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Long Term: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI joins Autoblog’s Long-Term Garage

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, Diesel, Long-Term Garage

2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI – Click above for high-res image gallery

If you had told us last year that this year’s most controversial redesign would be the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, we would’ve politely walked away and laughed at your outrageous claim behind your back. We’re like that. But here we are, and the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is, arguably, the most controversial redesign of the year.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI

The reason is not so much how the designer’s hand has changed the car’s look, but rather how the bean counters and product managers have completely changed what the Jetta is. It’s no longer a premium compact sedan with a price to match. Now it’s a near-mid-size four-door with an ultra-competitive base price.

Jetta fans and auto journalists have been less than enthused with the changes. Buyers, however, apparently disagree. Sales of the new Jetta through April are up 68.8 percent. So which camp is right?

After the untimely demise of our last long-term Jetta (follow the jump for the whole story), a 2010 model year TDI Cup Street Edition, we were offered a 2011 model to take its place. Driving these two diesel Jettas back-to-back will help us craft a before-and-after snapshot of what the car has gained and lost with this latest redesign.

Continue reading 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI joins Autoblog’s Long-Term Garage

2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI joins Autoblog’s Long-Term Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Jetta price quietly increases by $500

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen

2011 volkswagen jetta

2011 Volkswagen Jetta – Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has made a big deal about the 2011 Jetta’s $15,995 starting price. After all, how many times have you seen those commercials that show a guy working hard to afford the new Jetta, only to find out that it’s starting price had been lowered. And then there’s the baby-holding dad that drops his cup as the baby drops his bottle after checking out the German sedan’s bargain-basement MSRP.

At any rate, you can pick up your cup and get back to work, because the starting price of the Jetta has now been increased by $500. The VW website clearly shows that the S model, which comes equipped with an anemic 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a scant 115 horsepower, now starts at $16,495.

This isn’t exactly great news for Jetta-loving budget shoppers, but we hear rising commodity costs is making it more expensive to build vehicles these days, so it isn’t totally unexpected. On the bright side, only the entry S model has been given a price bump. The rest of the Jetta lineup is unchanged.

Volkswagen Jetta price quietly increases by $500 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 May 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Besturn B30 looks remarkably current for a 30-year-old VW Jetta

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, China, Volkswagen, Shanghai Motor Show

2012 Besturn B30

From the outside, China’s upcoming Besturn B30 looks like an appropriately modern, cheap, and cheerful econocar. Under the modern skin, though, lurks the skeleton of the second-generation Volkswagen Jetta. That’s right, China’s newest widely-affordable small sedan is little more than a rebodied 30-year-old German sedan.

It may seem ~~totally insane~~ a little strange to try and market a new car based on wheezy old VW architecture, but if cost cutting is your goal, it starts to make a little sense. Money saved on new technology can be put to use giving the car a sleek wrapper, while still keeping the MSRP in the basement.

The second-generation Jetta is apparently extremely popular in China, which means Besturn could have made an extremely shrewd move by updating the car’s looks and leaving its mechanicals alone. Thanks to its yestertech origins, the B30 benefits from an enormous base of spare parts and mechanical know-how even before its debut this week at the Shanghai Motor Show.

[Source: ChinaCarTimes]

Besturn B30 looks remarkably current for a 30-year-old VW Jetta originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Apr 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW will happily sell you an armored last-gen Jetta… in Mexico

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Volkswagen, Specialty

Volkswagen Bora Protect

Personal protection is a big deal south of the border, and the people of Mexico reportedly spend upwards of $80 million per year on armored vehicles. When we think of armored cars, we tend to think about Chevy Tahoes and Ford Expeditions, but Volkswagen has for years offered a smaller, slightly more affordable option.

The Bora Protect is little more than a previous-generation Jetta, except it can stop a bullet. The no-doubt heavy little sedan costs about $70,000 in U.S. funds, but if that’s what it takes to stop a high-velocity round from entering the cabin, it’s likely money well spent. And as an added bonus, buyers of the Bora Protect receive the superior interior of the last-generation Jetta, as opposed to the cost-cut cabin of the current model.

And as you might expect, the base 115-horsepower 2.0-liter engine isn’t the mill of choice when you’re hauling several hundreds of pounds worth of Kevlar and other bullet blockers. For 70-large you also get the 200-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter mill mated to a six-speed DSG for (at least close to) proper motivation. Run-flat rubber makes shooting out the tires a less-fruitful endeavor, as well.

Something tells us that the 2.0T isn’t quite as peppy under the hood of the Bora Protect as it is in the GLI, but then again, the Bora Protect is about stopping bullets, not driving like one.

[Source: Volkswagen]

VW will happily sell you an armored last-gen Jetta… in Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Jetta ranked last among small sedans by Consumer Reports

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

2011 Volkswagen Jetta – Click above for high-res image gallery

The new for 2011 Volkswagen Jetta received a new, far lower base price tag of $15,995, but Consumer Reports evidently feels that the more affordable sticker has come at too high of a cost to the vehicle itself. The buyer-centric organization ranked the Jetta dead last among 11 small sedans tested for the April edition of its magazine.

David Champion, senior director of the group’s Auto Test Center says, “In an effort to bring the car’s starting price down, VW cheapened the previous Jetta’s interior and suspension, making it less sophisticated and compromising handling.”

CR isn’t pulling any punches while describing why the sedan fares so poorly, calling it “a shadow of the agile, well-finished car it once was.” Ouch. Specifically, the VW was dinged hard for sub-par handling and cornering grip, poor interior fit and finish and its coarse-sounding 2.5-liter, five-cylinder. In addition, CR came away disappointed with long brake distances and a six-speed automatic that is reluctant to downshifting.

We’re thinking VW may not like CR’s take on the Jetta, but at least the automaker can point to increased sales as the reason the automaker decided to remove so much of what made the Jetta so popular with enthusiasts.

Other vehicles tested were the Chevrolet Cruze in both LS and LT trims and the Hyundai Elantra. The Cruze models are now rated at the middle of CR’s small sedan pack, with a Very Good overall score. The Elantra came away with laurels for the being the best small sedan in its class, and the Hyundai was the only small sedan among the latest four tested to be given CR’s official Recommendation. Hit the jump to read over CR’s press release.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: First Drive

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading Volkswagen Jetta ranked last among small sedans by Consumer Reports

Volkswagen Jetta ranked last among small sedans by Consumer Reports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Volkswagen Jetta recalled for wiring issue

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

2011 Volkswagen Jetta – Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen is recalling 71,043 of its 2011 model year Jetta sedans for a wiring problem with the horn and anti-theft alarm system. The automaker has long been chastised for problems with wiring and electronics in its vehicles, and though we’re told that VW is working to improve quality in this area, some gremlins continue to crop up. No accidents or injuries have occurred as a result of this defect.

Customers will be notified via mail about this issue. Volkswagen will include information about corrective measures and anticipated repair time – something that the automaker has not yet released. Affected cars were built between March 2010 and March 2011. Follow the jump for VW’s official release.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: Review

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

[Source: Volkswagen]

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2011 Volkswagen Jetta recalled for wiring issue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI starts at $23,495

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI – Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has brought its latest iteration of the new-for-2011 Jetta – the turbocharged GLI – to this year’s Chicago Auto Show, and we’re quickly falling in love with the Autobahn-ready VW. The Jetta’s already handsome (if decidedly sedate) looks are emphasized by larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a more aggressive front fascia and smoked taillamps, and when the whole package is painted in pull-me-over red, we can’t help but daydream about whipping the new Jetta GLI around our favorite set of twisty backroads.

The Jetta GLI appears eager to perform, too. Under the hood is Volkswagen’s turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, rated at 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Both a manual and dual-clutch transmission are available, the latter of which allows the Jetta GLI to achieve up to 32 miles per gallon on the highway. Not bad.

The big change, of course, is that the GLI will benefit from a more sophisticated independent rear suspension than the standard Jetta, and VW has ported over its XDS cross differential technology from the GTI.

Look for the 2012 Jetta GLI to go on sale later this year, priced from $23,495. Check it out for yourself in our high-res gallery of live shots below.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Chicago 2011

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

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Chicago 2011: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI starts at $23,495 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: Volkswagen debuts turbocharged 2012 Jetta GLI, priced from $23,495

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI – Click above for high-res image gallery

When Volkswagen first debuted the new-for-2011 Jetta sedan, we were told that a total of four engine choices would be available. The standard Jetta makes use of the naturally aspirated 2.0- and 2.5-liter mills, as well as the much-loved 2.0-liter TDI powerplant. The final engine in this set – Volkswagen’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four – now makes its debut under the hood of the 2012 Jetta GLI, which gets its official reveal at this week’s Chicago Auto Show.

Think of the Jetta GLI as a bigger, fatter GTI. Just like in the smaller hatchback, the 2.0-liter turbo-four produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or VW’s DSG automatic. The Jetta GLI uses the same XDS cross differential system that debuted in the GTI, which assists in controlling wheel spin and understeer during cornering.

The Jetta GLI is available in three trim levels – GLI, GLI Autobahn and GLI Autobahn Navigation – priced from $23,495, $25,545 and $26,445, respectively. The base GLI comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, smoked taillights and a revised front fascia, not to mention enhanced suspension geometry for better engagement out on the road. The GLI Autobahn ups the ante with a set of 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate control, heated leatherette seats and a new Fender premium audio system. The top-trim GLI Autobahn Navigation adds, well, navigation, as well as push-button start.

Look for the 2012 Jetta GLI to hit dealerships in the coming months. For the full details, follow the jump for Volkswagen’s press release, and stay tuned for live impressions direct from the Chicago show floor.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Chicago 2011: Volkswagen debuts turbocharged 2012 Jetta GLI, priced from $23,495

Chicago 2011: Volkswagen debuts turbocharged 2012 Jetta GLI, priced from $23,495 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition: Cold Weather Start [w/video]

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Volkswagen, Design/Style, Diesel, Long-Term Garage

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition: Cold Weather Start

2010 VW Jetta TDI Cup Edition: Cold Weather Start – Click above to watch video after the jump

The 2.0-liter turbo diesel in our long-term 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition is a very modern mill, so we were curious how it would handle starting in the frigid clime of northeastern Ohio this time of year.

Diesel engines typically have three vulnerabilities when it comes to cold weather starts: the fuel, the battery and their glow plugs. First, the new Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel we all use begins to gel at a higher temperature than the old fuel. Sulfur is also a lubricant, and with less of it, the fuel pump has to work harder in cold temperatures to keep the thicker diesel fuel flowing. Fortunately, most diesel fuel sold in colder areas has ant-gelling additives mixed in already.

Batteries are also less efficient when cold, while at the same time having to work much harder to crank the engine more times. Finally, diesel engines use glow plugs to heat the point of combustion in each cylinder, which is a much tougher job when the mercury drops below freezing. Optional block heaters can help a diesel engine start in cold weather, but Volkswagen has enough faith in its 2.0-liter TDI that it doesn’t even offer one.

So how did our Jetta TDI Cup Edition do when being started in 25-degree weather after sitting for over 24 hours? Follow the jump to see for yourself.

Continue reading 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition: Cold Weather Start [w/video]

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition: Cold Weather Start [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Jetta TDI tops Consumer Reports eco roundup, Honda CR-Z scores too low to recommend

Filed under: Budget, Hybrid, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Volkswagen, Diesel

Fuel efficiency is rapidly becoming one of the most influential determining factors when new car shoppers go looking for their next vehicle. And, as our friends at Consumer Reports correctly point out, earning top fuel efficiency marks generally means shopping in one of three categories: diesels, hybrids or subcompacts.

As such, the consumer-oriented magazine has pitted four fuel-sippers against each other in their upcoming January, 2011 issue: the 2011 Ford Fiesta, Honda CR-Z, Mazda2 and Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI. Of these four models, the Jetta is the only one that’s currently Recommended – the Fiesta and Mazda2 are too new to have adequate reliability data and, though expected to be reliable, the last-place CR-Z scored too low in CR’s own road testing to recommend.

CR tested two versions each of the Mazda and Ford subcompacts, one with a manual transmission and the other with an automatic. The Fiesta was ranked slightly higher than the Mazda2 overall, though the magazine seems to like both vehicles. Of the Honda, CR writes that “the ride is choppy, noise levels are high, and on-limit handling can be tricky.” Couple those unfavorable traits with lower-than-expected fuel mileage of 35 mpg and limited utility, and it’s understandable why CR wasn’t particularly impressed with the CR-Z.

Though somewhat pricey at $27,204, the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI performed admirably, delivering 36 mpg overall and a superb 49 mpg on the highway in the hands of CR’s testers. As an aside, CR also took a look at the Fuel Doctor FD-47 fuel-saving device, and rather predictably, found that it basically did nothing at all. Check out the full press release after the break, check out CR’s thoughts about the CR-Z, or just wait until the January 2011 issue hits the newsstands for the complete results.

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Continue reading VW Jetta TDI tops Consumer Reports eco roundup, Honda CR-Z scores too low to recommend

VW Jetta TDI tops Consumer Reports eco roundup, Honda CR-Z scores too low to recommend originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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