Topic: CD Article: 2008 Volkswagen City Jetta

[Autos_Editor]

Today's Test Drive:

Starting at $16,900, the restyled '08 City Jetta is "quite a deal" even though it still rides on the last-generation Jetta chassis, says contributor Bob McHugh.  A new optional six-speed automatic transmission is "the most advanced transmission offered in this class," he says.
   
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Read the article | View the photos | All The Test Drives

[Mitlov]

Haven't we had a bazillion City Golf and City Jetta articles already?

Anyway, I'm a huge fan of the MkIV chassis, but not a huge fan of this restyle.  Nor am I a fan of the optional side airbags.  Doesn't VW market itself on safety?  It sure does in the States.  Why isn't this standard?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Haven't we had a bazillion City Golf and City Jetta articles already?

Anyway, I'm a huge fan of the MkIV chassis, but not a huge fan of this restyle.  Nor am I a fan of the optional side airbags.  Doesn't VW market itself on safety?  It sure does in the States.  Why isn't this standard?

Yes, agree. Being Cdn-only maybe VW is working extra hard to get coverage?

No Jetta model has SABs std in Canada. Not even the GLI. Rabbit/GTI does though.



They really need to do something different with the placement/alignment and/or size of the CITY badge. Looked great on the '07s but terrible with the update.

The 6-spd and AUX/USB are great additions 

IMO the introduction of the City models has really affect sales of Rabbit/Jetta V. Jetta MkV in particular sold really well here (was 11th best selling car in 2006 I believe) but has tailed off sharply.

[Mr. B]

Wow a last gen, stripped down, Brazilian made Jetta for $20K + tax?  Where's the value here?

[dr_spock]

You're not paying $6000 more for the base new MKV generation Jetta.  Isn't $20K the loaded up City Jetta?   I thought they start around $16K which is still pretty for a car with road feel and a nice interior. 

[Wolverine]

Last time I went to the dealer for an oil change on the Polo I spent some time staring at the City Jetta and must say I didn't like it too much... Mainly the back seat, I found the fabric is of a low quality and the layout doesn't help either. For 16k I can live with these problems, but it's unacceptable here as it costs more than 60K...

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Wow a last gen, stripped down, Brazilian made Jetta for $20K + tax?  Where's the value here?

Well, at $20Gs it's not very stripped anymore. Has the safety features, some little touches, decently supportive seats front and rear, and even a fully lined (including the lid) and strutted trunk. Also some new stuff like 6-spd Tiptrontic and AUX/USB.

Wish they offered a more modern more fuel efficient car like the Polo, but would say this is still a decent value vehicle. With more rear leg room would be a good value vehicle.

[rm97ag]

The article mentions something about the common rail diesel engine becoming available in mid-08. I know this to be true for the newest Jetta (and I suppose, Rabbit) but is this engine going to be available in the City Jetta as well?

[Cortina]

Wow a last gen, stripped down, Brazilian made Jetta for $20K + tax?  Where's the value here?

Well, at $20Gs it's not very stripped anymore. Has the safety features, some little touches.

Does that include tax and freight?

For that price 20K get you a nicely equip Rabbit even in base form. I take the Rabbit any day over the city models.

but is this engine going to be available in the City Jetta as well?

If it is I'm buying it. Although....I think I like the City Golf more, than the City Jetta. 

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Wow a last gen, stripped down, Brazilian made Jetta for $20K + tax?  Where's the value here?

Well, at $20Gs it's not very stripped anymore. Has the safety features, some little touches.

Does that include tax and freight?

For that price 20K get you a nicely equip Rabbit even in base form. I take the Rabbit any day over the city models.

but is this engine going to be available in the City Jetta as well?

If it is I'm buying it. Although....I think I like the City Golf more, than the City Jetta. 

I would take the Rabbit too, for rear seat room and ride/handling alone, but just refuting the argument it's entirely stripped and poor value.

Don't think you'll see the Clean TDI in the Cities. Could be wrong.