The five-seat Jetta is Volkswagen’s entrant in the compact-sedan segment. Available with a gas or diesel engine, the Jetta competes with the Honda Civic, Mazda3 and Ford Focus. A performance-oriented Jetta GLI and a fuel-efficient Jetta Hybrid are also offered.
New for 2016 A 150-horsepower, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder is the Jetta’s new base engine, and a new available multimedia system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring on the car’s dashboard screen. New active safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic braking and automatic post-collision braking, which is designed to reduce the incidence of secondary impacts after a crash.
Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
Significant Available Features
170-hp, turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder
150-hp, turbo-diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder
Power moonroof
Backup camera
Keyless access with push-button start
Heated front seats
Simulated leather upholstery
Fender premium audio
Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
Navigation system
Adaptive cruise control
Forward collision warning with automatic braking
Blind spot warning system
Rear cross-traffic alert
Jetta GLI
The Jetta GLI gets a sportier appearance and upgraded features for 2016. It’s powered by a 210-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that works with a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Besides the fuel-saving TDI diesel versions of the Jetta compact sedan, Volkswagen sells a gas-electric hybrid model that competes with the Toyota Prius.
What’s Special
EPA-estimated 42/48/44 mpg city/highway/combined
Can travel up to 44 mph on electric power alone
150-hp, turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder gas engine that works with a 27-hp electric motor
Electric motor is powered by a 1.1-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack behind the rear seat
Seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
Unique grille styling
Power gauge takes the place of a tachometer in instrument panel
