Upgraded Volkswagen Jetta lands in Australia

VOLKSWAGEN has updated its mid-size Jetta range with a host of new safety features, standard equipment and a new flagship variant powered by the same engine as the Golf GTI hot hatch.

The entire Jetta range is now fitted standard with Volkswagen’s Extended Electronic Differential Lock (XDL), a system designed to brake the inside wheel under cornering to reduce understeer, as well as a driver fatigue detection system to keep drivers alert over long-distance driving.

Cruise control, alloy wheels, a multi-function steering wheel and an anti-theft alarm system are also added for no extra cost.

Three different engines – two petrol and one diesel – are available across four different variants in the 2015 Jetta range.

The 118kW/240Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine is available across three variants, but only the entry-level Trendline has it mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, costing $22,790 plus on-road costs, with the optional seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic adding another $2500.

The manual version has a fuel consumption rating of 6.5 litres per 100km while the DSG Trendline sips 6.2L/100km.

Moving up the Jetta range, the Comfortline variant, priced at $29,990, adds satellite navigation, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and automatic headlights.

The former flagship Highline variant starts at $33,990 for the 1.4 turbo-petrol and $36,490 for the 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre diesel, but adds leather upholstery, front sports seats, keyless entry and 17-inch alloy wheels (up from 16s).

According to Volkswagen’s figures, the 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel will return a fuel economy figure of 5.5L/100km and is available exclusively paired to a six-speed DSG automatic transmission.

New to the Jetta range is the more performance-focused Highline Sport, from $39,990, that features 18-inch wheels, bi-Xenon headlights, paddle shifters and the same 155kW/280Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four from the previous-generation Golf GTI.

Volkswagen says the Highline Sport will sprint from zero to 100km/h in only 7.2 seconds, beating sportier cars such as the Toyota 86 (7.6 seconds) and Hyundai Veloster (9.8 seconds).

Jetta sales were down 19 per cent last year to 2006 units. Last month 125 Jettas found homes in Australia, matching its haul from the same month in 2013.