2014 Volkswagen Jetta: What's Changed

• Most significant changes: New turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with direct injection; independent rear suspension; VW Car-Net connected services
• Price change: TBA
• On sale: Early August
• Which should you buy, 2013 or 2014? With a more fuel-efficient powertrain and the automaker’s new connected services joining last year’s interior updates, we’re leaning toward the 2014 model, though pricing has not yet been announced.

Following last year’s interior enhancements, powertrain, suspension and technology updates top the list of news coming for the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta. Most notably among these is the automaker’s new turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder with direct injection, which replaces the 2.5-liter five-cylinder.

When the 2014 Jetta hits dealerships in August, Volkswagen’s best-selling model will be the first in the automaker’s lineup to get the new engine, on the SE and SEL trims. The engine makes 170 horsepower — on par with the outgoing engine — and improves torque by 7 pound-feet to 184. The automaker estimates fuel economy will improve by 16%, achievable on regular gas, according to spokesman Mark Gillies; the 2013 base model is EPA rated at 24/34 mpg city/highway.

Other 2014 Jetta powertrain highlights:

• All models are E15 fuel capable across all powertrains for 2014.
• The SEL trim will only be available with an automatic transmission.
• The performance-focused GLI model will have the latest version of the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.

In addition, the Jetta will get electro-mechanical power steering, replacing the existing hydraulic setup. Also, the automaker’s entire lineup — including 1.8-liter and TDI models — will now have an independent rear suspension.

Among a host of technological additions for 2014 is the availability of VW Car-Net connected services on the SE with Connectivity trim and higher. The system offers security and convenience features including crash notification, roadside assistance, stolen-vehicle location assistance, remote vehicle access, lane departure warning, speed alerts, vehicle-health reporting and an enhanced point-of-interest service on vehicles equipped with navigation; all features can be administered through a smartphone app.

Other technology updates include:

• Standard backup camera on the SEL, TDI Premium and TDI Premium and Navigation trims
• A high-resolution display in the instrument cluster for the Jetta Hybrid SE, SEL and SEL Premium trims
• Satellite radio and power reclining front seats on the SE trim
• Keyless entry and push-button start available on the SE with Connectivity and Sunroof trim
• Navigation and a Fender premium audio system on the SEL trim
• The media device interface cable is in the center console instead of the glove compartment on SE models and higher.

Volkswagen also announced that a 30th-anniversary edition GLI would be available late in the model year; details will be available closer to the car’s launch.

Editor’s note: This post was changed on July 11 to state that Volkswagen’s new 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine will not be available on the base S trim.

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