Brandwagon

The all-new Volkswagen Jetta looks like a Vento, or even the Polo. It makes one wonder if the VW's new design language has been carried a tad too far. Then again, you could easily mistake the Jetta for its more expensive sibling, the Passat, and this is what Volkswagen's head of design, Klaus Bischoff, would like you to think.

This shared corporate styling has ensured that VW has been given a fresh look that can't be mistaken for any other brand, and given how the brand in India has become something to aspire for, this may just be the master stroke.

The Jetta may have an absence of overall design flair, like with any other model in the current VW line-up, but what you get is a very clean and uncluttered look which hints at the no-nonsense character of the car.

If the Jetta's styling doesn't make a lasting impression, its size certainly will. This executive saloon has grown in every dimension to look and feel a class above others in this segment. The new Jetta is now 90mm longer than its predecessor and gets an extra 58mm in the wheelbase, which hints at the best-in-class interior space. The extra sheet metal hasn't translated into extra flab and in fact, the new Jetta weighs just 25kg more than before and that too with a more powerful motor.

Thankfully, VW rejected the U.S. version's basic rear torsion bar setup with drum brakes for the India model and instead opted for the more sophisticated European-spec, which includes a four-link setup at the rear with discs all round.

From the inside, the Jetta is more mini-Passat with top-notch plastics, exemplary fit and finish, and an overall sense of quality that befits its near-Rs. 20 lakh price tag. The experience starts with the chunky steering wheel with indents for the thumbs, which feels great to hold. The steering-mounted buttons are small but have a wonderfully tactile feel. Curiously, there's a button for hands-free phone usage but Bluetooth pairing is not offered even on the top-end Highline version. The rest of the switchgear feels fantastic, a lot of it chromed and rubberised, and works in a delightfully fluid way. The air-con vents feel solid too and the overall heft of the dashboard and door pads reveal the durable build of the car.

The new Jetta is better specced too but previous Jetta owners may miss some of the small details that made it special. The driver gets a 12-way power adjustable seat, including lumbar support, and finding the perfect driving position is easy. The front seats are generous but unlike the previous Jetta, which had leather seats, you now get a synthetic alternative.

The most noticeable omission is dual-zone climate control. On the new car, there's a simple air-con unit and though it's electro-mechanically controlled, there isn't even a digital temperature readout. But you get an iPod connectivity, Park Distance Control (front and rear) with display on the central infotainment system, and daytime running headlights.

This car has the most comfortable backseat in the segment. The ‘hip-point' is nice and high so you sit more relaxed, legroom is class-leading and the seat base is generous and superbly contoured. If there is a fault, it's with the cushioning which is a little too hard and the backrest is a wee too upright. The rear seats get an armrest, which the previous car never had, and a 60:40 split. The 510-litre boot is all you will ever need but when you pack to maximum capacity.

Another area that gets a boost (literally) is under the hood. The 1986cc, 108bhp motor has been replaced by the 138bhp version of the same turbo-diesel engine. It's also the same unit that currently powers the Laura and Superb. For the moment, and given the massive swing to diesel car demand, VW is offering the new Jetta with just this single diesel engine which comes with six-speed manual and automatic options. There is no petrol option yet, but we understand a 1.4 TSI version is expected sometime in 2012.

Having experienced the identical 2.0 TDi in the Laura and the Superb, there were no real surprises. It's not the quietest of motors and though it's not really intrusive you can't miss its characteristic gruffness, especially at higher revs. Another trait we know so well is this motor's fantastic responsiveness. There's minimal turbo-lag and we just love the strong tug you get from low revs. Performance is more than adequate, in fact it's pretty good. The six-speed manual is slick and precise like before but it's mated to an engine that doesn't like to be revved hard, so you constantly need to short-shift. The steering, like most VWs, though accurate and well-weighted, is rather numb and doesn't bristle with feel. The gentle responses and the leisurely manner in which the Jetta turns into corners doesn't make it overtly sporting and this makes you automatically adopt a more relaxed driving style. The Jetta feels best driven fast but not furiously. Its poise at any speed is unflappable and the sense of confidence you get lets you press on untiringly for hours.

VW has priced its base Trendline version at Rs. 14.12 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). That's a fairly aggressive price, but as you move up to the top-model, the Highline DSG, it costs Rs.17.86 lakh, or a massive Rs. 3.74 lakh more, and that makes the Jetta a bit pricey. But if you are looking for comfort, style and a well-built car , there's nothing like the new Jetta.