Thursday, July 14, 2016

2016 Volkswagen Jetta: Comfortable small sedan with good performance




The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta comes with a few updates to entice buyers, including improved smartphone connectivity and new styling on the highest trim level. As such, the Jetta remains a competitive piece of the compact sedan segment that offers better than average driving dynamics and good fuel economy.
Most trim levels of the Jetta, including our SEL tester, retain the modest styling that the car has been known for over the years. But the GLI now has a new front fascia and dual chrome tipped exhaust vents at the rear that give it a bit more of an aggressive look. Other Jetta trim levels include base, S, SE and Sport.
Under the hood, our tester featured a 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 170 horsepower. It is mated to a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy is rated at 25 mpg city, 36 highway.
VW has also added a new base engine choice for this model year, a 1.4-liter four-banger with a six-speed automatic. Fuel economy with that power plant is rated at an impressive 28 and 39.
The interior features a roomy passenger space, for which VW has long been known, that has some technology updates. A 5 inch touchscreen audio system is standard in base models, with higher trim levels getting the 6.3 inch touchscreen that has the MIB II infotainment system. That system also includes Android Auto and Apple Car Play, which can mirror your phone's home screen and give you easy access to features and calling.
The Jetta includes such standard features as Bluetooth connectivity and USB port. Options available are navigation, dual zone climate control and heated front seats, among others.
VW has also established a reputation for the safety of its cars, and this version of the Jetta is no exception. It won a top safety pick plus honor from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety with models featuring crash prevention. That's the top IIHS honor. Optional safety gear on the Jetta includes blind spot warning, forward collision automatic braking and adaptive cruise control.
Pricing on the Jetta begins at around $18,000 and ranges to slightly higher than $30,000. If you're seeking a comfortable compact sedan that gets good fuel economy and has good driving dynamics, the Jetta is worthy of strong consideration.

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