2013 Volkswagen Jetta Expert Review
Reviewed by Staff Writer
It's funny to think that Volkswagen's best-seller started out as a Golf with a conventional trunk, because it's come a long way since then. It's bigger, more powerful, and now has variants sure to please all types whether they're looking to save the earth or live life a little faster.
The powertrains start with the base 2.0-liter I-4 that produces 115 hp and 121 lb-ft of torque, which comes standard in Jetta S models. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional, and are EPA-rated at 24/34 mpg city/highway and 24/32 mpg, respectively. Should you want a conventional gasoline powered car, upgrading to the 170-hp 2.5-liter I-5 wouldn't be a bad idea since it produces almost similar mpg numbers to the 2.0-liter. The TDI will keep you from wasting time at the pump and provide a little rush of excitement thanks to its 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine that produces 140 hp and a whopping 236 lb-ft of torque. New for 2013 is the Jetta Hybrid , which was piloted by one of our very own to achieve the hybrid land speed record (it was a modified setup not available to consumers) for the world's fastest hybrid. In the real world, we found the hybrid has the most sound-deadening features within the Jetta lineup, helped by an acoustic windshield, thicker front side windows, lower Cd, Continental ContiProContacts, and a specific exhaust. Total powertrain output is 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
With a 0-60-mph time of 7.9 seconds and average lateral acceleration of 0.78 g, we said "it's all within the firing range of the several Jetta TDIs we've tested," so it may not be worth the extra cash. The one that would be worth it, though would the high-performance GLI. At the test track, the 3247-pound GLI went from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and through the quarter mile in 15.1 at 93.5 mph.
New for 2013
A hybrid model completes the lineup. The new SEL with navigation combines nav and the Fender premium sound system, and the Jetta GLI with the DSG now jets with launch control.
Key Competitors
- Chevrolet Cruze
- Honda Civic
- Ford Focus
- Hyundai Elantra
