JOIN USNew Jetta is a big improvement on the old one
When a car is relaunched as opposed to being refreshed, it ought to changes that make it significantly better than the earlier model.
After a day-long test drive on the outskirts of Udaipur, I found that Volkswagen, the German car maker that sells the largest number of cars in Europe, has introduced the new Jetta which is not only superior to the older one but is also built on a new platform that has changed the look and the interior space.
To begin with the exterior, the new Jetta is 4,644 mm long, 1,453 mm in height and 1,788 mm wide with a wheelbase of 2,633 mm. The new Jetta is thus 90 mm longer, having more interior space and the extended wheelbase has enabled a rear sitting layout that is more comfortable.
“The interplay of its exterior dimensions generates a powerful ratio of proportions. In parallel, the all new Jetta “design DNA” sharpens its style,” the company claimed. This has resulted in clear precise lines and muscular surfaces, which give Jetta elegance and dynamic styling.
With a totally new design and a powerful engine, the all-new Jetta is available to customers in the diesel variant in both automatic and manual transmissions starting at Rs 14.12 lakhs, ex showroom New Delhi. It is available in four variants –Trendline, Comfortline and Highline manual and DSG gearbox.
The most important change, however, is under the bonnet. The all Jetta is equipped with 2 litre, 4 cylinder CRDi (common rail direct injection) engine with a maximum power output of 140PS@ 4200rpm and a maximum torque of 320 Nm @1750-2500 rpm with a 6 speed gear box in both manual and automatic transmission (DSG).
As I drove both the DSG automatic and the geared variants, I found the engine very peppy and extremely responsive. The gear shift is easy and the response is quick. I was particularly impressed with the automatic version which, along with a well-synchronised gear box, quickly delivered the required power to overtake a speeding vehicle on the highway.
The engine quickly gets the extra power as the diesel turbocharger kicks-in (gets activated) without much lag when the accelerator is pressed harder. Of course, the ‘Sports’ option in automatic is even more peppy and fun to drive. In the top end Highline DSG variant there is steering-mounted paddle-shifters that allows one to shift to lower gears with the press of buttons when extra power is needed to accelerate quickly.
To give Jetta a touch and feel of a luxury sedan, Volkswagen has equipped the interior with leatherette seat upholstery, leather package for steering wheel, gear shift knob, hand brake grip, front center armrest with storage box, rear AC vents for comfort, driver’s seat height adjustments for better drivability and a multi-function display. The 12-way electrically adjustable driver seat certainly adds to the comfort of the driver on a long drive.
The very wide and coupe like rear window in Jetta offers good visibility and simultaneously emphasises its dynamic lines. Its interplay with the C-pillars, as striking as they are elegant, and the clearly sculpted shoulder section, produces a design that is extremely dominant, generating a strong and powerful presence. The car also have added features like RCD 510 touch screen music system with CD player, cruise control, park distance with acoustic warning, display of front infotainment and climatic air conditioner.
Keeping with the European safety standards new Jetta comes with many advanced safety features for the occupants. It has the most advanced Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) that applies brakes on the wheels with different intensity, depending on their angles, so that the wheels don’t get jammed in case of sudden braking. This feature is extremely useful to steer the car away from a possible collision and skidding when brakes are applied suddenly on a slippery surface.
The new Jetta also has one of the best safety features in case of an accident. The Highline variant comes with eight airbags and the trendline and comfortline with six airbags. The car also has front seat belt with height adjustment and seat-belt tensioner, electronic engine immobiliser and hill hold control that prevents the car from rolling back when idle but on gear.