Good things come in small packages

Although its shares its mechanical system with the Golf, the New Beetle and the Audi TT, the Volkswagen Jetta is aimed at an affluent clientele with more classic tastes when it comes to automobiles.

In Europe, Volkswagen has adopted a different marketing approach, renaming the Jetta the Bora. North American executive have resisted the temptation, on the one hand because of the value associated with the existing name, known and recognized by all, and on the other because the resulting savings in terms of advertising could be used to make the Jetta’s price-equipment ratio even more irresistible.

The Jetta is streamlined and creates a reassuring impression of sturdiness. It ’ s tires are bigger than better and fill the wheel wells completely, creating an image of brute force. Headlights are more powerful and are covered with a transparent lens that contributes to a high-quality image.The Jetta comes with a slew of new accessories, including tilt, telescopic steering column, bigger tires, disc brakes to replace the old rear drum brakes, and a mechanism to position the driver higher for better visibility. The well- designed bucket seats provide a comfortable driving position; some people might find them too firm, but over long distances what seems to be a drawback can be a blessing.

To the eye and to the touch, the interior exudes undeniable finishing quality and exceptional attention to detail. Examples? The vertical pillars around the windshield are covered with a quilted material (compared to vinyl on the old model), the dummy pedal is wider, the front-seat backs have practical storage pockets and the grille is adorned in nickel (automatic transmission), just like it is on the more expensive Passat. And wood inlays on the GLX version!

Like the New Beetle, the Jetta’s dashboard has blue-tinted lighting, very restful when night falls. Instrumentation (tachometer, speedometer, gas and temperature gauges) are clustered around a cathode screen that also indicates the transmission speed (automatic). To prevent the sun’s reflection from making instruments hard to read, Volkswagen tops them with a visor. The air conditioning system has large dials, making it simple to adjust temperature and vents.

Faults? When cupholders are in use they block access to the storage space immediately below them and to the radio controls as well. Speaking of which, radio controls are positioned too close to the bottom of the console. You have to take your eyes off the road to use them. Another drawback is the glove compartment door, which opens out onto your lap. Access to rear seats is a bit difficult. And the trunk?Although it has slightly less space on the new Jetta, it’s still one of this Volkswagen’s strong points, especially since its sill dips down into the bumper to make loading easy. The rear seat folds down for added cargo space. Practical!At a time when the market seems to want increased power, Volkswagen seems to be bucking the trend. First, by using a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to power its front drive wheels.

Of course, it has undergone a number of changes, but its output is still stationary at 115 horses. Experienced motorists will notice that the compression rate has increased, from 10.0:1 to 10.5:1, that the transmissions available (manual and automatic) have also been modified and that the maximum torque of 122 pound-feet is now reached at 2,600 rpm compared to 3,200 on the older model. Despite a heavier weight of, these changes have no repercussions on the Jetta’s overall performance and even better, they have a positive effect on fuel consumption. Of course, Volkswagen still offers its 1.9-litre direct injection turbo-diesel engine which, like the other two, has undergone some changes. In this case, the geometry of the turbo supercharger’s impeller is variable, increasing torque from 149 to 155 pound-feet.

The suspension is fully independent and the separation of the coil springs and dampers at the rear axle has given engineers more leeway to recalibrate it. The result: more consistent and sportier handling and better shock absorption on bumpy roads. The suspension recalibration is coupled with bigger tires (15 inches instead of 14).

All in all the new Jetta is a superb car. Body movement is kept to a minimum. It corners flat (less roll) and shows less tendency to oversteer (shimmying in the front-end when coming out of corners) or nose dive when braking. However, sporty drivers will wish for a firmer suspension – with reason.

It remains very difficult to optimize the Jetta’s many qualities at the wheel of versions powered by the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. Volkswagen is well aware of this fact and promises that the unit’s output will be increased within a year or two. In the meantime, we have to make due and although it may not be a thunderbolt, the Jetta does admirably well. In the first place, more torque in the lower rpm range means that the Jetta get going from standing starts much easier and quicker. Although the standard manual transmission is slightly more precise, but shifting is still a bit rubbery.

As for the TDi engine, it’s still as impressive as ever. Despite the rough sound it makes as it slows down, it can be surprising quiet at cruising speeds. And its remarkable fuel economy spells exceptional range – a must for users who travel long distances on a regular basis.

Without taking anything from the two previously described mechanical systems, clearly the VR6 is best at highlighting the Jetta’s good points. Now that the chassis is more rigid, it can ensure that the car’s 174 horses sail along the asphalt with maximum assurance. And Volkswagen claims that the pricey GLX can easily vie with the Infiniti G20 and the BMW 323i, not to mention other exceptional compacts of the same ilk. Another nice surprise is the automatic transmission, which is especially well suited to this engine choice. The four speeds shift smoothly and despite preconceived ideas, they do nothing to hinder performance levels.

There was a time when Volkswagen was criticized for Americanizing its products, but that was then. Now "fun to drive" and "very predictable" are phrases that summarize how the latest product from Wolfburg behaves. It takes corners with a great deal of assurance, the kind traditionally found on vehicles sold at much higher prices. And if that ’ s what you like, the Jetta takes well to sporty driving styles. Its precise steering system lets you take the car exactly where you want to and no suspicious noises are there to distract the driver.

Solid, reliable and very well equipped, the Jetta is bait that consumers will find very hard to resist.

PROS
Strong VR6 motor
Smooth handling
Precise steering

CONS
Back seats lack headroom
Access to back seats awkward

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
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