2012 Volkswagen Jetta

There's not much new to report on the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. Brand-new for the 2011 model year, the 2012 Jetta features a couple new options, and a few new option packages. For 2012 Volkswagen has bundled up some of its more requested standalone options, into packages. The new packages include a Sunroof Package, and a Convenience Package. A newly available option for the 2012 model year across all Jettas is a Fender-branded and Panasonic-developed audio system.

The Jetta continues to be offered with three engine options for 2012. The base 2.0-liter I-4 produces a meager 115 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque. The next engine up the food chain is the 2.5-liter I-5 cranking out 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque that sees duty across Volkswagen's lineup. The last available engine is the torquey and fuel-efficient 140-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel I-4 with 236 lb-ft of torque, that's capable of an EPA-estimated 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway.

Although the Jetta shows signs of cost savings in the interior (hard plastics, and cheap fabrics are abundant) it's still a fairly decent place to be. The Jetta offers amenities like satellite navigation and satellite radio, and is plenty roomy for passengers both in the front, and rear.

Body style: Sedan

Engines: 2.5L I-5, 2.0L I-4, 2.0L turbodiesel I-4

Transmissions: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual, 6-speed dual-clutch automatic

Models: Volkswagen Jetta S, Volkswagen Jetta SE, Volkswagen Jetta SEL, Volkswagen Jetta TDI

With the introduction of the Jetta GLI this year, the rest of the Jetta lineup just gets minor tweaks and changes for the 2012 model year. This year, Volkswagen has bundled up some of its more requested standalone options into packages including a Sunroof package and a Convenience package. A newly available option for the 2012 Jetta is a Fender Guitar-branded and Panasonic-developed audio system.

Rather reserved in appearance compared to its predecessor, the Jetta carries over to 2012 with no exterior changes. The Jetta S comes standard with 15-inch steel wheels, a black plastic grille, and black mirror caps. The Jetta SE also has 15-inch steel wheels (with 16-inch alloys an option), a black grille, and body color mirror caps. The Jetta SEL gains 17-inch alloy wheels and a chrome-accented grille. The Jetta TDI features five-spoke 16-inch wheels, body color mirrors, and a chrome-accented grille.

While the interior is generally attractive and well laid out on the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, during our First Test we came under the impression that "VW might have dipped into the company's parts bins too many times." We also noticed that the Jetta's interior featured lower quality materials than VW had previously used on the Jetta: "The dash is covered in hard plastic; switchgear materials feel downmarket; and the leatherette seats won't fool anyone." On the plus side, we did find the cabin roomy, offering plenty of space for both front, and rear passengers. We also found the trunk offering plenty of cargo room (15.5 cubic feet).

With the Jetta GLI carrying the performance flag for the Jetta, the rest of the lineup doesn't feature any barnburners. The 2012 Jetta continues to offer consumers three engines: a 2.0-liter I-4 producing 115 hp and 135 lb-ft of torque, a 170-hp 2.5-liter I-5 with 177 lb-ft of torque, and our favorite, the 140-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel I-4 with 236 lb-ft of torque. In our testing, the Jetta TDI accelerated from 0-60 mph in 8.8 seconds, while a 2.5-liter equipped model took 8.3 seconds. We found the Jetta TDI to have the strongest on-center steering feel, and all-around best steering feel, while the Jetta SEL we tested had an artificial steering feel.

There are no changes in regards to safety for 2012 model year Volkswagen Jettas. All Jettas still come standard with front, and front side mounted airbags, and side air curtain airbags in the front and rear. The 2012 Jetta also comes standard with ABS, electronic brake pressure distribution, hydraulic brake assist and an un-defeatable traction and electronic stability control system. The Jetta also features Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System, which will unlock the doors, turn off the fuel pump, and activate the Jetta's hazard lights in the event the vehicle's airbags are deployed.

Jetta S: 24 mpg city/34 mpg highway (manual); 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway (automatic)

Jetta SE: 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway (manual); 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic)

Jetta SEL: 23 mpg city/33 mpg highway (manual); 24 mpg city/31 mpg highway (automatic)

Jetta TDI: 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway (manual); 30 mpg city/42 mpg highway (dual-clutch auto)

• TDI fuel economy
• Price

• Dated base engine
• Hard, cheap interior plastics

Cheap interior but good diesel option

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