The Jetta is offered in five trim levels, with four different powerplants. The base model is the S, which offers a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that makes 115 hp. SE and SEL models are powered by a 170-hp 1.8L 4-cylinder turbo, as is a limited-edition 1.8T Sport trim. TDI Jettas come with an improved 2.0L direct-injection turbodiesel, which is good for 150 hp and 46 mpg on the highway. GLI models are powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder making 210 hp, while the Jetta Hybrid features a turbocharged 1.4L that works in conjunction with a 20kW electric motor, good for an EPA-estimated combined 45 mpg.
A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on S, SE and SEL models, while a 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic and Sport mode is optional. A 6-speed manual is standard on the TDI and GLI, with the 6-speed auto optional. The Hybrid comes with a 7-speed automatic.
S and TDI S models come equipped with standard goodies such as heated power side mirrors, one-touch up/down power on all four windows, an AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 playback, 6-way manual adjustment, air conditioning and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. Jetta SE, TDI SE and Hybrid SE models add power reclining front seats, metallic interior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter and V-Tex leatherette seating. SEL trims bring a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat with manual lumbar support, a new "soft-touch dash," 17-inch alloy wheels, bumper-integrated halogen fog lights, chrome accents, touch-screen navigation, Bluetooth, heated front seats, interior leather accents and a multi-function trip computer. The 1.8T Sport trim offers a more athletic suspension, navigation, rearview camera and a rear spoiler.
Packaged convenience options for the SE add many of the premium features of the SEL, including heated seats, a premium audio system and Bluetooth, while a sunroof package includes an even more robust touch-screen stereo system with a 6-disc in-dash CD changer and SD memory card reader, plus a tinted power sunroof. The sunroof is available on the SEL as well, as is a sport package that adds a specially tuned suspension, sport seats and aluminum trim on the pedals and door trim.
Standard safety equipment on all Jettas includes 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, driver and front passenger front and side thorax airbags, side curtain airbags, traction and stability control and engine braking assist. New optional safety technologies include blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, frontal collision warning and park distance control.
Affordability
Excellent Fit And Finish
Good Handling And Braking
Fuel Economy On TDI And Hybrid Models
Terrific Trunk Space
For 2015, the Volkswagen Jetta sedan features many subtle updates. Among them, a new 2.0L TDI clean diesel produces 150 horsepower and improves fuel economy from 42 mpg to 46 mpg on the highway, while the model's other engines also have improved efficiency. The front, rear and interior all feature styling enhancements, while new available safety technologies include blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, frontal collision warning, and park distance control. Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights are available on certain models, and a limited-edition 1.8T Sport trim offers sport suspension, navigation, rearview camera and a rear spoiler.
The 2015 Jetta competes with the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla. Previously, price kept it just out of reach of potential buyers of the competition, but since 2011, Volkswagen has worked to give buyers the best of all worlds -- carefully packaging features and tweaking the Jetta's price level. This means that buyers can get a premium German sedan or wagon at an entry-level price, with fit and finish similar to that on cars that cost two and three times as much.
