Although the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta might not
look too different from last year's model, it offers a few updates and changes.
There's a revised interior, for example, that puts a larger emphasis on
materials quality than last year's model did. There are also some new features,
such as a recently released telematics system, and some updates under the hood,
including a slightly revised diesel engine that boasts better gas mileage than
before.
In general, however, the Jetta is about the same as
it ever was. That's a good thing because it boasts a roomy interior,
European-car handling, reasonable pricing, and competent, capable engines and
transmissions -- all of which we'll cover in greater depth below.
What's New for
2015?
The Jetta is face-lifted for 2015 with slightly
revised styling, an improved interior, a few new features, and updated tuning
for better gas mileage with the diesel powertrain.
What We Like
Roomy interior; reasonable pricing; potent
1.8-liter turbocharged engine; fuel-efficient diesel
What We
Don't
Outdated technology; diesel can be pricey; subpar
base-level 2.0-liter engine
How Much?
$17,000-$32,900
Fuel Economy
The Jetta is offered with three engines. Base
models use a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder powerplant
that makes just 115 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque. They return 25 miles
per gallon in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with a standard manual
transmission or 23 mpg city/34 mpg hwy with an optional automatic.
We highly recommend upgrading to at least the new
1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, which came out last year. It makes 170 hp
and 184 lb-ft of torque, and gives the car a fairly potent feeling.
Interestingly, gas mileage is better with the 1.8T than with the 2.0. The
1.8-liter Jetta model returns 25 mpg city/37 mpg hwy with an automatic or
manual transmission.
For shoppers who want even more power, Volkswagen is expected
to offer the Jetta GLI. That model uses a 210-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder
engine. It returns 23 mpg city/33 mpg hwy with a manual transmission or 24 mpg
city/32 mpg hwy with an optional dual-clutch automatic.
Topping the Jetta lineup for fuel economy are
diesel and hybrid engine options. Rated at 150 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, the
brand's 2.0-liter turbodiesel powerplant returns 31 mpg city/46 mpg hwy with a
manual, or 31 mpg city/45 mpg hwy with an automatic. These ratings are up a few
mpg compared to last year.
Although Volkswagen has not officially moved the
Jetta Hybrid to a 2015 model, the 2014 version boasts 170 hp and returns 42 mpg
city/48 mpg hwy. Once the Jetta Hybrid makes the switch to a 2015 model, we'll
cover it in a separate review.
Standard
Features & Options
The Jetta comes in a wide range of trim levels with
a wide variety of engine options. As gas- or diesel-powered models go, there
are five trims: a base-level Jetta, followed by the Jetta S, the SE, the Sport
and the SEL. While the Jetta SportWagen hasn't yet made the switch to a 2015
model, it only offers S, SE and diesel-powered TDI trims. Then there's a
fuel-efficient Jetta Hybrid, which is covered separately, along with a sporty
Jetta GLI. Even the GLI is divided into two trims: SE and SEL.
The base-level Jetta ($17,000) is only
offered with the brand's 2.0-liter engine. Only available on special order, it
includes very few features, including power windows, a 4-speaker stereo with a
CD player, and not much else. Unless you're on a very strict budget, this
probably isn't the model you want. It doesn't even include air conditioning.
Next up is the Jetta S (starting from
$18,100), which is offered with a 2.0-liter gas or turbodiesel engine, in sedan
or SportWagen body styles. It adds all the basics you'll want, such as
Bluetooth, air conditioning, a 4-inch touchscreen, power door locks and cruise
control.
The Jetta's midlevel SE trim level (starting
from $19,800) is its most popular. It also offers the most engine and body
style options. There's a standard 1.8T engine, with options including a
SportWagen variant, a turbodiesel powerplant, and even a sporty GLI model with
more power. Standard features include heated front seats, alloy wheels and
satellite radio.
Next up is the Jetta Sport ($21,900), which
is only offered with the 1.8T engine. Sport models add larger alloy wheels, fog
lights, a backup camera, leatherette upholstery, a rear spoiler and fog lights.
Above the Sport is the SEL model (starting
from $26,000), which is offered in 1.8T, turbodiesel or GLI guise. It adds to
the SE model, offering a standard navigation system, a power driver's seat, a
Fender premium sound system, automatic wipers, and keyless ignition and entry.
Although most of the Jetta's features are included
in one of its many trim levels, there are a few other options such as
forward-collision warning, rear parking sensors, a blind spot monitoring system
and xenon headlights.
Safety
Although the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta has not yet been
crash-tested, similar 2014 models earned a perfect 5-star overall rating from
the federal government's NHTSA. In crash tests carried out by the nonprofit
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 2015 Jetta earned the group's top
rating: Top Safety Pick+.
As for safety equipment, the Jetta offers a long
list of available items. Standard features include front- and side-curtain
airbags, while options range from simple gadgets like parking sensors and xenon
headlights to forward-collision alert and a blind spot monitoring system.
Behind the
Wheel
On the road, we didn't notice any huge differences
compared to the outgoing Jetta model. That is to say that the 2015 version
offers a compliant ride, hushed road noise, secure -- but not sporty --
handling, and reasonably strong acceleration, especially from the new 1.8-liter
turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. In other words, we're still impressed with the
Jetta, but not overwhelmed. We suspect that this will be a good thing for most
compact car shoppers.
As for the new interior, we think it's a much
better place to spend time than the old model's cabin was. While it retains the
same roomy atmosphere as the outgoing model, the interior materials are
substantially -- and noticeably -- upgraded, giving the 2015 Jetta a more
luxurious feel. Volkswagen tried hard to change the cabin's quality, and it
shows.
When it comes to acceleration, our biggest advice
is to avoid the old 2.0-liter engine. Not only is its technology highly
outdated, but its fuel economy is actually considerably worse than the more
potent 1.8T. We like every other powerplant more, from the GLI's sporty turbo
engine to the 1.8T -- and even the frugal 4-cylinder engine in the Jetta
Hybrid.
Other Cars
to Consider
Ford Focus -- Although it's getting a bit old, the Focus offers reasonable
pricing, sedan or hatchback variants, and an excellent interior with a wide
range of new technology.
Honda Civic -- The Civic is still one of our favorite compact cars, touting
legendary reliability, several available engines, and two unique body styles.
Mazda3 -- The
Mazda3 is our favorite compact car, as it combines excellent styling and
muscular engines with cutting-edge technology and impressive fuel economy.
AutoTrader's
Advice
If we were choosing a Jetta, it would be a
diesel-powered TDI model in the SE or SEL trim. Not only do you get the usual
Jetta features like a smooth ride and competent handling, but the well-equipped
Jetta TDI also boasts a long list of features and a frugal 4-cylinder
turbodiesel engine -- a powerplant that only seems to be getting better as the
years go by.
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