2018 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews

VW Jetta 147TSI Highline and Honda Accord Euro Luxury go head-to-head in this comparative review.

Volkswagen Jetta isn't merely a Golf sedan — it's much more than that with its own body panels (none shared with Golf), a Jetta flavoured interior, additional safety kit not in Golf and its own take on the VW corporate face, possibly the best looking in the whole model range.Now in its sixth generation Jetta uses powertrains from the VW family, in this case, a 2.0-litre turbodiesel. It's a compact-prestige five seater sedan with economy, quality, performance and style.VALUEHere's another car you'd consider if you couldn't quite run to say a Benz C-Class or BMW 3-Series. And the prices start in the mid $20k region.The test vehicle was a $34,990 Jetta 103TDi turbodiesel Comfortline  — with options that rack it up to about $40k but it's an impressive package for that money especially if you don't equate size with value.  Having said that, new Jetta is nearly 20cm longer than the previous model and offers plenty of interior room and a large boot.Standard kit is extensive with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, multi-function trip computer, multi-function wheel controls, a six- speed DSG "auto" transmission, cruise, dual zone climate control, excellent audio, front and rear park sensors with optical alert, auto lights and wipers — it goes on.SAFETYA five star performer but with clever stuff combining with stability control and six air bags  — like the Crash Impact Sound Sensor which modulates air bag deployment based on the noise level of a crash. Who would have thought...The body uses plenty of high strength steel and the entire car bristles with primary and secondary safety equipment. It has sporty dynamics to assist in crash avoidance.UNDER THE BONNETPlenty of grunt comes from the tried and true 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine good for 103kW/320Nm. In some form or other, this engine is in just about every VW product sold here.It sips fuel at better than 5.5-litres/100km (we saw the high fours on a freeway run) and has excellent throttle response across a wide engine speed range. The DSG gets it out of the blocks quickly and roll-on acceleration is as good as a 3.5-litre petrol six. You can hardly hear it except for a slight growl at idle.INSIDETypical VW — style and substance — understated, modern, functional with tight fit. Controls are easy to find and operate and the test vehicle's optional leather upholstery and ridged seats ($3500 with electric drivers seat adjust) make it a luxury cocoon suitable for the long haul. Satnav adds $3000. Air quality is assured by a pollen and dust filter with an air quality sensor shutting out fumes.THE DRIVELove this engine, goes like a train, uses minimal fuel. It annoys drivers in big sixes with off-the-line grunt and roll-on poke. Jetta is a classy customer and well mannered offering a sporty feel with a good measure of comfort. We love the direct feel steering and how it hangs on through corners. The sedan body is as practical as it is good looking and the boot is large, expandable with folding rear seats.VERDICTWhy buy an "Aussie" six when, for the same money you can have one of these classy customers. Visit the servo once a fortnight if you're unlucky.    Mat Watson road tests and reviews the VW Jetta.   

Suzuki Kizashi Touring and VW Jetta 118 go head-to-head in this comparative review.

After years as a Golf with a boot, Volkswagen's just-released 2012 Jetta has come of age with its own longer-wheelbase platform, handsome new styling, more standard features and pin-sharp pricing.PRICES AND DRIVETRAINSOffered in entry-level Jetta guise as well as Comfortline and Highline specifications, pricing kicks off at $26,490 (down $2500 on its predecessor) for the 1.4-litre 118TSI six-speed manual version, $28,990 buys you the seven-speed DSG automatic version and the seven-speed DSG Comfortline is $32,490.When mated with a six-speed manual gearbox, the cracking little 118kW/240Nm turbocharged and supercharged engine delivers a combined fuel-consumption of 6.5 litres/100km and just 6.2 litres/100km with the optional DSG transmission. The sprint time to 100km/h is 8.3 seconds.The petrol range-topper  the 2.0-litre 147kW/280Nm 147TSI with its six-speed DSG transmission — is $37,990 and VW claims a combined fuel figure of 7.9 litres/100km.The $37,990 103kW/320Nm 103TDI Highline DSG can sprint to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds and achieve a miserly 5.5 litres/100km.EQUIPMENTStandard Jetta safety kit includes a clever new crash-impact sound-sensor system, electronic stability program, brake-force distribution and differential locking as well as anti-slip regulation, six airbags, anti-whiplash front head restraints and three height-adjustable head restraints in the rear.Standard entry-level goodies include heated exterior mirrors, remote central locking, air conditioning with a dust and pollen filter, an eight-speaker audio system, cruise control, AUX and Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and six-way front-seat adjustment.Move up to the 118TSI and 103TDI Comfortline versions and you gain 16-inch alloys, parking sensors, central armrests, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone "air," and sexier chrome air-vent surrounds.The range-topping 147TSI gets all the fruit including 17-inch alloys, sportier suspension, a six-CD changer/touch-screen audio system with, a headlight-cleaning system, more exterior chrome highlights, leather upholstery, heated sports front seats, handy under-seat storage drawers, interior-trim features, front fog lights and static-cornering lights.DRIVINGOut on the road during the Jetta's national media launch, the car proved to be another example of why VW is doing so well here and around the world. It is beautifully put together in Mexico as it happens and it has exterior and interior style to match. It is also a quiet, refined car with impeccable on-road manners.The engines and their performance and fuel efficiency are one of the new model's strong points and the new electro-mechanical steering works a treat.The car turns in accurately with no hint of understeer and while the top-spec Highline's sports suspension is set-up 15mm lower than its siblings, it is not harsh and it certainly enhances the car's overall driving dynamics as it rides on a MacPherson-strut front-suspension set-up and a multi-link rear arrangement.Like all Volkswagen vehicles, the seats in the entry-level- and Comfortline models are excellent  and the sports versions in the Highline are even more excellent.VOLKSWAGEN JETTAPrice: $26,490-$37,990Warranty: Three years, unlimited kmEngines: Supercharged and turbocharged 1.4-litre (118kW/240Nm), 2.0-litre  turbodiesel (103kW/320Nm), 2.0-litre turbo petrol (147kW/280Nm)Body: Four-door sedanTransmission: Six-speed manual (1.4 only), seven-speed DSG (1.4 only) six-speed DSG (2.0-litre diesel and petrol engines)Thirst: 6.5 litres/100km 150g/km (1.4-litre petrol manual), 5.5 litres/100km, 143g/km CO2 (2.0-litre diesel), 7.9 litres/100km 183g/km (2.0-litre petrol)

The VW badge has joined the ranks of the affordable small sedans. The sixth generation of the Volkswagen Jetta is a new design that no longer owes any heritage to its Golf parent, other than sharing drivetrains and basic suspension set-up.With a $26,490 starting price for the 118kW "twincharge" 1.4-litre petrol engine, this is a genuine rival to the Mazda3, Holden Cruze and Toyota Corolla that dominate the small-sized market and VW Australia head Anke Koeckler said it will form one of the four volume pillars (along with Golf, Tiguan and Polo) for the company.To do that it will have to return sales to far better than the 2007 heyday when the Jetta sold 4000 units. This time around it's a better product and at a sharper price, inviting buyers to join the Euro club for a few grand more than a local or Asian-built vehicle.VALUEThe base model comes with a six-speed manual but even Koeckler admitted at the launch that the car is expected to account for only five per cent of sales. Opt for the seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission and it's a $2500 premium. That still delivers a 118kW/240Nm engine with standard Bluetooth, USB>iPod connectivity, cruise control and a full-sized spare wheel.The Comfortline range is where the action is expected to be. It replaces the base model's 16-inch steel wheels for alloys and adds rear parking sensors, low tyre pressure monitors, automatic lights and rain-sensing wipers at $32,490 for the twincharge engine or $34,990 for the 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel. Both models run the DSG transmission, as does the top-spec 147kW/280Nm 2.0-litre petrol model.TECHNOLOGYThe Jetta is new from the ground up, with a 190mm longer body compared to the Golf hatch. The wheelbase is now 55mm longer and the track 3mm wider, but the Jetta is also 15-69kg lighter than the outgoing model.VW puts up the fuel economy as one of the reasons to buy a Jetta and the numbers back that claim: 6.5 litres/100km for the manual 118TSI petrol and 6.2 for the auto, 5.5 litres/100km for the diesel and 7.9 litres/100km for the 2.0-litre petrol.  In comparison the 103kW/200Nm Cruze delivers 6.7 litres/100km and the Mazda3 SP25 with 122kw and 227Nm is good for 8.6 litres/100km.DESIGNThe Jetta is a new project from the ground up and lead designer Jose Pavone said being liberated from the Golf platform was a dream come true."We have to reshuffle the proportions (of the Golf-based model). We shift back the cabin, so the bonnet is much longer, the wheelbase is much longer and the trunk (boot) has a quite compact look even though you have 510 litres."SAFETYA crash impact sound sensor is the latest hi-tech technique out of the VW stable to save lives. It was launched on the Golf and is based on the principle that the crumple zones will absorb the shockwaves of a crash to the sensors, but the sound of a crash is consistent. The resultant millisecond difference in the deployment of the six airbags could be the difference between life and death. The latest Jetta hasn't copped the ANCAP treatment but it should earn five stars based on VW's recent reputation.DRIVINGI want a Jetta. It's a very good car in 1.4 twincharge petrol or turbodiesel guise but . A couple of disconcerting thumps while driving on typical B-grade Aussie roads were a worry. Carsguide needs to get hold of it on our test loop to put it in context, but it is otherwise a worthy contender in a tough market. The ride is fairly responsive, to the point where the suspension can probably be detuned for family duties.As set up it is very responsive and while it soaks up the hits, it still transmits too much data back into the cabin for a family cruiser. The 16-inch wheels look a better choice than the 17s.VERDICTIf I was shopping in this segment, I'd test drive the VW Jetta. Yeah, it costs a bit more but it is well built, well thought out in term of interior space and holds its own on the road. Will Cruze owners pay the extra? Time will tell.

The new bigger Volkswagen Jetta shares less with the Golf hatch than its predecessor, but there's no shortage of expectations for it.  Not that the Golf links has done it any harm, but the sixth-generation Jetta carries a big load.With a global sales tally of more than 9.6 million worldwide, it is a key part of the brand's plans to more than triple its worldwide volume by 2018 - including boosting its US market share to double digits and volumes to 800,000.Pricing and salesAustralia has less stratospheric numbers in mind for its tally when it arrives in mid-2011, although they're not making them public.  Its recent sales in Australia dwell in the realm of 4000 units annually back in 2007, but the brand is hoping the new model will revive those numbers.Given it's not due in Australian showrooms until the middle of 2011, pricing and features lists are at best rubbery.  The inclusion of the new entry-level 1.4-litre turbo-only model, the pricetag might sneak in under $30,000 for one model, but the rest will dwell in the $30,000- $40,000 bracket, which puts it up against the Mazda6 and the Honda Accord Euro amongst others.Engines and gearboxesThe engine line-up for Australia has not been locked in but is likey to reflect the current Jetta range - two diesels and three petrol engines, teamed with manual and double-clutch automatics.  The new 1.2-litre TSI petrol is not being considered for an Australian release, so the range will kick off with a 1.4.The 1.4-litre forced-induction four-cylinder petrol engines both remain available with the seven-speed DSG or a six-speed manual.  The turbocharged variant produces 90kW and 200Nm of torque, while claiming 6.2 litres per 100km; the supercharged and turbocharged ‘Twincharged’ 1.4 ups the thirst to 6.3 and the outputs remain at (down by less than half a litre on the current model) 118kW and 240Nm.The top-spec petrol model will again be propelled by a two-litre direct-injection petrol engine (from the GTI engine family, with a six-speed manual or DSG gearbox) claiming a 6.9-litre per 100km thirst despite offering 147kW and 280Nm.The frugal direct-injection diesels start with the 77kW/250Nm 1.6-litre common-rail turbocharged engine, with a claimed thirst of 4.5 litres per 100km and the option of a seven-speed DSG gearbox.  The 1.6 TDI with BlueMotion technology on board drops the fuel number to 4.2 l/100 km, with a corresponding drop in CO2 emissions.The two-litre turbodiesel ups the power to 103kW and torque peaks at 320Nm, with fuel use rising to 4.8 litres per 100km.Body and fit-outThe new model has grown by 90mm in overall length, with 73mm of that coming from an extension to the wheelbase which has improved rear legroom by around 67mm. Width and height remain largely unchanged and bootspace is down 7 litres to 510 litres.  The car is around 30kg lighter thanks to the use of high-strength steel, which has also improved torsional rigidity.The styling is anything but adventurous, but it's also not going to offend - that said, we're driving a top-seller for the brand in the US that didn't seem turn too many heads in San Francisco.  The cars bound for Australia will get soft-feel dash plastics and vents for the rear passengers, who have ample leg room and more than adequate headroom.  Two rear-seat occupants of 190cm plus can sit behind a similarly-sized driver and have good knee room; three children would travel in the rear without issue as well.The features list for Australia is yet to be firmed up, but the new Jetta retains its anti-lock brakes and stability control, as well as six airbags - front, side and full-length curtains - as standard, with the option (in Europe and the US at least) of rear side airbags.Specification of the new Jetta - which goes on sale in Australia mid-2011 - is yet to be finalised, but the European-spec entry-level Trendline has anti-lock brakes, stability control with trailer stabilisation, 16in wheels, heated power mirrors, tinted windows with insulating glass, filtered air conditioning and remote central locking. There's also interchangeable interior accents, an auxiliary input and a multifunction display.The Comfortline adds 16in alloy wheels (likely to be standard entry-level fare in Australia), with added storage pockets, centre armrests with storage box and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gearshifter grip and hand brake while the Highline model ups the wheelsize to 17in alloy wheels and adds headlight washers, front fog lights with cornering lights. The top-spec model also gets the sport seats with leather/fabric trim and climate control.DrivingThe driving impression has to be tempered with something of a disclaimer - the torsion beam rear end under the US car's bum won't be in Australia, and we can be thankful for that.  The car itself feels solid and reasonably quiet, except for the road noise on coarse US highway surfaces, but the exterior rear vision mirrors seemed a little on the small side.The steering is light and inoffensive, but the Australian spec cars will get a different power-assisted system that uses electric rather than hydraulic.  The two-litre turbodiesel and TSI petrol engines driven with DSG transmissions in the US were as close to Australian-spec as could be found and both are appealing drivetrains, although the diesel is probably the favourite - quiet, smooth and reasonably linear, it has ample torque and delivers it without feeling strained.

In Japan, they shrink trees. In city centres, it's squeezing people together in concrete hutches. In the car world, it's downsizing engine capacity. But while you're aware that the trees are small enough to sit on the coffee table and that the apartment is small because it has only room for a coffee table, the trick about downsizing cars is that you'd be hard pressed to pick the difference.Welcome to the next phase in car makers' task of weaning us off big cars. Within a decade, you may be driving a two or three-cylinder car and, probably, finally understanding why Fiat Bambinos made so much sense in the 1960s for financially-strapped Italians. Volkswagen is thinking small to gain energy efficiencies but you'd never pick it.Engine and gearboxAmong its new small-capacity models is the Jetta 118TSI. The gobbledygook is 118kW and the TSI indicates it is both supercharged and turbocharged. That is, the supercharger works from idle through to about 3500rpm when the turbocharger takes over. You get punch from idle right through to the red line without even knowning what's happening under the bonnet.The boot wears a 118TSI badge but one thing it doesn't tell you is the engine capacity. Maybe you don't need to know. Certainly, in performance terms it feels like a 2-litre, maybe a 2.2. It's quick off the mark and the seven-speed automatic direct-shift gearbox (DSG) flicks from ratio to ratio like a card shark dealing a hand.You can play along as well because the box is sequential and the gearlever can be shuffled forwards and backwards to maximise performance. But, after a short time, you recognise that the gearbox can do the job just as well as you and with a lot less effort on your behalf.The engine is hungry to offer performance, free in the way it wants to rev and seamless in its power delivery that starts from idle and wants to go straight into 7000rpm. Watch the trip computer and you'll notice that only when you savage the accelerator does the fuel consumption numbers increase. Take it easy or cruise the highway and the Jetta will deliver 6s and 7s in the litres/100km readout.Body and spaceThat consumption is really good considering that though the Jetta is basically a Golf with a boot, it has a stupendous cargo-carrying ability. The boot is huge - bigger than a Commodore apparently - and has a full-size spare tyre beneath the floor. The rear seats split and fold down to boost luggage room. And it's not shy when carting people either, able to haul five adults - though four is preferred - with good leg and headroom.DrivingRide quality leans towards firm but the dampening doesn't jar occupants and the kiddies won't be upset - any more than they usually are. Volkswagen offer a sports suspension on other Jetta models that further tightens the suspension but, honestly, you don't need it. Handling is superb. Like the Golf, the Jetta makes the driver feel instantly at home. The seating position - with height adjustment - and the tilt-telescopic steering wheel fits all sizes. But it's also the way it drives. The Jetta sits confidently on the tarmac with excellent steering feel and strong - almost abrupt - brakes.It will corner hard and fast before giving way to understeer and should surprise many drivers used to more exotic machinery. It just feels right. The icing is the drivetrain. The engine is revvy and the DSG box is very responsive. There are times when the box can be too responsive. It's not always smooth on take off, with a bump from the box as all the oily bits connect, and a sudden prod on the accelerator pedal will show some indecision. But that's at odds with the way it smoothly slides up and down the seven cogs when in motion.Pricing and equipmentThe Jetta comes in five models and this, the 118TSI, is the cheapest petrol model starting at $30,990 as a manual. As tested, with all the fruit - and believe me, it's very well equipped - it costs $33,490 plus on-road costs. Cabin treatment is clinically German with switchgear that works very well and set into an attractive dashboard that reflects high build quality.I recognise that lockable gloveboxes aren't necessarily a deterrent to thieves but I appreciate that an owner can store personal items with some peace of mind.Features include front and rear parking sensors, eight-speaker iPod/MP3 audio with single CD player, cruise control, trip computer and a climate-control dual-zone airconditioner with pollen filter. More important is the standard seven airbags, stability control, tyre pressure warning and five-star crash rating.I forgot two things: This is a well-designed yet somewhat indescript sedan. You will love the way it works but compared with a Mazda3, for example, is as flashy as a cardboard box. The second thing is the engine size. Not that it matters but it's a puny 1.4 litres. Drive this thing and you'd never believe it's this small. In Germany, they shrink engines.VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 118TSI DSGFEATURES: Dual-zone climate aircon; 8-speaker iPod/CD audio; 7 airbags; park sensors; cruise controlOrigin: MexicoPrice: $33,490Engine: 1.4-litre, 4-cyl, supercharger, turbochargerPower: 118kW @ 5800rpmTorque: 240Nm @ 1500-4500rpm0-100km/h: 8.5 secondsFuel: Premium unleadedFuel tank: 55 litresEconomy: official 6.6 litres/100km; tested 7.2 litres/100kmGreenhouse: 153g/km (Corolla: 175g/km)Transmission: 7-speed DSG automatic, sequential; front-driveBrakes: 4-wheel discs, ESC, ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill start assistTurning circle: 10.9mSuspension: Front - MacPherson struts; Rear - multi-link, coilsWheels: 16-inch alloy, 205/55R16 tyres; full-size spareLength: 4554mm    Width: 1781mm    Height: 1459mmWheelbase: 2578mm    Weight: 1406kgTow (max): 1400kgWarranty: 3yr/100,000km, roadside assistService: 15,000kmRATING: 88/100RIVALS: Honda Accord Euro ($35,490) - 85/100Mazda3 SP25 ($31,920) - 87/100Toyota Corolla Ultima ($30,690) - 83/100

Add a few key accessories and not only is it back, but it’s on the favourites list.  Using the tried-and-true fashion strategy VW has brushed off its local Jetta range, added a couple of key engines and a range of fresh and upgraded trims and put the ‘Golf with a boot’ back out into the market to go head-to-head with the Mazda Mazda6, Ford Mondeo and Subaru Liberty."The changes are a combination of some new engines and models that came available to us from Europe and our desire to adjust and reposition the model range for Australia," Volkswagen Group Australia spokesman Karl Gehling says.  "There are now five engine options, a range of new features and the entry price now starts at $28,990 for the new 1.6-litre diesel."DrivetrainsThe 77kW 1.6-litre turbo diesel, coupled to a 5-speed manual ($28,990) or 7-speed DSG automatic ($31,490), is one of two new powerplants in the Jetta range, the other being the high-end 125kW 2.0-litre turbo diesel available with the 6-speed DSG gearbox and Highline trim only for $38,990.Gone from the previous model range is the manual version of the 103kW 2.0-litre TDI, available now only with the 6-speed DSG ($35,990). The petrol offerings start with the 118kW and 240Nm 1.4-litre twin-charger turbo/supercharged unit from the Golf coupled to the 7-speed DSG ($33,490) or 6-speed manual gearbox ($30,990).The hero engine remains the 147kW (280Nm) 2.0-litre twin-charger coupled to the 6-speed DSG and available only in Highline trim at the same $38,990 as the top diesel offering.Equipment and fit-outApart from the new engines and price repositioning the changes to the model line-up are all to do with trim and cosmetics. There are no external metal changes to set the 2010 cars apart but trainspotters will be able to identify a unique range of alloys for the Jetta along with the addition of front and rear parking sensors.Inside the cabin the parking sensor improvements flow through to a graphic display in either the radio head-unit screen or the navigation screen. The steering wheel from the new Golf VI has been included as a standard fit along with a restyled instrument cluster and a selection of richer trim options.The cabin is as comfortable and spacious as it has always been with the seats a good compromise between sports support and comfort and space generous in the front and adequate for two good-sized adults in the rear.  One of the biggest surprises in the Jetta is the huge boot space available. For a mid-sized sedan the luggage capacity is cavernous — and can bed increased to even higher levels through the split-fold rear seats.Standard features across the range include front, side and curtain airbags, stability control, electronic differential lock, anti-lock brakes with EBD, automatic hazard lights on emergency braking, central locking, heat insulating tinted glass, 16- or 17-inch alloys, tyre pressure monitor, dual-zone air-conditioning (semi-automatic in the 77TDI), stereo with MP3 compatibility and trip computer.OptionsThere is no shortage of optional extra equipment to enrich the Jetta, including metallic paint ($700), electric sunroof ($1900), satellite navigation (from $2500), leather (from $3000), bi-Xenon headlights ($1900) and sport package — including 17-inch alloys, darker tinted rear windows, front fog lamps and sports suspension — from $2000.DrivingOn the road the Jetta rides on the fifth generation Golf platform — hence the Golf-with-a-boot tag the car has worn since it was launched more than three years ago — and suffers no diminishing of the hatch's performance characteristics by the addition of the larger body.  The surprise package of the new engines is the eco-friendly 77kW diesel. The little 1.6 is a wonderfully composed unit with a truly surprising strength through the mid-range allowing it to be driven for either super-sipping economy or a more enjoyable enthusiasm without ever offending the green lobby.VW says the engine is capable of a combined cycle of 4.9L/100km in manual and 5.0L/100km through the DSG with sprint times of 12 seconds from standstill to 100km/h. It certainly feels quicker than that and the real eye-opener is how strong the engine is in the hills, holding top gear in manual quite comfortable while hauling two adults through a moderate climb.There is the almost compulsory dash-mounted flasher to suggest maximum efficiency gear changes but if you are prepared to give up a tick in economy changing gears in sympathy with the engine makes the entire experience a touch more enjoyable for the driver.VW JettaPrice: from $28,990 to $38,990Engines: 1.6L/4-cylinder turbo diesel, 77kW/250Nm; 2L/4-cylinder turbo diesel, 103kW/320Nm; 2L/4-cylinder turbo diesel 125kW/350Nm; 1.4L/4-cylinder twin-charger, 118kW/240Nm; 2L/4-cylinder twin charger, 147kW/280NmTransmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed DSG, 7-speed DSGEconomy: 4.9L/100km (77TDI), 6.0L/100km (103TDI), 5.9L/100km (125TDI), 6.6L/100km (118TSI), 7.8L/100Km (147TSI)RivalsMazda6 (from $29,100)Ford Mondeo (from $31,990)Subaru Liberty (from $33,990)

Diesels are becoming dream cars for a growing number of Australians. They promise better economy, lower running costs and a much longer run between stops at the pumps.But diesel sales are still only a tiny fraction of the showroom action in Australia. Most of the mainstream brands, with the exception of GM Holden with its Astra, have not jumped on the bandwagon. Yet.Honda does not have its diesels in Australia, and the other Japanese companies are still running only predictable stuff in the four-wheel-drive and workhorse classes, which means most of the action is coming from Europe.Those cars are doing well, and anyone who has been reading the CARSguide in the past year would have noticed the glowing reviews of the new breed of diesels.The new self-igniters have been praised for their performance as well as the economy that is taken for granted with diesel engines, but are they really as good as the reviews say, or are they just a passing fad?The drive reports on the new-age diesels — including Peugeots, Audis, BMWs and Benzes — are usually done on their own, comparing them only against other cars that have been through the CARSguide test garage, without lining them up against direct petrol-powered competitors from the same company.So this is the time. And the place.We wanted a realistic assessment of this new breed of diesels and decided to compare the latest Volkswagen Jetta using one car with a 2.0-litre TDI turbo-diesel engine to a similar vehicle with a 2.0-litre FSI turbo-petrol engine.Unfortunately, we couldn't source cars that were exactly the same apart from the engines, so we made one or two compromises.We'd prefer the same transmission in each car, but it simply isn't possible. So the diesel Jetta has a six-speed manual gearbox; the FSI is available with the six-speed DSG transmission only. And the non-turbo FSI engine would have been our first choice.Despite those little niggles, we still believe the comparison stands up.Diesels have been popular in Europe — where diesel fuel is generally cheaper than petrol — for some time, and some governments provide tax incentives to drive them.Against that background, carmakers have offered diesel engines across their model ranges, from the smallest to the largest.Here, the picture is a little different. Diesels have been available only in passenger car models from European makes that are marketed as prestige brands with premium prices that put diesels beyond the reach of many cost-conscious motorists.Add to that the price of diesel fuel here, which has often been a few cents a litre more expensive than regular unleaded, and it has been hard to mount a case for the diesel engine.In the Jetta the TDI diesel model costs $35,490, $2500 more than the non-turbo FSI petrol model, but $4500 less than the FSI Turbo DSG.That means the diesel buyer has to recoup $2500 in fuel consumption savings before they break even with the non-turbo FSI model.Of course, they have a healthy head start when compared to the FSI Turbo.Recovering the cost was made easier at the time of the test when the price of diesel was about the same as regular unleaded — about $1.39 a litre, or just a cent or two more expensive, depending on which servo you bought the fuel from.The fuel price picture was even brighter for the diesel because the FSI petrol Jettas use premium unleaded, which at the time was seven cents a litre more expensive than diesel at $1.46 a litre.Our assessment is made over 400km of mixed driving, which takes in some city traffic, some freeway running and some secondary roads in the country that were speed limited to 80 km/h.Though we don't set out to get the best fuel consumption, we stuck to the speed limit and drive with safety in mind.It is no surprise then that the diesel is the better in terms of fuel consumption over our drive, but that it did so well, returning 4.5 litres/100km average, is a pleasant surprise.The FSI Turbo also proves a surprise in returning 6.7 litres/100km.Each car is a revelation, but the diesel comes out on top when it uses 33 per cent cent less fuel. The results line up in a similar relationship to the official factory figures issued by VW, which claims the FSI Turbo is 2 per cent more economical than the non-turbo FSI engine.Using our figures, and making a 2 per cent negative adjustment to the FSI Turbo figure, we calculate fuel consumption at 6.8 litres/100km for a non-turbo Jetta.Thus the $2500 price premium of the diesel would be recouped in 7000km. That's about six months of average driving. After that you're laughing all the way to the bank.Though that's impressive it's not unexpected, because diesels have a reputation for being fuel misers.What they're not renowned for is smoothness or performance. In fact they've generally been regarded as being rough-running and slow compared to their petrol cousins.They're the compromises diesel buyers have had to accept in the past, but reviews of recent models would have you believe they're not such a compromise.Using the sporty FSI Turbo for our comparison put the TDI to the toughest test of performance.The FSI Turbo boasts a very flat torque curve with 280Nm on tap between 1800 and 5000 revs; the TDI delivers 320Nm between 1750 and 2500 revs before tailing off, but it still has as much as the FSI Turbo at 3200 revs.The non-turbo FSI has a peakier torque curve with 200Nm between 3000 and 5000 revs.The diesel has mountains of torque, but needs to be driven in a much narrower rev range to take full advantage of it. Drive the diesel with that in mind and the performance is almost equal to that of the regular FSI petrol engine, the diesel needing 9.7 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint, the FSI petrol 9.2 seconds. The FSI Turbo DSG is a clear performance winner with a sprint of 7.2 seconds.It's a little slower that the rest, but the diesel's flexibility comes into its own on the mid-range overtaking sprint from 80-120 km/h when it takes 8.5 seconds, compared to 9.5 seconds for an FSI manual.In terms of refinement the TDI is a little noisier and little less smooth than the FSI Turbo, but it is still quite acceptable and certainly not enough to reject it out of hand.At the end of our head-to-head comparison the TDI comes out a clear winner over its closest petrol cousin with superior fuel consumption and better mid-range performance and flexibility, only losing our marginally in refinement.If performance is your prime consideration the FSI Turbo is the car to own, but it comes at the cost of a higher purchase price and a higher fuel price.INSIDE VIEWVolkswagon Jetta TDIENGINE 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-dieselPOWER 103kW at 4000 revsTORQUE 320Nm at 1750-2500 revsTRANSMISSION Six-speed manualDRIVE Front-wheel drivePRICE From $35,490VOLKSWAGENJETTA TURBO FSIENGINE 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrolPOWER 147kW at 5100-6000 revsTORQUE 280Nm at 1800-5000 revsTRANSMISSION Six-speed DSG semi-automaticDRIVE Front-wheel drivePRICE From $39,990

Two grades are offered with a choice of three engines including a 2.0-litre turbo diesel and two petrol fours, one a turbo. All are used in other VW (and Audi) passenger cars.All Jetta engines use direct fuel injection for low emissions and low fuel consumption - including the diesel TDI.The Jetta range has a Euro4 emissions endorsement, something still a way off in Australian Design Rules.The test vehicle was a six speed manual TDI but a six speed auto direct shift gearbox is optional.Why would you opt for the diesel?Because it will go about 1200km on a tank of fuel and probably last a lot longer than a petrol engine.On top of that, engine performance is surprisingly strong with potent roll on acceleration from just above idle right through to peak engine revs.Maximum output is 103kW but there's a hefty 320Nm of torque lurking within and its there from just 1750rpm staying through to about 4000rpm.That amount of torque bestows Jetta with a gorgeous forward thrust pretty well on demand.Used to be this amount of grunt was only available from a 4.0-litre petrol engine.However, it's noisy at start up and at low revs but once up and running, the TDI is just like a petrol engine.The manual transmission is nearly perfectly geared for the engine's output with closely spaced ratios and a useable sixth cog. There is no need to downchange for faster acceleration at highway speed.Now, to the subject on everyone's mind - fuel economy.On one 150km run comprising urban and highway driving, the Jetta TDI recorded an average fuel consumption figure of 4.7-litres/ 100km (60mpg in the old money).This is the best I have ever recorded in any car including a number of hybrids and some mini-cars.What is most impressive is the Jetta did it without a conscious effort to drive economically.Do that and it might approach 4.0-litres/ 100km. Other aspects of the Jetta are impressive too, the massive boot with full size spare, indicator repeater lights in the exterior mirrors, Light Emitting Diode (LED) tail lights 16in alloys, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) rain sensing wipers, park assist, premium audio - the list is large.It's a comfy thing to drive offering sporty ride and handling and accommodation for five. The interior is a little conservative but is good to look at and functional.Styling follows the Golf front end with a Passat rear treatment _ it looks the business.Is the Mexico-made Jetta at $37,990 worth the extra $5.000 spend over Golf 2.0 TDI?There's more in Jetta and it has arguably more prestige value but the Golf's good too - a difficult one to answer.