2014 Volkswagen Jetta Expert Review
Reviewed by Christian Seabaugh
Vehicle Overview
New just a few years ago, the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta gets some big upgrades for 2014. The biggest changes are under the skin: the 2014 Jetta sedan replaces its dated 2.5-liter I-5 with a more efficient 1.8-liter turbo-4. Other mechanical changes include an upgraded suspension on most models, and electric power steering. The Jetta SportWagen is unaffected by any of those changes. There are an impressive amount of Jetta variants, including the plain Jetta, which comes with two available engines, the diesel Jetta TDI, the Jetta Hybrid, and a hot version, the 210-hp Jetta GLI.
The VW Jetta has generally performed well in our testing. The diesel-powered Jetta TDI finished third in our 40-mpg comparison test, losing only to the Chevrolet Cruze Eco and Mazda3 Skyactiv. The hot Jetta GLI fared better in our Two-Buck Chuck comparo, beating out the Suzuki Kizashi Sport GTS and Honda Civic Si. We summed the Jetta GLI up thusly: "The GLI backs up its slight premium with the sexiest styling (this is how handsome a Jetta can look), the most rewarding, most refined driving experience, and the best packaging. For an affordable, fun, front-drive sport sedan with a manual, VW has bottled perfection."
The 2014 VW Jetta gets revisions aimed to make it even more of a performer, including a new 1.8-liter turbo-4 for non Jetta TDI or Jetta GLI models, electric power steering, and an independent rear suspension on most models. VW has also upped its interior game in an effort to shed the Jetta's bargain basement image, with higher-quality interior materials, and new connectivity options.
New for 2014
Volkswagen has big changes in store for the 2014 Jetta. The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta gets a new volume engine this year - a 170-hp 1.8-liter turbocharged I-4 -- which replaces the old 2.5-liter I-5. Other mechanical changes to the 2014 Jetta include a multilink rear suspension on all models but those equipped with the base 2.0-liter I-4, and electric power steering. Volkswagen has enhanced the interior with higher-quality soft-touch materials.
Key Competitors
Sum Up
Volkswagen looks to shed the Jetta's bargain-bin image.
