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 December 15, 2006 Test Drive: 2007 Volkswagen City Jetta
Discuss this story in the forum at CarTalkCanada Photo Gallery: 2007 Volkswagen City Jetta As I reported in my First Drive of the 2007 VW City Golf and City Jetta, the previous generation Volkswagen Jetta (1999-2005) has been resurrected for the 2007 model year as an entry-level sedan in Volkswagen's Canadian line-up, as has the previous generation Golf hatchback.
Starting at $16,700, the City Jetta fills a gap in the VW line-up created when the redesigned Jetta went further upmarket in 2006. The City Jetta's pricing is comparable or better than other compacts like the Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Sentra, Saturn Ion, and Toyota Corolla. Built in Puebla, Mexico, the City Jetta is available only as a four-door sedan (no wagon) with one engine: a 115-hp 2.0-litre SOHC 8-valve four-cylinder. The last generation 2006 Jetta TDI Wagon is also still offered with a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine, but for a much higher price of $27,880.
Standard and optional equipment
Popular options can push the price over $20,000 very easily. A four-speed automatic transmission ($1,150), air conditioning ($1,350), front side airbags ($160) or side curtain airbags plus front side airbags ($410), ESP stability control ($450), and heated front seats and windshield washers ($205) are all worthwhile options that add about $3,500 to the price. There's also a Convenience Package ($540) with power windows, cruise control, remote unlocking, and heated mirrors; and a Luxury package ($1,600) with alloy wheels, tinted windows and moonroof. With all available options, the total price comes to $23,100 including Freight, still not bad for a brand new compact Volkswagen sedan. Keep in mind that the new Jetta 2.5 starts at $24,975.
Interior impressions
However, the position of the radio and heater low on the centre instrument panel looks a bit odd, especially with that blank plastic insert above them covering up what could be a useful storage bin for CDs. As well, I found the small radio controls kind of fiddly. The single-CD player is MP3/WMA compatible, and with six standard speakers including those little tweeters next to the door handles, the sound quality of the stereo is quite good.
Just ahead of the shift lever is a sliding cover with a small coin tray and 12-volt powerpoint where the ashtray used to be. A small cell phone could be put there for recharging, but nothing bigger.
My car had the optional front seat heaters with five temperature choices; I found this very comforting on a cold winter's day. I also liked the easy-to-grip inside door handles - you'd be surprised at how many vehicles have door handles inconveniently positioned for closing the door. However, I didn't like the hard-to-reach round dial adjuster on the side of the seat for reclining.
Interior storage is minimal: there are large door pockets and a glovebox, but no storage slot in the dash or armrest/storage between the front seats.
My car had the optional glass moonroof with a sliding sunshade, and tilt/slide function. It features a round dial for opening and closing the glass roof. You simply turn the dial to the position you want, and let it go: you don't have to hold it while the moonroof opens.
One unusual complaint: the sweet, sickening and possibly poisonous smell of windshield washer fluid invades the cabin every time you use it. I was forced to open the windows each time to gasp for fresh air.
Driving impressions
After starting the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, it settles into a sort of a low rattle akin to a diesel; and while idling at a stoplight, the steering wheel vibrates slightly. When starting out, throttle response is not sensitive, but acceleration is brisk once you put your foot down. The optional four-speed automatic shifts lazily between gears, and when required to downshift for highway passing, it responds with smooth but noticeable downshifts as the SOHC two-valve per cylinder engine emits a growly drone that quickly quietens down to a barely noticeable hum at cruising speeds. Engine speed at 100 km/h in fourth gear is 2800 rpm, and the cabin is fairly quiet.
The 2.0-litre engine develops maximum torque relatively early (122 lb-ft @ 2600 rpm) which explains why this engine feels more responsive than its 115 horsepower suggests. Most of its competitors have more horsepower, but around town, the torquey City Jetta can feel just as responsive. Still, this engine is nowhere near as powerful as the turbocharged 2.0-litre four in the new Jetta. The City Jetta's performance could be described as 'adequate'.
Fuel economy is very good: Energuide ratings are City: 9.8 L/100 km (28 mpg Imp), and Highway 7.0 L/100 km (40 mpg Imp), and it uses Regular gas.
Though four disc brakes with ABS are standard, I found the pedal feel kind of mushy. But this is probably because I had just stepped out of a 2007 Jetta GLI the week before which had phenomenal brakes.
Safety
In 40-mph frontal offset crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 1999-2005 Jetta sedan received a "Good" rating.
The 2007 City Jetta includes standard front airbags, five seatbelts, and five height-adjustable head restraints, but side airbags and curtain airbags are optional.
Reliability
Verdict
Though dated, the resurrected Volkswagen City Jetta is still a handsome, economical, and comfortable compact sedan with excellent crash safety ratings. Tight rear legroom is its biggest drawback.
Pricing
Specifications
Related stories on CanadianDriver
Competitors
Crash test results
Manufacturer's web site
Greg Wilson is a Vancouver-based automotive journalist and editor of CanadianDriver
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