VW’S UPDATED JETTA IS A SERVICEABLE SMALL SEDAN, BUT NOT MUCH MORE
SENIOR MOTORSPORTS EDITOR MAC MORRISON: Every time I fire up a Volkswagen Jetta, I think back to my 1999 gen-IV Jetta that I leased right out of college. I still see a fair number of those cars on the road today, and I always smile at recollections of how nice it was at the time, and I remember many people commenting that it looked like a baby Audi A4.
Subsequent versions haven’t caused anywhere near the same emotional response, either in me or, based on my experience, others -- I’ve not once been stopped on the street by anyone who wants to inquire about the newer Jettas I’ve driven.
This refreshed 2015 version doesn’t do much to change my feelings. A modified front end with LED-ringed bi-xenons looks, frankly, a bit silly and certainly more than a bit dated. You’re also riding on a retuned PQ35 chassis rather than the new MQB platform that has drawn many positive reviews within the new Golf line.
The interior isn’t as bland as before, with some nice aluminum-silver and piano black trim as well, and controls are easy to access and use. I would prefer a thicker steering wheel and improved seats, if for no other reason than a better perception of pseudo sport/lux. Nice array of steering-wheel mounted controls, however.
VW’s workhorse 1.8-liter engine is just adequate here, with the 2.0-liter turbo a much more satisfying-to-drive choice. Ultimately, compared to the new Mazda 3 I drove recently, the refreshed Jetta doesn’t match it in any way other than coming in at a little bit lower in terms of MSRP.
ONLINE FEATURES EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN: There’s really not too much to complain about in the new 2015 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T SE, but there isn’t really anything to get too excited about, either. It just is.
Power from the turbo 1.8-liter is smooth. It’s not fast, by any means, but you won’t have any problems passing anyone on the expressway if you put your foot to the floor. If you’re going around a turn, you might lose a little grip. The six-speed auto is quick -- I actually thought it was a dual clutch. It seems to know the right times to downshift, and the right times to stay the course.
I would rate comfort and handling at about average. I wouldn’t say the Jetta is “fun to drive,” but it’s more engaging than theToyota Corollas and Honda Civics of the world. You will feel the bumps and potholes, especially the big ones that pop up after a winter snowstorm. I dodged most, but some will make you wince.
My only real complaint about the inside is the seats. The bottoms are a little too flat, and the padding is a little too hard. They don’t give much support laterally either, but I guess this isn’t supposed to be a corner carver either. The steering wheel is skinny, which I think gives this car a cheaper feel, as do the seats. I bet better cloth options and thicker rim would do wonders. Otherwise, the radio setup, buttons and switches, climate control, it’s all in the right place.
The body is still too plain-looking for me. I really liked the fourth generation. The fifth was really bad. This is somewhere in between.
My pick in this class is the Mazda 3, then probably the Ford Focus and then the Jetta. All are basically good; it’ll have to come down to personal preference.
Options: Lighting package including fog lights ($995); safety package ($695)
0 коментарі:
Post a Comment