Road Test: 2014 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8 TSI Highline
Story and photo by John LeBlanc
While the basic engineering and styling hasn’t changed in the past four model years, Volkswagen has constantly been tweaking and upgrading the front-wheel-drive, five-passenger Jetta four-door along the way. Old school VW fans have whined about the new-age Jetta’s designed-to-cost strategy. The return of the sporty GLI model a couple of years ago helped, but for 2014, a new turbocharged mill and an independent rear suspension have replaced the funky five-cylinder gas engine and solid-axle rear suspension.
One of the reasons for the Jetta’s popularity is its plethora of powertrains. Want a Jetta on the cheap? There is the $17,190 Jetta Trendline (all prices include freight and pre-delivery inspection fees) base model and its pre-historic, 115-horsepower “two-point-slow” gas four-cylinder. Want diesel? Go for the $25,985 Jetta TDI. Prefer a hybrid to save fuel? There’s also the $32,495 Jetta Turbo Hybrid. Want a sedan version of the GTI sports compact? Go for the aforementioned $29,685 Jetta GLI. Sitting in the middle of the lineup is my tester: the new-for-2014 $26,885 Jetta 1.8 TSI. With an optional six-speed automatic transmission replacing the standard five-speed manual, and top-level Highline trim package, my example came to $29,855.
Following the trend of employing engines with smaller displacement, fewer cylinders and forced air induction, the Jetta TSI’s (in Volkswagen-speak, “TSI” means “Turbo Stratified Injection”) engine delivers a leaner fuel-air mixture and uses less fuel. The new 1.8-litre turbocharged gas-four makes the same 170 hp as the outgoing, normally aspirated 2.5L five-cylinder. However, torque has increased by seven to 184 lb.-ft. and arrives earlier in the rev range at 1,500 rpm compared to 2,750 in the 2.5. The new mill also puts the Jetta TSI right there with its two biggest compact sedan rivals for 2014: the 184 hp and 185 lb.-ft. Mazda3 GT and the 173 hp and 154 lb.-ft. Kia Forte SX.
The new turbo 1.8 also makes the Jetta TSI a bit quicker and a bit more frugal than the older five-banger. With the auto box, the run from zero to 100 kilometres per hour is now a half-second faster at 8.5 seconds, while fuel economy improves from 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.5 on the highway to 8.2 and 5.6, respectively. In my week with the VW sedan, I saw an average of 8.8 L/100 km. Keep in mind; the more powerful Mazda is rated at an even more impressive 7.2 L/100 km city and 5.1 highway.
In truth, I was one of the rare fans of the Jetta’s older inline-five. If not all that powerful, it was smooth, and like Volvo’s old fiver, it emitted a distinctive warble when revved. That said, the new 1.8 in the Jetta TSI (that will also replace the 2.5 in other VWs) is just as quiet. Because torque is available at such low rpm, you don’t have to get the revs too high to get the small sedan moving briskly off the line. Fans of the Jetta GLI’s revvy 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (which VW says this 1.8 is related to) will miss that mill’s snarly growl, but for those looking for a more mature ride will appreciate the Jetta TSI’s new motor.
If you like to shift, it’s good to know VW still offers a five-speed manual in the Jetta. That’s encouraging since the autobox is tuned for fuel economy, with an algorithm that tries to get to the overdrive sixth gear as soon as possible. More aggressive drivers can slip the console shifter to manual mode.
“Mature” can also describe the 2014 Jetta TSi’s overall ride and handling character. While the VW compact sedan’s body structure is solid and rattle-free, its ride is set up more for comfort. The new multilink rear suspension (formerly only available with the GLI) aids in creating a more composed ride over bad payment than the older solid axle. And despite being electrically boosted to help in fuel economy, the Jetta TSI’s steering is accurate with good feel and weight.
The rest of the 2014 Jetta hasn’t changed much. Inside, the two-tone black/beige Highline trim delivers a sense that you’re driving a more expensive car, along with leather on virtually everything the driver touches. The upgraded Fender audio system (that comes with the Technology package) only adds to the premium feel. With 440 litres of rear trunk space, the Jetta still offers more space than the newer Mazda3 or Forte. Even the VW’s warranty — four years or 80,000 km — competes with the upscale German brands.
The Volkswagen Jetta has always been about value. For many, it’s a substitute for more expensive compact sedans from the likes of Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz. So the swapping out of the older five-banger for the torquier and more fuel-efficient 1.8 TSI engine and new multilink rear suspension for about the same money, only enhances the new 2014 Jetta TSI’s value equation further.
WHAT I LIKED: New 1.8 TSI offers more torque and better fuel consumption
WHAT I DIDN'T: Rivals offer more power and sip less fuel
Type of vehicle Front-wheel-drive compact sedan
Engine 1.8L DOHC turbocharged four-cylinder
Power 170 hp @ 6,200 rpm; 184 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,500 rpm
Transmission Six-speed automatic
Brakes Four-wheel disc with ABS
Tires P225/45R17
Price (base/as tested) $25,490/$28,460
Destination charge $1,395
Natural Resources Canada fuel economy (L/100 km) 8.2 city, 5.6 highway, 8.8 as-tested
Standard features Media Device Interface/iPod connectivity/auxiliary input/Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, multifunction trip computer, cruise control, Matte Chrome interior trim, heated front seats/washer nozzles, multifunction leather steering wheel, leather seating, leather shift-knob and hand brake, keyless access/start & stop button, and more.
Optional features $1,400 Six-speed automatic transmission; $1,570 Technology Package Fender Premium Audi System/400-watt/8-speakers/subwoofer; touchscreen navigation/CD changer; rear view camera.