2010 Volkswagen Jetta Review
Price
from: RM166,778
to: RM184,060
Installment
from: RM1,591/mth
to: RM1,755/mth
2010 Volkswagen Jetta at a glance
Based on the Volkswagen Golf, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is equally accomplished—with its Golf-like handling, quality cabin, and strong engines—and yet comes with more room. The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is however pricier than Japanese rivals.
2010 Volkswagen Jetta quick specs
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Class | Mid-size Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Volkswagen Jetta ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Do you see the similarities? Designed for the lucrative American market, where sedans are preferred over hatchbacks, the Volkswagen Jetta is basically the Golf in sedan form. Which probably explains why it looks less than proportional from the side. To be sure, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is not unsightly, but it could be more coherent in design.
Handling
Based on the Volkswagen Golf's highly capable chassis, and with a stiffer body than the Golf, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta handles as well as the Golf, which means agile responses, good body control and high grip levels. The light steering gets heavier with speed, although feedback is lacking.
Comfort
The ride feels settled and composed, but can get a little firm over bumps and potholes. Highway cruising is stable and quiet, with minimal road and wind noise intrusion. A fine driving position is accompanied by plenty of seating and steering column adjustments. The dash architecture is the same as the Volkswagen Golf's, meaning well thought-out ergonomics and easy-to-use controls. There are a couple of blind spots, however.
Quality + Reliability
The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta comes with a quality cabin that we have come to expect from Volkswagen. From the dash architecture to materials used, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta's cabin is no different from the Volkswagen Golf's; no bad thing when the fit-and-finish are of such high standards, and materials all look and feel premium. The underlying mechanicals are proven in other Volkswagen models, and so should remain reliable.
Performance
Two in-line four-cylinder engines are available: a 1.6-litre with 101 bhp and 148 Nm; and a 2.0-litre FSI with 148 bhp and 200 Nm. Both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, though only the 2.0-litre gets Tiptronic. On the roads, both drivetrains prove to be strong performing: accelerating, overtaking and cruising with plenty of reserves left.
Roominess
The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta can seat five, providing excellent room for the front and more than adequate room for the rear. Their luggage should also fit in fine as the boot is far larger than the Volkswagen Golf's, and the split-folding rear seats come into play if even more space is required.
Running Costs
The 1.6-litre, without FSI direct injection technology, returns 12.2 km/litre, while the significantly more powerful FSI 2.0-litre is relatively efficient at 11.9 km/litre. The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta's servicing and repair costs are higher than Japanese rivals'. Depreciation should be mitigated by the Volkswagen badge, although leading Japanese rivals still hold their values better.
Value for Money
Based largely on the Golf, the Volkswagen Jetta is equally accomplished and comes with more room. The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta can certainly justify its price tag with its array of abilities. But going by the mid-size sedan segment's pricing standards, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is expensive. And buyers must be willing to pay a premium for Volkswagen's engineering and badge.
Equipment
The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta comes with standard equipment including 15" alloy wheels, front and rear fog lights, power side mirrors with turn signal, power windows, remote central locking, dual-zone climate control, 6-disc CD/MP3/radio audio system with 8 speakers, ParkPilot, cruise control and leather upholstery. Safety kit includes front/side/curtain airbags, front seat-belt pretensioner and Anti-locking Brake System (ABS).
Environment
Neither engines are really “green”, but Volkswagen's FSI direct injection technology works a wonder by lowering carbon dioxide emissions and improving fuel economy. The FSI 2.0-litre emits 199 grams/km of carbon dioxide, while the 1.6-litre emits a close 195 grams/km.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Golf-like handling
Quality cabin
Strong engines
Indifferent styling
Thirstier than the Golf
Expensive against Japanese rivals
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