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2015 Volkswagen Jetta Road Test & Review

Lyndon Bell
by Lyndon Bell
February 10, 2015
6 min. Reading Time
2015 vw jetta

2015 vw jetta

Back in 2010, Volkswagen announced the goal of becoming the best selling car company in the world by 2018. In the United States, the car tasked with leading this initiative is Jetta. To this end, the 2011 Jetta was reworked to become larger and more accommodating for Americans. It was also built more to a price than any Jetta before it, in an effort to keep the base price below $17,000.

To make this happen, VW seemingly sourced the 2011 Jetta’s interior components from TAP plastics. The wonderful soft touch materials used so liberally in previous Jetta models was replaced with hard plastic. Further, the multilink rear suspension system of the 2009 car was replaced with a less expensive torsion beam axle, and the electric power steering was replaced with a hydraulic system.

Enthusiast drivers bemoaned the loss of the more sophisticated suspension system, as well as the lackluster performance of the base engine. The cheap-looking interior didn’t help either. These issues began to be addressed for the 2014 model year. The recovery continues for the 2015 model, with refreshed front and rear styling, more interior upgrades, and a new diesel engine option with more power and better fuel efficiency.

Models & Pricing

For the 2015 model year, Volkswagen’s Jetta is offered in five trim levels, as well as with a hybrid powertrain and a diesel engine option (Jetta TDI).

The Jetta Base model starts at $16,215. Available as a factory order only, its features include a five-speed manual transmission and power windows and door locks, but no air conditioning or radio.

Jetta S starts at $17,325 and adds Bluetooth connectivity, one-touch power windows, air conditioning, cruise control, a basic radio with a CD player; power door locks with keyless entry, and power adjustable heated exterior rearview mirrors. Add an automatic transmission and the price goes to $18,425.

Jetta SE starts at $18,995 with a manual transmission, $20,095 with an automatic. Features include all of the above plus alloy wheels, heated front seats, electromechanical power steering, heated windshield washer nozzles, push button start, VW’s media device interface, and satellite radio.

Jetta Sport starts at $20,895 and adds navigation, a rearview camera, foglights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a sport tuned suspension system.

Jetta SEL starts at $25,380 and adds a premium audio system, a soft touch dash, automatic dual-zone climate control, and touchscreen navigation,

In between the trim levels are the optional Technology and Connectivity packages as well as the Connectivity and Navigation package, which add standard features of the upper level models to lower level models.  

Jetta TDI, GLI, and Hybrid trim levels essentially mirror those of the standard models, however the $29,280 GLI SEL also gets xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, foglights with a cornering light, blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, and Homelink. Add the direct shift gearbox automatic transmission and the price goes to $30,380.

Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium basically comes with all of the above and starts at $31,670.

VW adds a destination charge of $820 to all of the above prices.

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Design

For the 2015 Jetta, Volkswagen has redesigned the grille with three cross bars, reworked the front bumper, and added the option of bi-xenon headlights with an adaptive function. The daytime running lights are configured in L-shaped strings. Foglights are now offered as an option to complete the new look.

The new bumper and revised air intakes improve aerodynamic efficiency to help fuel economy. Even the rain gutters were given attention to improve aero. Underneath the car, the rear axle is covered to reduce drag-inducing turbulence.

The trunk lid, taillights, and rear bumper were changed too. The new trunk lid incorporates a tail spoiler, again to help improve aerodynamic efficiency. What’s nice is the way the design team integrated the device so it flows naturally within the design from the character line in the rear fenders. In fact, you wouldn’t notice it if you weren’t looking for it. There’s also a revised version of the VW logo on the new trunklid.

The GLI is differentiated by a honeycomb grille pattern; larger wheels, sill extensions, vertical foglights, red brake calipers, LED taillights, and dual exhaust tips.

Jetta Hybrid features a blue background for the VW logos, a different front air intake, an air dam, and side skirts.

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Features & Controls

Inside, you’ll note the instrument cluster gauges are framed in chrome for the 2015 models, and they are set a bit more deeply. Depending upon the trim level you select, other changes include a new multifunction steering wheel; revised controls for the air vents; as well as chrome and piano black trim.

As you might expect, the layout is both intuitive and ergonomically sound. Large round dials are offered for the climate control system. There are redundant controls on the multifunction steering wheel for the audio and cruise control systems, and the handbrake is positioned precisely where your right hand falls when it isn’t on the steering wheel.

At night, all interior controls are in red lighting, while all information is presented in white lighting. The touchscreen, while not one of the largest on offer, is nicely positioned, and easy to use.

For Jetta Hybrid, a specific instrument cluster is employed, featuring a power meter display to monitor the flow of electricity within the system—as well as give more detailed information about fuel economy.

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Comfort & Cargo

Looking around, the Jetta’s interior—particularly if you’re cross shopping it—might look a bit, well, let’s call it utilitarian. Function takes precedence over flashiness. While Jetta’s interior won’t wow you with creative shapes, everything is logically laid out so it is easy to interact with right off the bat. It takes very little time to get familiar with the layout of the Jetta.

Further the driving position is excellent. Some might decry the seats for being more on the firm side, but for long distance driving, this is what you want. A firmer seat is more comfortable than a softer one on extended trips.

Another plus on both long and short trips is the spaciousness of the Jetta’s passenger compartment. There is more than adequate room for four full-size American adults. Large windows, and abundant head and shoulder room enhance the airiness of the cabin.

Handy storage bins are at all four doors, there’s hidden storage in the center console, and the trunk is fairly cavernous for the class, at 15.5 cubic feet.

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Safety & Ratings

Standard safety features include traction control, stability control, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, and a full complement of airbags.

New for the 2015 model year are the availability of a raft of electronic driver assistance features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, and adaptive front head lights which track the movements of the Jetta’s steering wheel to illuminate areas before the car turns into them.

NHTSA says Jetta is a five-star car, with four starts for frontal crashes and five for side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded Jetta its highest possible rating (“Good”) in all frontal impacts, as well as side impacts, roof strength, and whiplash protection.

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Engine(s) & Fuel Economy

The Jetta Base and S trims are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 115 horsepower and 125 ft-lbs of torque. The base model makes do with a five-speed manual, while a six-speed automatic is also offered as an option for Jetta S. Fuel economy is rated at 28 mpg overall with the manual, and 26 overall with the automatic.

Jetta SE and SEL get a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 170 horsepower and 184 ft-lbs of torque. The base SE transmission choices mirror the S, while the SEL is offered only with the automatic. Fuel economy is rated at 30-mpg combined for the automatic, and 29 with the manual.

Jetta GLI gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four with 210 horsepower and 207 ft-lbs of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment, while a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is offered as an option. The manual is rated at 26 mpg combined, while the DSG is said to be good for 27 mpg combined.

Jetta Hybrid combines a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline four with an electric motor to produce 170 horsepower and 184 ft-lbs of torque. A seven-speed automated manual transmission is employed. Fuel economy is rated at 45 miles per gallon combined.

Jetta TDI gets a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with 150 horsepower and 236 ft-lbs of torque. A six-speed manual is standard; the six-speed direct-shift gearbox is an option. Fuel economy is rated at 36 mpg combined for both transmission choices.

All Jetta models use front-wheel drive.

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Driving Impressions

Right off the top, unless you just absolutely have to have a Jetta at the lowest possible price point, we strongly recommend you avoid the normally aspirated 2.0-liter four, as its 115 horsepower and 125 ft-lbs of torque are frustratingly low for a car of this nature. This makes itself evident in slow acceleration and extended passing times. Further, the turbocharged engines offer more power and better fuel economy.

With that said, you can probably guess we consider the sweet spot of the powertrain offerings to be the 1.8-liter turbo. You get adequate performance, good fuel economy, and very smooth operation. Both Jetta TDI and Hybrid offer surprisingly strong acceleration in addition to even better fuel economy. Either of these is a solid pick, but be aware, they are packaged only with upgraded equipment packages so they’re more expensive too.

Jetta GLI is definitely the choice for the enthusiast driver—assuming one is absolutely married to the idea of driving a Jetta, but wants the most performance they can get from the platform. If that sounds like we’re qualifying that bit of praise it’s because we are. After driving the VW GTI, we really wonder why the GLI couldn’t match it. Yes, the GTI costs more, but if you’re going that route, why not go all the way VW? There’s plenty room in between in the Jetta lineup.

Regardless, Jetta is a very competent driver. The car feels nicely planted and exceptionally stable on the highway, tracks well through corners, and brakes with authority. There’s no question you’re driving a German car. Further, Jetta delivers a comfortable and compliant ride—even with the sport suspension system. Wind noise is minimal, and tire roar is nicely muted.

All in all, Jetta is a pleasant car to drive.

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Final Thoughts

Aside from the deceptively low advertised base price Volkswagen can get away with because of the stripped down Base model which you will never, seldom find on a dealer’s lot (you have to have it special ordered, so the only way you’ll find one on a lot is when somebody ordered it, saw how ridiculously under-equipped it was, and opted for something else) Jetta is a pretty honest package.

Compared to its competitive set, which includes Corolla, Focus, Civic, Elantra, and Mazda3, Jetta provides a more spacious interior, arguably classier styling, better build quality, and that difficult to define Germanic way of attacking the road. Further, there are the Jetta’s impressive safety scores, a wealth of new electronic driver’s aids, and the available hybrid and diesel powertrains.

That said; VW does have something of a less than stellar reputation when it comes to long-term reliability, which is something Toyota’s Corolla absolutely kicks butt at. Also, when you start comparing prices, the Asians pretty much best the Jetta when they are similarly equipped.

Still, we like the Jetta for what it represents; a comfortable, quiet, and smooth economical car that comes across with a premium attitude and bearing.

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Pros & Cons

Handsome styling, logical interior layout, broad variety of powertrain options, good fuel economy, large trunk, spacious passenger compartment, smooth and powerful (upgrade) engines

Pricier than rivals when similarly equipped, base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine very lackluster, touchscreen interfaces are a bit behind the times, hybrid and diesel models are quite expensive—partially because they can only be had pretty much fully loaded

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