What does it mean for the driver?
Here’s where I really come into the picture. I make no illusions about being a geeky engineer type when it comes to engine specs, etc. Now, I get to the important stuff: What was it like to drive?
In a word: Fantastic. I made it a point to take the 2014 Jetta 1.8T 5-speed manual out for a spin, amongst others, as I feel the 1.8 TSI is best applied in this body. I wanted my first impression to be a good one -- and it was.
While I’ll admit to wanting a 6th gear at times, that’s no fault on the engine. The 1.8 TSI is a responsive and output is precisely as you’d hope it to be: turbo lag is almost nil and full torque is available at just 1,500 rpm (that’s 2,750 rpms less than in the outgoing 2.5L). While the 2013 Jetta 1.8T isn’t excessively powerful, it’s not meant to be.
The vehicle itself offers a balanced, controlled ride -- even on the curvy, undulating roads of Napa Valley and its surrounding areas. The Jetta felt stable and handled well, no matter what I threw its way. And the 5-speed manual was sufficient.
I never wished for more torque or throttle response, the 2013 Jetta 1.8T handled itself very well and the lack of turbo lag (or near lack) was a welcome relief. I felt as if I’d been driving the 1.8T all my life, it just felt right.
New engine, new life?
I’d have to say Volkswagen has been on a bit of a roll as of late, and the introduction of this new more efficient, yet more powerful, engine is proof of that. While there have been other small improvements and changes to the 2014 lineup, that will have to wait for vehicle reviews.
The EA888 is a perfect example of how the auto industry is trying to please two very different parties: those who want to burn less fuel, and those who want to go faster. Somehow, Volkswagen has managed to do both, so kudos to them.
Here’s where I really come into the picture. I make no illusions about being a geeky engineer type when it comes to engine specs, etc. Now, I get to the important stuff: What was it like to drive?
In a word: Fantastic. I made it a point to take the 2014 Jetta 1.8T 5-speed manual out for a spin, amongst others, as I feel the 1.8 TSI is best applied in this body. I wanted my first impression to be a good one -- and it was.
While I’ll admit to wanting a 6th gear at times, that’s no fault on the engine. The 1.8 TSI is a responsive and output is precisely as you’d hope it to be: turbo lag is almost nil and full torque is available at just 1,500 rpm (that’s 2,750 rpms less than in the outgoing 2.5L). While the 2013 Jetta 1.8T isn’t excessively powerful, it’s not meant to be.
The vehicle itself offers a balanced, controlled ride -- even on the curvy, undulating roads of Napa Valley and its surrounding areas. The Jetta felt stable and handled well, no matter what I threw its way. And the 5-speed manual was sufficient.
I never wished for more torque or throttle response, the 2013 Jetta 1.8T handled itself very well and the lack of turbo lag (or near lack) was a welcome relief. I felt as if I’d been driving the 1.8T all my life, it just felt right.
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| Photo: Miranda Lightstone |
New engine, new life?
I’d have to say Volkswagen has been on a bit of a roll as of late, and the introduction of this new more efficient, yet more powerful, engine is proof of that. While there have been other small improvements and changes to the 2014 lineup, that will have to wait for vehicle reviews.
The EA888 is a perfect example of how the auto industry is trying to please two very different parties: those who want to burn less fuel, and those who want to go faster. Somehow, Volkswagen has managed to do both, so kudos to them.