Ride & Drive: 2015 Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Refined for the 2015 model year, Volkswagen has added a number of new features to the Jetta, one of the best-selling compact sedans in America.
In addition to the styling changes and available driver assistance systems, this week I also had the opportunity to test drive the new 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine that delivers an EPA fuel economy rating of 31 mpg city and 46 mpg highway.
This is a remarkable engine producing 150 horsepower and 236 lbs.-ft. torque. It is quiet. It is extremely responsive. Best of all, it goes a long way before you have to stop to fill up.
Granted, the new 2.0-liter turbo diesel I-4 engine is one of three available powertrains on the 2015 Jetta — four, if you count the Jetta Hybrid.
With a base price starting below $18,000, consumers have their choice of the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter I-4 engine. Requiring regular unleaded gasoline, it has an output of 115 horsepower and 125 lbs.-ft. torque. Mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, it has an EPA fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city, 34 mpg city.
There is also the 1.8-liter turbocharged I-4 engine producing 170 horsepower and 184 lbs.-ft. torque. Mated to either a five-speed manual or a DSG dual clutch automatic transmission, it has a fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city, 37 mpg highway.
One of the nice things about the five-passenger, front-wheel drive Jetta is there is an abundance of choices. In addition to the 2.0L, 1.8T, TDI and Hybrid engine choices, buyers have the option of S, SE, SEL, Sport and GLI trim levels, as well as Technology, Connectivity and Navigation packages.
Although classified as a compact sedan model, consumers will be impressed with the amount of interior room inside the Jetta. The front seats have an abundance of head, shoulder and legroom, with more than ample room to fit three adults in the rear seat. It also provides 15.7 cubic feet of trunk room.
While my review this week focused on the TDI, I was extremely impressed with its performance. In addition to exceptional fuel economy, it is very responsive — and quiet. Unless you opened the hood, most folks would never know you were driving a diesel engine.
Volkswagen has also added a number of available driver assistance systems to the Jetta, including blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, forward collision warning system and park distance control. Bi-Xenon headlights and adaptive front-lighting system are also available on select trim levels.
For those in the market for a compact-to-midsize sedan, the 2015 Jetta is an absolute must for the test drive list.
Neal White has been covering the automotive industry for more than 20 years and is affiliated with the Texas Auto Writers Association.
THE NUTS AND BOLTS:
MODEL: 2015 VW Jetta 5-seat compact sedan Front-wheel drive Trim packages: 2.0L S, 1.8T SE, 1.8T Sport, TDI S, TDI SE, TDI SEL, 2.0L GLI SE, Hybrid SEL
PRICE RANGE: $18,000-$33,000
ENGINE: 2.0L I4 (115 hp/125 T) 1.8L turbo I4 (170 hp/184 torque) 2.0L turbo diesel I4 (150 hp/236 torque)
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed manual 6-speed automatic 6-speed manual DSG dual clutch auto
EPA: 25/25/31 mpg city, 37/37/46 mpg highway (2.0L/1.8T/TDI - MT)
FUEL: Regular unleaded/Diesel for TDI)
STABILITY CONTROL: Electronic stability control
BRAKES: ABS
LENGTH: 183.3inches
WHEELBASE: 104.4 in.
WIDTH: 70 inches
HEIGHT: 57.2 inches
WEIGHT: 2,859-4,431 lbs.
TRACK: 60.4/60.3 (front/rear)
FUEL TANK: 14.5 gallons
TIRES: 15-, 16-, or 17-inch
CARGO: 15.7 cubic feet.