 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. Click image to enlarge |
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2011 Volkswagen Jetta
San Francisco, California – Scheduled for its official Canadian debut on September 27, 2010, the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta features an all-new body and interior, new platform, a choice of three engines, and new, lower pricing.
Completely redesigned, the Mexico-built, front-wheel drive Jetta sports a new grille, redesigned headlights/foglights, side character line, new tail lights and improved aerodynamics. At 4,628 millimetres, it’s the longest Jetta ever, gaining 73 mm over the outgoing model. In a departure from past practice, the 2011 Jetta uses a different platform from the Volkswagen Golf. It also boasts more shoulder and rear legroom compared with the outgoing model, and, according to Volkswagen Canada, best-in-class trunk capacity.
  2011 Volkswagen Jetta. Click image to enlarge |
Not only will the price be lower, but the positioning of the Jetta in the Volkswagen line-up will also change with the Jetta becoming the entry-level vehicle for the Volkswagen brand in North America, rather than the Golf. According to Volkswagen Canada President John White, the company regards the launch of the 2011 Jetta to be its most significant since the debut of the New Beetle ten years ago. The company expects to sell 24,000 Jettas in Canada in the 2011 model year.
Entry level pricing for the 2011 Jetta will be a surprisingly low $15,875 plus $1,365 Freight/PDI for the Jetta Trendline with five-speed manual transmission. This price doesn’t include air conditioning and remote keyless entry however, which Volkswagen Canada indicates are the choice of 90 per cent of Jetta buyers. Consequently, a more representative “base” price would be supplied by the $17,275 Trendline+ which includes air conditioning and keyless remote. Including Freight/PDI, the price would total $18,650, or $20,650 for the same vehicle with six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic.
There will be eight engine/trim Jetta configurations available, plus options, providing a broad range of models from which to choose. Simplifying the buying experience, the range of vehicles is based around the three engines, which include a 115-horsepower 2.0-litre, inline-four cylinder, the 170 hp 2.5-litre inline-five cylinder, and the 140 hp inline-four cylinder diesel engine (TDI).
 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. Click image to enlarge |
Available configurations for the 2.0L car include the $15,875 Trendline, $17,275 Trendline+ and $19,075 Comfortline. For the 2.5L car you can choose the $21,175 Comfortline, $23,300 Sportline and $23,980 Highline; and the TDI arrives in two variations: the $23,875 Comfortline and $26,655 Highline (although the TDI’s manual transmission is a six-speed) – all prices plus Freight/PDI and $1400 for the automatic transmission.
According to Volkswagen Canada Product Strategist Edgar Oliver, the “volume seller” is expected to be the $20,475 2.0L Comfortline with automatic transmission.
Without going into details for all the vehicle choices, standard equipment includes front and side impact airbags with side curtains, 60/40 split folding rear seats, electronic stability control, tilt/telescoping steering column, power door locks, power windows and single CD player with auxiliary input.
Depending on the trim level selected, a power sunroof, multimedia package and leather upholstery are available separately, as are 17-inch wheels and a commendably inexpensive Navigation system ($890).
One feature missing from some 2011 Jetta models is four-wheel disc brakes, now available only on the 2.5L Jetta Sportline and Highline, and on the TDI models. Four-wheel disc brakes have been standard equipment on all Golf and Jetta models for the past decade.
 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. Click image to enlarge |
We drove a U.S. specification SEL model, which is equivalent to the Canadian Highline, powered with the 2.5L engine in both five-speed manual and six-speed automatic specification. The test vehicles were also equipped with 17-inch wheels that are similar, but not exactly the same, as those that will be available in Canada.
The good news is that the Jetta maintains its distinctive driving dynamics, generating a particular feeling of solidity and stability that has characterized Volkswagen products for many years. In city driving it is nimble and quiet; at highway speeds it settles into a satisfying long-distance gait. In both environments the steering is sharp but not sudden, the suspension firm but not harsh, the brakes responsive but not aggressive. In other words, it is a well-balanced and refined automobile.
