2011 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 Highline Review

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With models whose base price ranges from a little under $16,000 (2.0-litre Trendline) to a little over $27,000 (Jettla GLI), the Jetta lineup covers a lot of ground. The wide price spectrum puts the German Jetta on the same playing field as the Kia Rio Convenience and Chevrolet Malibu LS.

The Volkswagen Jetta Highline 2.5 is the best-equipped model of the entire range (not counting the new Jetta GLI). (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com)

But in reality, the Jetta remains a Jetta. The compact sedan is similar, both in size and mechanical prowess, to models like the Hyundai Elantra, the Mitsubishi Lancer, the new Ford Focus and the Chevrolet Cruze.

Of course, the automaker puts a lot of stake into this Jetta’s “more generous” proportions. Compared to its predecessor, though, the reality isn’t that dramatic. Overall length and wheelbase have gained 8 and 7.3 cm, respectively, but the car’s height and width remain the same.

In actuality, the generous proportions are evidenced by the spacious rear seats. In back, passengers enjoy 6.9 extra centimetres legroom – and it’s about time, too. The back seats of the last two generations of the Jetta were only suitable for children. This time around, the Jetta can truly accommodate four adults.

Bland looks
Aesthetically speaking, the new Jetta clearly distinguishes itself from its predecessor. That being said, I don’t think consumers will ever immediately recognize it. Sadly, the Jetta has lost all its colour.

“I barely found my 2011 Jetta in the mall parking lot the other day, it blended in so well with the surrounding cars,” a new sedan owner told me. It’s a far cry from the bold new Hyundai Elantra, to be sure. Has the Jetta become the insipid car of the decade, a title once bestowed on the Camry?

The body is just a little too streamlined. This design direction eloquently illustrates VW’s stated intentions of significantly increasing sales in North America. An “all-purpose” car, even a bland one, clearly has more chances of doing so than a temperamental number like the Elantra, whose bold lines will only be in style so long. The 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder mill ensures decent performance in the high-end iterations of this compact sedan, such as the Highline. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) And at any rate, the conclusive argument that will clinch the deal, especially with first-time VW buyers, remains, as ever, the price. VW’s formula for establishing a bottom price is definitely not magic. Simply compare the gear of the base 2010 and 2011 Trendline models, and you’ll see that some standard equipment has plum disappeared, such as the air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and remote locks, for instance. They’re obviously still available, but as options or features on the swankier models. Another major detail distinguishes the two Trendline vintages: the 2011 has enlisted the engine of the defunct 2009 Jetta City. The 2.0-litre, 115-hp four-banger takes the place of the 2.5-litre, 170-hp, five-cylinder mill, which does remain available, again on the more expensive Jettas. Bipolar lineup The engines on offer are at opposite poles of this sedan’s marketing strategy. At one end of the spectrum, you have the modestly priced Jettas (Trendline, Trendline+ and Comfortline) powered by the four-banger. They feature a decent level of equipment that’s well-suited for the budget-minded buyer. At the other end, you have the ritzy Jettas (Comfortline, Sportline and Highline) motivated by the 5-cylinder gas engine or a highly fuel-efficient turbodiesel TDI. And these models have nothing in common with the Jettas we’ve become used in the last decade. The Highline we tested illustrates this fact well. Its kit included, among other things, an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat (manually adjustable, however), a multipurpose, tilt and telescopic steering wheel (common to all Jettas), a power sunroof and a Premium 8 AM/FM/Sirius stereo with touch screen, 6-CD changer and MDI connection for your iPod. The model, characterized by its mat chrome interior trim, also features keyless entry and push-button start, as well as Bluetooth connectivity and voice control. It’s shod in 16-inch alloy wheels covered in all-season rubber. The Jetta Highline 2.5 rides standard on 16-inch alloy wheels. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) A pleasant drive Although hardly breathtaking, the new Jetta has kept all the ergonomic goodness of its forerunners’s cabins. All the controls are within easy reach. Not surprising, since the centre console curves slightly towards the driver. And contrary to Honda, who has overloaded the Accord with buttons of all shapes and sizes, Volkswagen has taken the Spartan route. It’s better this way, as the driver can concentrate on the road. The efficient driving position is enhanced by well-designed bucket seats. The relatively low belt line and good-sized rear-view mirrors ensure excellent visibility. Naturally, the 5-cylinder mill proves quite responsive. It allows the car to bound from 0 to 100 km/h in a little under 9 seconds (the TDI does almost as well), no matter which transmission you choose, the 5-speed manual or the optional, 6-speed Tiptronic automatic. The four-cylinder engine doesn’t have as much gumption, and needs about 2 extra seconds to hit 100 km/h. The trunk is almost as large than that of the 2010 models (-3%), and the wide, low opening makes loading bulky items a breeze. The 60/40 split rear seats also allow you to increase the cargo area as needed. You can fold them down by way of little tabs in the trunk. This Jetta’s suspension will be familiar to Volkswagen regulars. In fact, VW neophytes might find it a touch firm. Let’s call it “European”. In the same vein, the power steering is as precise and well-measured as ever, and the brakes are easy to deal out. This Jetta’s suspension will be familiar to Volkswagen regulars. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) This is true of the poshest Jetta of the lineup at any rate, the one that inherited four-wheel disc brakes like the Jetta Sportline and all the TDIs. For the others, the automaker opted for a less expensive disc/drum combo. Another way to reach that “bargain-basement” price.