26th February, 2007

The Jetta became an additional model in the expanding Volkswagen range. It replaced the highly desirable, but slow selling Bora sedan. The Jetta is just a little larger than the outgoing Bora.

Together with the Polo, Golf and Passat, the new Jetta becomes one of the mainstream VW models in the continually expanding Volkswagen passenger car line-up. Other special models continue, such as the Caddy Life, Beetle, Beetle cabriolet and Kombi Beach. Whilst yet another new model joins the Volkswagen range next month, when the new Eos coupe/cabriolet joins the local line-up. Of course, with Volkswagen sales expanding around the world, we can expect even more new models as the company cashes in on it's success. Without giving away too much, one of the more interesting new models in the pipeline is the Scirocco. This coupe brings back to the international market a famous name from Volkswagen's past. The Golf based coupe, which is based on the IROC concept car, may arrive in 2008 and you can be sure that it will come to Australia!

But back to the Jetta, itself an interesting model with a long history. The original Jetta was introduced to the European market in 1979. Like today's Jetta, it was a sedan based on the Golf. A second generation model came along in 1984. Both these versions were available as 2 and 4 door sedans. But by 1991 the Jetta had become the Vento, then in 1998 the Golf based sedan was re-named Bora. Both the Vento and Bora were 4-door sedans, just like the new Jetta.

The many features of the Volkswagen Jetta include, amongst others, numerous features which I consider to be mandatory, such as 6 airbags (front, side and curtain), electronic stabilisation programme (ESP), cruise control, air conditioning (dual zone climate control in the Jetta), alloy wheels, leather-bound steering wheel and much more. Some of the other features include rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, low pressure in tyre/s indicator, automatic dimming mirror, rear parking sensors and automatic boot release. In fact, the Volkswagen Jetta is quite well equipped and this, of course, adds to the appeal of this new model.

An interesting aspect of the Volkswagen Jetta is the pricing. Bora suffered because of higher pricing than the market was prepared to accept. The Jetta, which is manufactured in Mexico, has sharper pricing and is sure to excite many buyers who appreciate good value. For example, the recommended retail price (RRP) for the Jetta 2-litre FSI is from $32,990, which is superb value. The 6-speed automatic is priced from $35,290 (RRP), again representing excellent value, particularly when compared to many of the not so great cars in this segment of the market. The diesel is priced (RRP) at $35.490 for the manual, whilst the auto is $37,790. The top of the line Jetta, the highly desirable and very sporting 2-litre turbocharged FSI is priced (RRP) at a quite remarkable $39,990 (DSG auto only).

One unusual fact with the VW Jetta relates to the boot. At 527 litres, it is larger than the boot of the Ford Falcon, Holden Commodore, Honda Accord Euro, Mazda 6 and Mitsubishi 380. And it is very usable space too, I might add.

Competitors for the VW Jetta include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Accord and Euro, the Mazda 6 (petrol and diesel) and the Subaru Liberty. To a lesser extent, other competitors include the uninteresting Toyota Camry and the upcoming and as yet untested Chrysler Sebring and Holden Epica.

In this company, the Volkswagen Jetta shines bright. The combination of occupant comfort, driving dynamics and competitive pricing points to a very clear conclusion. The Jetta is one superb car which raises the bar in the mid-range segment quite significantly. Amongst the selected competitors, the Jetta has demonstrated that it is, strangely enough, much better than it needs to be!