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.
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.
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| 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.
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| The Jetta Highline features a Premium 8 AM/FM/Sirius stereo with a touch screen and 6-CD changer. (Photo: Luc Gagné/Auto123.com) |