Test: Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 TDI (77 kW) DSG Highline
Test Drive

Test: Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 TDI (77 kW) DSG Highline

When they unveiled the American version of the Jette in San Francisco last summer, it was clear that we had quite a few comments. The "obsolete" rear axle, "plastic" dashboard and door trim seemed almost unheard of for a car of German (golf) origin.

For the American market, Volkswagen's design department has prepared a slightly thinner version of the Jette because it only has a semi-rigid axle on the other side of the Atlantic. With such technical solutions, many Golf participants still travel the world, which makes them equally competitive. However, the American Jetti cut the price. However, on the Jetta for Europe, VW opted for the same rear suspension solution that we know from the Golf, only now they have moved both axles further apart. The Jetta has a wheelbase 7,3 centimeters longer than the previous model, and also nine centimeters longer. So the Golf outgrew it, and after all, that was what Volkswagen was aiming for: to offer something between the Golf and the Passat that customers would love.

The appearance of the Jetta also broke Volkswagen tradition. Now, the Jetta is no longer the Golf with the backpack (or the box attached to the back) that some have often criticized previous generations of the Jetta. But while we can't overlook the brand and the similarities to the Passat, we agree with Volkswagen chief designer Walter de Silva that the new Jetta is by far the prettiest to date.

Well, the beauty of a car depends on taste, but I'm not afraid to admit that I am very lucky with the new Jetta. Contrary to many of the prejudices of my colleagues, I drove the Jetta without hesitation. Unheard of! I like Jetta.

But not all. But more on that later. In the meantime, a little about the interior. The functional part of the dashboard, slightly facing the driver, is inspired by BMW vehicles. But the control buttons are in exactly those places that seem the most logical. The only thing you really don't need is a large screen in the middle of the dashboard, unless you uncheck the boxes for the navigation device, phone interface, and USB or iPod ports in the hardware list. They dropped out because then the price of the Jetta would already be in a higher class, and the price cannot be bragged (compared to its competitors).

The seating position is satisfactory and there is ample room in the rear seats, although the passenger in the middle does not enjoy the same comfort as the one at the door. Surprisingly, the boot, with its dimensions and lid, has no trace of trim on the bare metal sheet that one would expect from such a sedan. The solution to folding the rear seat backs (1: 2 ratio) also seems to be a good one, with the levers freeing the backrest fingers from the inside of the trunk so that the trunk is also well protected in the event of a violent intrusion into the trunk. cabin.

The engine equipment of our Jette was not surprising. However, such a modern car deserves an additional start-stop system. But even that (BlueMOtion Technology) comes with fat extra bills at Volkswagen. In the case of Jetta, the importer even decided not to offer these technologically advanced solutions for the Slovenian market at all. It is true, however, that the already basic 1,6-liter TDI engine is a convincing engine in every respect, both in terms of performance, low running noise and fairly sustainable consumption.

Even an average of about 4,5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers can be achieved with little effort. Overall, the dual-clutch transmission, in the case of the Jetta dry-clutch and seven-speed gearbox, contributes to a more comfortable and worry-free ride. However, in our test case, this part of the car proved that every car needs service, even if it's new.

The rare squeaky start of the Jetta can be attributed to the superficial appearance at the last service inspection. Since the clutch release timing was not the best, with every quick start the Jetta first bounced, and only then the power transfer smoothly shifted to the drive wheels. Another completely identical example of a car with a good clutch confirmed our impression that this is just a single example of superficiality.

However, it was also noticed that when starting off on a slippery road, intermittent problems arise due to the automatic release of traction when the vehicle is automatically held (short-term braking). This is, of course, proof that not everything in a machine can be automated or that it is not always possible to ensure uninterrupted operation.

However, the overall impression of the Jetta is definitely better than any previous Volkswagen effort to make the Golf an acceptable sedan. In fact, it's outrageous that they've been looking for the right recipe from this largest German manufacturer for so long!

text: Tomaž Porekar, photo: Saša Kapetanovič

Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 TDI (77 kW) DSG Highline

Basic data

Sales: Porsche Slovenia
Base model price: 16.374 €
Test model cost: 23.667 €
Power:77kW (105


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 12,2 with
Maximum speed: 190 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 6,1l / 100km
Guarantee: 2 years general warranty, 3 years varnish warranty, 12 years rust warranty, unlimited mobile warranty with regular maintenance by authorized service technicians.
Systematic review 20.000 km

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Regular services, works, materials: 1122 €
Fuel: 7552 €
Tires (1) 1960 €
Loss of value (within 5 years): 7279 €
Compulsory insurance: 2130 €
CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO +3425


(
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Buy up € 23568 0,24 (km cost: XNUMX


€)

Technical information

engine: 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - front transversely mounted - bore and stroke 79,5 × 80,5 mm - displacement 1.598 cm³ - compression ratio 16,5:1 - maximum power 77 kW (105 hp) s.) at 4.400 rpm - average piston speed at maximum power 11,8 m / s - specific power 48,2 kW / l (65,5 hp / l) - maximum torque 250 Nm at 1.500- 2.500 rpm - 2 overhead camshafts (timing belt) - 4 valves per cylinder - common rail fuel injection - turbocharger - charge air cooler.
Energy transfer: engine-driven front wheels - 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission - gear ratio I. 3,500; II. 2,087 hours; III. 1,343 hours; IV. 0,933; V. 0,974; VI. 0,778; VII. 0,653 - differential 4,800 (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th gears); 3,429 (5th, 6th gears) - 7 J × 17 wheels - 225/45 R 17 tires, rolling circumference 1,91 m.
Capacity: 190 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 11,7 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 4,9/4,0/4,3 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 113 g/km.
Transportation and suspension: sedan - 4 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, spring legs, three-spoke wishbones, stabilizer - rear multi-link axle, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear discs, ABS, parking mechanical brake on the rear wheels (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, electric power steering, 2,9 turns between extreme points.
Mass: empty vehicle 1.415 kg - permissible total weight 1.920 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake: 1.400 kg, without brake: 700 kg - permissible roof load: 75 kg.
External dimensions: vehicle width 1.778 mm, front track 1.535 mm, rear track 1.532 mm, ground clearance 11,1 m.
Inner dimensions: front width 1.460 mm, rear 1.450 mm - front seat length 530 mm, rear seat 480 mm - steering wheel diameter 370 mm - fuel tank 55 l.
Standard equipment: airbags for the driver and front passenger - side airbags - curtain airbags - ISOFIX mountings - ABS - ESP - power steering - air conditioning - front and rear power windows - rear-view mirrors with electric adjustment and heating - radio with CD and MP3 player player - remote control of the central lock - steering wheel with height and depth adjustment - height-adjustable driver's seat - separate rear seat - on-board computer.

Our measurements

T = 13 ° C / p = 1.120 mbar / rel. vl. = 35% / Tires: Michelin Pilot Alpin 225/45 / R 17 H / Odometer status: 3.652 km
Acceleration 0-100km:12,2s
402m from the city: 18,5 years (


125 km / h)
Maximum speed: 190km / h


(VI. V. VII.)
Minimum consumption: 4,5l / 100km
Maximum consumption: 7,3l / 100km
test consumption: 6,1 l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h: 73,1m
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 42,3m
AM table: 40m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear56dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear55dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear54dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 6rd gear54dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear62dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear61dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 6rd gear60dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear64dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 6rd gear63dB
Idling noise: 40dB

Overall rating (357/420)

  • The Jetta has become more serious and independent, as well as seemingly very likable and also very useful as a sedan.

  • Exterior (11/15)

    Formally a big improvement over the previous one, and especially now the Jetta is embarking on a more independent journey unrelated to the Golf; but the family past cannot be missed!

  • Interior (106/140)

    The pleasant interior gives a feeling of spaciousness, as does the exterior - it's more than a Golf, but still its cousin. Despite the design of the sedan, a large trunk will come in handy.

  • Engine, transmission (57


    / 40)

    Powerful and economical engine, excellent seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, reasonably precise steering gear.

  • Driving performance (70


    / 95)

    Steady road position, satisfactory driving feel, slight pulling away difficulties.

  • Performance (31/35)

    With an economical consumption, it surprises with a powerful engine, while being quite flexible.

  • Security (39/45)

    Active and passive safety is ideal.

  • Economy (51/50)

    Economical without a stop and start system, which Slovenian VW does not offer at all.

We praise and reproach

secure position on the road and comfort

spaciousness in the cabin and trunk

limousine look

powerful and economical engine

efficient dual clutch transmission

relatively many additional services for an additional fee

expensive speakerphone equipment

Add a comment