road conditions, the steering could use more feel. In terms of engine performance, the Jetta 2.0 TDI offers efficient fuel economy but still lacks that needed performance. In-gear flexibility is one needed improvement this engine could use, along with more speed and enough torque to back up that sudden acceleration.

The Jetta provides enough control when compressing, but the rebound damping tends to be unflappable in its handling. As a result, drivers can expect some dull handling that the Volkswagen doesn’t address in its vehicles. 

The Jetta is not without flaws but these can overlooked considering how well it performs in every other aspect.

The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car or small family car that was released in 1980. It is the so-called sedan model of the Volkswagen Golf. The Jetta was released and manufactured in response to a North American market that preferred a sedan over the VW Golf’s hatchback design. The name VW Jetta is the popular term referred to in South Africa and North America. Compared to the Golf, the Jetta is a popular choice among the market in South Africa.  But in 1991, the name VW Jetta was replaced with the Vento and eventually with the Bora in 1988.

The first generation Jetta in the 80s was either a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan. Giorgetto Guigiaro spearheaded the design. The first version included a 1.6L four-cylinder engine at 78 HP but was upgraded to 1.7L at 74 HP in the next year. The other engine options released were a 1.6L diesel engine at 50 HP. The last version in the last year of the A1 Jetta featured GLI high-performance with a 1.8 L engine. The current model seen is the A2 series that began in 1984. It is also a two-door coupe or four-door sedan. Some of the noticeable changes are the removal of front-quarter windows, inclusion of lower side skirts in the early 90s, and changes in the side-cladding and grille.