The buzz on the street this fall is how Volkswagen has rolled back the base price of its 2011 Jetta a whopping $6,300 to $15,875.
What gives?
The 2011 is the sixth generation of the Jetta, a popular sedan that first came to our shores in 1980. The Jetta is a nice car but one that, over the years, has seen its base price creep up to $22,175. At that price, few buyers were comparing it to fast-selling compact entry-level sedans such as the $15,460 Toyota Corolla or $15,990 Honda Civic (2010 prices).
What's the catch?
The major differences most people will notice include a smaller, two-litre engine (more on that later), 15-inch steel wheels, rear drum brakes, no air conditioning, no power outside mirrors, no heated seats or keyless remote. Other nice-to-have items missing include cruise control, front centre arm-rest, alloy wheels, illuminated vanity mirrors, interior chrome, ski-sack, front reading lights, power and heated outside mirrors, etc.
What's included?
Anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, single-CD radio, auxiliary input, power windows and door locks. Heated front seats, heated washer nozzles, engine block heater and fog lights are the only options on the base car.
What's to like?
The base Jetta is still based on a new, revised platform, one that increases rear legroom. The front seat goes back so far I am sure pro basketball players will find them comfortable. It comes with express up and down for all the windows, power door locks and a remote trunk release on the driver's door. Because the trunk lid is fitted with springs, it pops open like a jack-in-the-box . Both front seats can be adjusted for height.
What's under the hood?
One five-cylinder and two four-cylinder engines power the Jetta. Two gas engines -- a four-cylinder two-litre and a five-cylinder 2.5-litre. A turbocharged, direct-injection 140-h.p. two-litre diesel will be available later this year.
The base two-litre four can only muster 115 h.p. and 125 lb.-ft. of torque but seems right at home in the Jetta. Its not a barn burner but it feels like it is comfortable pushing around 1,289 kilograms of car. But that's with one person on board. People who routinely carry passengers and cargo up the Malahat may want to test-drive the Jetta loaded up.
The manual transmission is slick and I would rate it among the best on the market. People who have driven a Volkswagen in the last 20 years will recognize and appreciate its smoothness. The clutch is almost effortless. This is why Europeans prefer manual transmissions.
Along with anti-lock brakes all Jettas come with stability control, electronic brake pressure distribution , six airbags -- although rear side airbags are still optional. What's worth taking note about is what VW calls its intelligent crash response system. In a severe collision this system will unlock doors, disconnect the battery terminal, shut the fuel supply, shut off high-consumption electrical components and automatically turn on the hazard lights. This system has previously only been found on more expensive cars, so it is refreshing it has found its way to a sub-$16,000 vehicle.
With the 2011 Jetta, Volkswagen is looking to bring the battle to Honda, Toyota and Hyundai. By using the popular Jetta to go head-to-head with them, VW hopes to win converts to the German marque. Unlike most gambles, this one looks like a sure-fire win for consumers -- as long as they don't load up their bargain-basement Jettas with options. It will be interesting to see how many consumers will say guten Tag to a Volkswagen and Sayonara to the competition in the near future.
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