What? You can’t deactivate the ESC? Nope. We searched the Internet to find out if there was a secret code, a hidden way to deactivate it, you know, just for fun. Nope. Turns out the system has been programmed to figure out when you’re spinning in snow and allows some wheelspin or different power management. Did we get stuck? Nope. I guess it’s not such a curse after all.
But let’s face it: 115 horsepower is sufficient for normal driving, and the only time I really missed some extra muscle is merging onto the highway during rush hour. If you’re always running late, maybe the 2.5-litre would be a better idea for you. Don’t take a close look at the rear wheels, because you’ll notice the drum brakes and the torsion bar suspension. I say who cares, as long as they work, and they do.
If you’re a Jetta owner who’s looking to trade, you might freak out at what they did to the interior. The firm but rubbery plastic dashtop has been replaced with hard plastic; until you touch it, you won’t notice that much of a difference. But we know you’ll succumb and get a feel of it.
We’ll be polite and say that VW has downgraded the interior finish to match Toyota’s. But we can’t help frowning when we turn the ventilation control rotary dial and it squeals like we’re torturing it. The seat fabric is now a sturdy, low-rent material. A center armrest would be nice, but to get one, you’ll have to move up to the Comfortline trim.
But despite all this, the Jetta’s cockpit is still ergonomically sound. Total interior space isn’t the best among compact sedans, but the car boasts class-leading rear-seat legroom; overall, the VW has the most accommodating bench.
In addition, trunk space is very generous; it’s not very high in there, but it’s deep. The total volume of 439 litres is tops among compacts, matched only by the Suzuki SX4 sedan.
But let’s face it: 115 horsepower is sufficient for normal driving, and the only time I really missed some extra muscle is merging onto the highway during rush hour. If you’re always running late, maybe the 2.5-litre would be a better idea for you. Don’t take a close look at the rear wheels, because you’ll notice the drum brakes and the torsion bar suspension. I say who cares, as long as they work, and they do.
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| Inside, the firm but rubbery plastic dashtop has been replaced with hard plastic; until you touch it, you won’t notice that much of a difference. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
If you’re a Jetta owner who’s looking to trade, you might freak out at what they did to the interior. The firm but rubbery plastic dashtop has been replaced with hard plastic; until you touch it, you won’t notice that much of a difference. But we know you’ll succumb and get a feel of it.
We’ll be polite and say that VW has downgraded the interior finish to match Toyota’s. But we can’t help frowning when we turn the ventilation control rotary dial and it squeals like we’re torturing it. The seat fabric is now a sturdy, low-rent material. A center armrest would be nice, but to get one, you’ll have to move up to the Comfortline trim.
But despite all this, the Jetta’s cockpit is still ergonomically sound. Total interior space isn’t the best among compact sedans, but the car boasts class-leading rear-seat legroom; overall, the VW has the most accommodating bench.
In addition, trunk space is very generous; it’s not very high in there, but it’s deep. The total volume of 439 litres is tops among compacts, matched only by the Suzuki SX4 sedan.
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| The new Jetta boasts class-leading rear-seat legroom, and trunk space is among the best. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |