5:18 am, January 6, 2012
The new Jetta aims to be more grown up and lose the ‘Golf with a boot’ tag. James Batchelor reports
WHAT IS IT?
Previous saloon Golfs have had a fair crack at shaking off the ‘Golf with a boot’ description. This new Jetta aims to consign that description to the history books once and for all by taking on the persona of a mini-Passat.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
There’s one petrol, a 1.4-litre TSI unit in 120bhp and 158bhp forms, and two diesels: a 104bhp 1.6-litre BlueMotion and a 138bhp, 2.0-litre unit.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
The range begins with the S model at£16,965 which comes with air con, an alarm and a four-speaker radio. The range tops out at £22,530 for the Sport which adds 17-inch alloys and a multifunction steering wheel.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Despite its associations with the Golf, the good news is that it drives like a Passat. That means decent handling and refinement, just very little excitement. The 2.0-litre diesel is the best all-rounder.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK OF IT?
Autocar feel that if buyers want a more practical Golf, the Jetta is the answer and the only real reason for buying one. Top Gear said they’d rater plump for a Golf and put up with less practicality.
WHAT DO WE THINK OF IT?
It’s tricky – buyers will opt for the Jetta because they want a more practical Golf, but it’s not as good as a Golf. There’s very little to inspire ownership of the Jetta and for that reason we’d rather go for the Passat.
