Jetta as City car
Volkswagen’s compacts are some of the most desirable in the world, so it’s no surprise that they’ve also become among the priciest. In order to further the Volkswagen ideal of offering value-packed cars to the masses, the company has seen fit to bring in models below the Golf hatchback and Jetta sedan.
But not just any models ... models of the Golf and Jetta. Last generation’s models, to be exact.
Volkswagen made the move initially in the fall of 2006, when the new generation models moved upscale. It worked so well in attracting entry-level buyers to the fold, that VW decided to keep it going another year and actually gave the outgoing generation models (which continue to be built in Puebla, Mexico alongside the new generations) an exterior freshening.
The freshening doesn’t so much bring the old models closer to the new models as much as update the outdated styling -- headlights are less boxy and show off round lamps, the squarish lines and angles along the bodywork have been smoothened out, The new City Jetta doesn’t really look like the previous generation any more, but it doesn’t look any more like the new Jetta, either.
In relation to the “new” Jetta, the City Jetta is smaller overall (about seven inches shorter in overall length and riding on a wheelbase that is about 2.5 inches shorter, inch-and-a-half narrower and a half-inch shorter in height). It also has a smaller trunk, but you likely won’t notice it much unless you’re one of those people who load it to the brim (you’ll get about 3.5 cubic feet less stuff in it).
And although it’s powered by a similar 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, it’s not as powerful, because the new Jetta’s 2.0 “four” is turbocharged and direct injected. That means 85 fewer horses for the City Jetta, and more than 80 ft.-lb. of torque is lacking where it’s needed most -- at launch.
The City Jetta feels sluggish off the line ... IS sluggish off the line. And most cars that are such are quite fuel efficient in the city, but the City Jetta is actually worse than the more-powerful current model (highway economy is similar).
And the power delivery is quite noticeable. It feels as if it’s barely able to get up to speed. Granted our test vehicle wasn’t helped by a lackadaisical auto transmission, but even working the sequential shift didn’t help matters much. Pulling away from a standstill feels as if you’re in too high a gear ... but “1” is veritably as low as you can go!
Maybe the manual works better, I don’t know ... didn’t have one.
Comfort wise, you likely won’t see too much difference in relation to the newer Jetta. Legroom in the rear is tight, but it’s tight in the new one, too. The feeling is really constrictive up front, but that’s usually the case with most German sedans, which give you plenty of foot room but literally bring the dash onto your lap. In this car, there’s plenty more room available for rear passengers, but the people up front feel like they’re pushing themselves under the glove box.
Seat comfort is probably the best in this class, with nicely bolstered seats that are also easy on the back for those long trips. There aren’t many seating arrangements that can outdo VW, and the fact that we’re going back a generation in the City Jetta only serves to emphasize that.
Looking at the seats, they seem like your run-of-the-mill flat bench-type seats, but they’re pretty neatly bolstered considering they’re fairly plain-Jane. Also, the upholstery fabric is grippy without being constrictive (i.e., to much friction on which to slide in and out, yet nicely grippy to fasten you into your seat during aggressive driving exercises).
The rear seatbacks go down in a 60/40 split to expand cargo room, and although they don’t fold flat to the truck floor, they still give your more flexibility than you’d get in a regular sedan. You do have to figure out some place to stow the headrests, but I’ve always found floors under where the cushion flips up works nicely.
So, what do we know about the past generation Jetta, in relation to the new one?
It still holds up pretty well!
If you want a Jetta, but find the price a little beyond your means, the City Jetta is a damn good bridge!
Fact File
2008 Volkswagen City Jetta
Price as tested (before tax): $21,745
Configuration: front engine/front-wheel drive sedan
Engine/Transmission: 2.0L I4/6-spd auto with sequential shift
Horsepower: 115 @ 5,200 rpm
Torque: 122 lb.-ft. @ 2,600 rpm
Options: Auto transmission ($1,400); air conditioning ($1,350); comfort package ($975) includes power windows with key-fob activation, power heated outside mirrors, alloy wheels and cruise control; electronic stabilization program ($450); side curtain airbags ($410); cold weather package ($275) includes heated seats and heated washer nozzles;
Freight: $1,335
Observed fuel economy: 9.3 L/100 km combined over 572 km
Fuel required: 55 litres, regular
EnerGuide fuel ratings (L/100 km): 9.9 city; 6.9 hwy.
Warranty: 4 years/80,000 km
Model price range: $16,900 - $18,300
Engines available: 2.0L I4 (115 hp/122 lb.-ft.)
Transmissions available: 5-spd man.; 6-spd auto with sequential shift
Competition: Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Fusion, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Pontiac G5, Toyota Corolla
Strengths: Fine handling; solid feel; good bang for the buck
Weaknesses: Sluggish launch, tight seating confines
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