Volkswagen's Jetta is back, and it's predicted to sell as hotly in the UK as ever... Estimated annual volume is all of 3000 units a year, equating roughly to Golf sales over a decent fortnight. The UK doesn't quite 'get' saloons like this one.
They get them in the States, where more than 120,000 Jettas will sell a year. It's also cheap (there): it's built in Mexico, where US models are fitted with torsion beam rear axles and hard interior trim. Euro variants are priced higher thanks to multi-linked rears, better trimmed insides and their Atlantic cruise. Still, £17k-£22k or so isn’t bad, given its size.
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Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 TDI in action
Ah yes, the Jetta's size. VW says it bridges the gap between the Golf and Passat. Yet, at 4.64m long it's a good 45cm longer than a Golf, and just 12cm shorter than a Passat. Its boot holds 510 litres (Golf only 350, Passat 545) and there's ample room for adults to sit behind adults in the cabin.
The Jetta is longer even than a BMW 3-Series, leaving it in a peculiar hinterland, especially for those compiling company car lists, entitled 'what the heck is it?'
That solving nothing, let's move on.
What's it like?
Not at all bad. Competitive in its class? Definitely, if you can define its competitors. The meat of the Jetta range finishes where the Passat's gets going, so it undercuts its nearest obvious rival, Volvo's S40, which it also betters.
In terms of interior quality the Jetta's at Golf, perhaps just sub-Golf, levels rather than Passat ones, but in terms of dynamism and involvement it's closer to its larger sibling. Which means it's… fine. Its electrically-assisted steering is responsive and well weighted, it rides respectably, turns adequately.
Our test car was equipped with the ubiquitous 2.0-litre TDI unit developing the same 138bhp you'll find throughout the VW range, and noise levels are low. Very low, in fact. The six-speed optional DSG transmission (a six-speed manual is standard) is fine, too – at its worst during low-speed manoeuvring.
All of which makes the Jetta a car with some reasonably compelling characteristics.
Should I buy one?
Maybe. Tell me you were thinking of buying one, and I'd think that was a decent enough idea.
Yet, tell me you wanted a family-sized Volkswagen, and it wouldn't occur to me to recommend a Jetta over a Golf. Plus ça change.
Volkswagen Jetta 2.0TDI 140 DSGPrice: £21,000 (est); Top speed: 136mph; 0-62mph: 9.5sec; Economy: 53.3mpg; Co2: 138g/km; Kerb weight: 1411kg; Engine: 4cyls in line, turbodiesel; Power:138bhp at 4200rpm; Torque: 236lb ft at 1750-2500rpm; Gearbox: 6-spd dual-clutch auto
BMW 650i Convertible
Volvo has joined the ranks of manufacturers replacing big capacity petrol engines with smaller ones of equal power output but improved economy. In fact this new 1.6-litre turbocharged motor (dubbed T4 and unrelated to the company's previous 1.6 petrol engine) is a revised, 178bhp version of Ford's Ecoboost unit, which we're testing here in a six-speed manual V70, complete with standard stop-start.
What's it like?
Ford Focus 1.6 Ecoboost (180bhp)
Subaru’s version of the Toyota FT-86 concept will make its public debut at the Geneva motor show, the firm has announced.
In a press release, Subaru said that its Geneva show stand is to include the Impreza Concept (unveiled at the LA show last year), the Trezia small MPV and a “Rear-wheel-drive Sports Car Technology Concept”. The firm also confirmed that the sports car would use a horizontally opposed ‘boxer’ engine.
Skoda has launched its latest special edition Fabia, the Monte Carlo.
Interior touches include either black or red and black sports seats and red-stitched leather steering wheel, handbrake and gearstick gaiter.
Here is Audi's long-held plan to reach beyond the S3
The upgraded driveline is supported by a reworked chassis
Suspension is compliant enough to soak up the bumps without any undue harshness
Powered by the same turbocharged 2.5-litre, five-cylinder petrol engine used in the TT RS
Drive goes to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic gearbox
Beautifully sculpted interior hints at its awesome power
Unlike the S3, it will not sell in three-door form
Exclusive spec includes front parking sensors mounted discreetly and very low down on front grille
Blind spot monitor makes use of the parking sensors in the rear bumper to save money
Softly suspended C4 has a comfy low-speed ride but poor body control elsewhere
Large rear lights are unique to the C4 and work well with the rest of the styling
These headlamps are £800 optional bi-xenons; they're amongst the best we've tried
Although body roll is quite pronounced, it is progressive enough not to be unsettling
Generally, the C4 is stable and calm even when driven very hard
The ESP can be switched off, but turns back on after 30mph
Thick leather steering wheel has a flattened base, which looks sporting, but allows extra knee room
Dials look novela nd you can choose the colour of their backlighting; they are easy to read too
In this trim, cabin comes with part leather, climate control and massaging seats
Legroom in the back is adequate as long as the front occupants aren't too tall
Boot is spacious enough, but the folded-down seat backs stick up somewhat
Emergency buttons use GPS and SIM card to call emergency services if necessary
