Overview:
This is the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 T (turbo) GLI 4-door Sedan. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine has no trouble merging onto highways or getting past slower cars. Even with that power, this Jetta manages 33 highway MPG. Chevrolet Cruze and Mazda3 are very good and Hyundai Elantra is best of the three at 35 avg mpg. The only hybrid is the Chevy Volt that delivers an average of 42 mpg.
General Information: It is assembled in – Mexico; Parts – US/Canadian 11%, Mexico 34%; Germany 15%, Engine and Transmission – Germany; Classification is Compact Cars. Cars from Volkswagen: Beetle, CC, e-Golf, Eos, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf Gti, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Tiguan & Touareg.
Opinion:
Ever notice the HOV lane on the 14 freeway south to the I-5 is often empty when the other three lanes are congested during peak travel times. The problem with that is it creates a dangerous situation. YET in their infinite wisdom, Cal Trans, is asleep or doesn’t give a damn about the danger to drivers. Some other freeways like the 134 from Pasadena to Glendale doesn’t even allow use of the HOV lane during weekends and off peak hours of travel. Even dumber. When will those negligent public servants get off their asses and do something about the obvious problem? Or, perhaps it is not so obvious. Can anyone shed light on my perception of the problem? Should the empty diamond lane be open to travel when traffic conditions are light, for example?
If you drive the 5 or 99 north to Sacramento, you’ll notice they do the HOV lane differently than southern Cal. For example; you are allowed to go in and out of the Diamond lane as there are no double yellow lines as a barrier to crossing into and out of lanes. Seems to work better but it makes my point that you have to wonder if they know what works and what doesn’t. Are they using fatalities as a guide as to what works best? Just say’n.
Driving Tips:
Changing Lanes introduces confusion onto the highways, even though they are necessary. But, some add to the danger by forcing themselves into a space in front of you that is just barely enough for one car length. Well of course the car being cut off hits their brakes and the ripple effect begins and goes all the way back in the line of traffic…. Until – “Crash”. All because that one inconsiderate driver just had to go around you and fill the 20 feet of space in front of you. Please DON’T do that. Be a considerate driver.
Handling & Performance:
Nice ride. The turbo gives more than ample power yet it is only a 4-banger and thus it also does very well on fuel economy.
Styling:
The Jetta has matured nicely over the years. It has been a journey that has beautified the brand in all respects. Very nice.
Fit and Finish:
Very well put together. No complaints here.
Cost:
Good value in class.
Conveniences and comfort:
Here are some features I miss when absent:
- Heads up display
- Heated seats in winter
- Rain sensing wipers
- Radio knobs and buttons
- Satellite radio
This list will no longer be an issue when Voice Commands are perfected. Currently they are more of a distraction than a help but manufacturers get an A for effort.
Consumer Recommendations:
All brands listed here are pretty comparable in seating at 5, warranty nearly exact, and fuel economy is relatively the same with a simple average of 28 mpg across the list and the Volt (only electric option) at 42 mpg average is the best.
Recognized Competition:
Volkswagen Jetta GLI $29,000, Acura ILX $29,000, Subaru WRX $30.000, Buick Verano $27,000, Mazda 3 $24,000, Chevrolet Cruze $21,000, Chevrolet Volt $34,000, Hyundai Elantra $21,000, Mitsubishi Lancer $19,000, Kia Forte $17,000.
Good News:
Competitive in all respects, comfortable ride, powerful and for those who can drive a manual transmission it is a fun ride.
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, 6-speed manual transmission, front and side airbags with side curtain bags, 4-wheel ABS discbrakes, stability control, intelligent crash response system, LATCH child safety system, tire pressur monitor, 18” alloy wheels, auto headlights, front fog lights and LED tail lights, power heated morrors, rain sensing wipers with heated washer nozzles, power tilting and sliding sunroof, climate control, adjustable multifunction sport steering wheel, leather trimmed steering wheel brake lever and shift knob, heated power drivers seat, split folding rear seat with armrest and passthrough, leatherette seating, rearview camera, park distrance control with “Park Pilot”, blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert, keyless entry with pushbutton start/stop, touch screen navigation, AM/FM / HD radio and CD player, Bluetooth connectivity, Sirius XM satellite radio, Cruise control.
Gas Stats:
$2.69/ Gal avg. January 9, 2017
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information,
23 City and 33 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $27,895.
