1 Aug 2011
IN 2011 the Jetta became more than just a three-box Golf variant, with a dedicated Californian-designed sedan body riding on a longer wheelbase.
Further differentiated from its popular hatchback stablemate, the sharply-priced Jetta featured a unique dashboard design and grew a significant 190mm over its predecessor to firmly fit into Australia's mid-sizer segment.
The launch line-up was simplified from seven variants to five, comprised a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel across three trim levels, with all but the six-speed manual 118TSI entry model featuring standard six- or seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmissions.
Divided into base, Comfortline and Highline trim levels, all Jettas came with cruise control, leather steering wheel with audio and telephone controls, chilled glove compartment, heated electric door mirrors and an eight-speaker audio system with CD player, MP3 and USB connectivity.
Compared with the outgoing model, base-model Jettas lost standard equipment like alloy wheels and parking sensors but Bluetooth – traditionally an expensive dealer-fit option – became standard across the range.
The frugal 77TDI base variant was dropped, the new base model Jetta being fitted with VW's punchy 118kW/240Nm 1.4-litre 118TSI petrol engine and six-speed manual transmission (or optional seven-speed DSG automatic).
Comfortline spec upped the ante with standard DSG automatic transmission and optional 103kW/320Nm diesel engine, 16-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli tyres (base models get 16-inch steel wheels with Hankook tyres), tyre pressure monitoring, dual-zone air-conditioning with automatic air recirculation, automatic headlights and wipers, self-dimming rear-view mirror, electrically-folding door mirrors with puddle lights and front/rear parking sensors.
Highline, only available with a 147kW/280Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol from the previous-generation Jetta and MK5 Golf GTI, added leather and touch-screen six-disc CD changer, 17-inch alloys wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza rubber, front foglights with static cornering lights, 15mm lower sports suspension, headlight washers and heated sports seats.
Both Comfortline and Highline variants got extra chrome brightwork on the grille and inside the cabin, with the Highline also featuring chrome on its lower air intake and along the bottom of the side windows.
Comfortline variants could be specified with the Highline's alloys, sports suspension and foglights plus rear privacy glass with a Sports package while the leather upholstery cost extra, with electric driver’s seat adjustment an option on any leather-lined Jetta.
Highline buyers could upgrade to Queensland two-tone alloys and rear privacy glass. Comfortline and Highline cars can have a glass sunroof and an alarm fitted.
Satellite navigation was an expensive option on Comfortline and Highline variants, while the only option for base-spec Jettas was metallic/pearlescent paint.
