2010 Jetta V 125TDI, 147TSI, 77TDI First Drive Review

TOYOTA HAS A PROBLEM. It is called Volkswagen. And it's breathing hard down Toyota's neck for the global number one spot for car manufacturers.

Interestingly, where Toyota 'zigged' ten or so years back, choosing to put its technological eggs in the Prius basket, Volkswagen 'zagged'.

Volkswagen's answer to the challenges of a 'green future' was to set about producing engines and drivetrains – right across its model range – of astonishing efficiency. And it has done this without sacrificing power and driver enjoyment.

It's not alone; other manufacturers are on the same path. But Volkswagen, with models and price ranges straddling nearly every sector, is the stand-out.

Its high-tech free-spinning diesels and zesty small capacity turbo/supercharged petrol engines (coupled with F1-style DSG transmissions priced for the common man), challenge Toyota's Prius for fuel efficiency, and murder it for driver dynamics.

That's not to say the Prius isn't brilliant, it is; Toyota (and Honda with its first Insight) showed the world that hybrid drive was a viable powertrain alternative.

But where Toyota has overlooked, or down-played, driver engagement (where are its ‘fun to drive and own’ models?), every model in the VW range comes with personality as standard. Driving should be fun. Volkswagen hasn’t forgotten it.

The market would seem to be responding. This year, 2009, an ascendant Volkswagen Group has been closing fast on a becalmed Toyota in global vehicle production.

The 2010 Jetta V update is now in showrooms. Featuring a new line-up of petrol and diesel engine options, the new Jetta typifies Volkswagen's direction in producing cars that engage the driver but sip fuel like its poison.

Each, even the base model 77kWTDI, is an enjoyable steer. None we sampled could be accused of being “just transport”.

And each, as a medium sector alternative, is sharply priced.

The range

The range starts with the $28,990 (plus on-roads) 1.6 litre 77TDI diesel (launched with the Golf VI in August), producing 77kW and 250Nm of torque and achieving a fuel consumption figure of 4.9 l/100km.

The 77TDI is available with a choice of five-speed manual transmission, or the new seven-speed DSG.

Next in the diesel range, at $35,990, is the previously available 2.0 litre 103TDI. A carry-over from the 2009 Jetta range, the 103TDI uses 6.0 litres of fuel per 100km while producing 103kW and 320Nm of torque.

The 103TDI is available only with a six-speed DSG transmission.

The third diesel engine on offer is found in the 125TDI Highline. While new for the Jetta, this is the familiar 2.0 litre 125TDI lifted from the Passat. It is a rorty unit, producing 125kW and 350Nm of torque while achieving fuel economy figures of 5.9 l/100km.

It is also nicely balanced thanks to its four-valve design and twin compensator shafts. At $38,990 (plus on roads), the Jetta 125TDI Highline shares top-of-the-range billing with the 147TSI.

Volkswagen claims the 125TDI will reach 100km/h in 8.5 seconds with the six-speed DSG - the only transmission offered with the 2.0 litre 125TDI engine. It feels exceptionally strong and is instantly responsive; we have no reason to doubt those performance numbers.

Priced to align with the 125TDI Highline is the 2.0 litre petrol-engined 147TSI Highline. Developing 147kW and 280Nm of torque, even the performance-oriented TSI returns fuel consumption figures of 7.8 litres per 100km.

The 147TSI is also offered with the six-speed DSG transmission as standard and no manual option. It will bolt to 100km/h in a respectable 7.2 seconds.

At launch, Volkswagen said that as buyer preference in the medium car sector leans heavily to automatic transmissions, the DSG – which offers the convenience of an auto and the feel of a manual - has been specified for these models.

Second of the petrol engines on offer is the $30,990 (for the manual) 1.4 litre 118TSI. Familiar in the Golf where its performance belies its cubic capacity, the 118TSI develops 118kW and 240Nm of torque, with a fuel economy rating of 6.6 l/100km.

The 118TSI comes with a choice of manual or seven-speed DSG (the latter at $33,490).

Equipment and features

New features for 2010 include parking distance sensors front and rear, with the Optical Parking System as standard across all Jetta models.

Standard across the range are six airbags: driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags front and rear. Also standard is ABS, ESP, electronic differential lock and anti-slip regulation.

There is an eight-speaker audio system as standard (10 speakers in Highline models) with CD, radio and MP3 compatibility. A 6.5-inch touch-screen display is standard in Highline models, but optional across other models. Bluetooth is optional across the Jetta range.

New trim choices have been added, along with the Golf VI’s steering wheel and an updated instrument cluster.

The drive

We drove the 77TDI, the 125TDI, and 147TSI. Each is an appealing drive and each is engaging in its own and quite distinct ways.

While based on the Golf, the addition of that boot gives the Jetta a quite different – and more conservative – personality.

You would hardly call the styling exciting, but the boot space is huge: 527 litres no less (and even more available with the split fold rear seats). The Jetta offers more than just extra cargo-carrying capacity however.

The extra weight of the boot behind the rear wheels gives the Jetta improved innate fore and aft balance, and gentler rebound damping than the stumpy-tailed Golf.

It is more settled on secondary surfaces and more refined at the wheel generally. While the Jetta has the Golf’s sharp turn-in and direct feel through the steering, for the way it rides (if you didn’t know otherwise) you would hardly pick that they share the same basic platform and underpinnings.

It is a trick of perception, but the Jetta also feels bigger inside. It feels more like a ‘medium’ sector car – which is where VFACTS places it – than the ‘small’ car Golf.

And, sure, while we'd concede that just a day at the wheel is hardly a real test, the sharply-priced 2010 Jetta is an impressive steer and certainly one of the stronger contenders in the medium sector. It bridges the gap for young families outgrowing the Golf but not yet ready for the larger Passat.

While the 125TDI impressed with its robust torque and responsiveness, and the 147TSI for its seamless power delivery, the surprise of the bunch was the entry-level 77TDI.

At its $28,990 price point, the 77TDI is well-configured inside, quiet and comfortable.

Redlined at 5000rpm (the tractability of modern diesels never fails to surprise), it will happily rev its head off. It does it with an engaging throaty ‘groan’, and, like its more expensive diesel stablemates, is quite free of diesel clatter.

While not over-endowed with kilowatts, the manual we drove could be rowed along nicely provided you were prepared to use the gearbox. The trick is to keep those 250 Newton-metres of torque in the sweet spot between 1500rpm and 2500rpm.

And, as we found through a moderate hill section and when overtaking, it will happily pick up its skirts when needed provided you’ve got some revs on board.

As refined as its more expensive siblings, and offering adequate power and useable performance, families on a budget can do a lot worse than the 77TDI Jetta.

At the other end of the range - the Highline 125TDI and 147TSI - both variants offer enjoyable performance driving and agile handling.

These are seriously quick cars. We’re not talking raw muscle here, but the more elastic European approach to performance driving by matching zesty engines with sharp, well-balanced chassis dynamics.

Each sits on standard 17-inch alloys and with a 15mm lower ride height (an optional ‘Sports’ package with 18-inch alloys is available). Each also offers alcantara and cloth seat trim combination or optional leather.

Our pick is the 125TDI Highline. Where the 147TSI is quicker off the mark, its performance comes at the peakier end of the rev-range. The 125TDI however, with 350Nm to call on, feels strong everywhere, but particularly in those mid-speed gears - right where you want it when overtaking or pressing on through a winding pass.

The diesel also makes a terrific sound when under the whip: an urgent rising baritone growl. In the lighter Jetta, this engine really comes alive.

The ‘first drive’ verdict

With an expanded model range and new engine choices, the 2010 Jetta is a good car made better.

While not especially exciting style-wise, the Jetta is both refined and involving; keen drivers will appreciate its sharp on-road dynamics. Those with a family in tow will also warm to the family-friendly space inside and large boot.

Sharply priced, and offering brilliant fuel consumption figures across the range, the Jetta - in our view - is worth a very close look for anyone in the market for a medium car.

If enjoyment at the wheel is high on the list of priorities (just because you’ve got a family doesn’t mean you have to drive a brick), then have a look at the Jetta first or second.

Pricing

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• reply ” like !

  

  Steven says,
  3 years ago

  I'd rather wait for the Golf wagon.
• reply ” like !

  

  Richie says,
  3 years ago

  I'd rather have a Skoda Octavia...I can get a manual 2.0TDI with that! As well as a bigger boot, more space, dual-zone climate-control, front foglights etc etc (I'm comparing the Octavia2.0TDI with Jetta 103TDI). both good cars, but the Octavia edges ahead a tiny bit!
• reply ” like !

  

  Tocam says,
  3 years ago

  Nice car, quite a looker too, but interior is seriously outdated.
• reply ” like !

  

  paddy says,
  3 years ago

  VW the people's car...
  Prius the treehuggers that can't read's car
  
  One thing that assures me in a VW.. is it doesn't make me fall asleep at the wheel like a Camry has once
• reply ” like !

  

  dank54 says,
  3 years ago

  Problem is that they are not reliable like Toyota's.
  Being a technitian in the industry these vw's have a long way to go in the reliability stakes. Parts are also very expensive.
• reply ” like !

  

  Raffi says,
  3 years ago

  I have always been a Toyota man. I have sworn by their relaibilty, resale value and cost of running. When my sister was looking for a car she made me go along to VW and test drive the Golf 2.0TDi DSG. I have to admit it driveslike a dream. She purchased it and has had it for over a year. Great to drive and great on fuel. BUT!!! Her servicing costs are unbelivable. $650 for a standard 10,000Km service??? and even more for her second service?
  
  How much does it cost for a oil and filter change? A corolla would be costing her $130 per service for the first 3 years.
• reply ” like !

  

  MrQuick says,
  3 years ago

  @Raffi
  
  Sweet mother of god, $650 for a 10k service?
  Are you being serious?
  
  Its just a oil and filter change, takes about 45 minutes, just do it yourself. you undo a bolt to drain the oil and the filter on all the VW diesels are all cartridge filters, hell easy to change out.
  
  It's pretty awesome that VW are finally going to offer the 125TDi in the Jetta, pity that its only going to come in DSG
• reply ” like !

  

  ABMPSV says,
  3 years ago

  Dank54 Toyota had bad products just like Mitsubishi who was hiding it for 20 year! As for parts if cost 30-50% more I do not care if never brakes down.
• reply ” like !

  

  bruster says,
  3 years ago

  I really dont understand what was the point of bringing Skoda to Australia. i did a quick search on Discountnewcars and the Skoda VRS manual is $39990 driveway and the VW Jetta 147TSI with DSG is $39990 driveway. the Jetta offers DSG for the same price and when it comes to re-sale VW will trounce Skoda.
  
  how skoda can survive i dont know, time will tell.... but VW Jetta specially the MY10 model is looking like a better choice.
• reply ” like !

  

  AMBPSV says,
  3 years ago

  Ratti you are incorrect. There is no 10,000 km service for the Golf. Service is at every 15,000km. Toyota got it at every 10,000 km so with Toyota you got 12 service till 120000km and VW 8. I just called VW and the first service cost is $390
• reply ” like !

  

  anthony says,
  3 years ago

  I bought the Jetta,and am thrilled with my purchase.
  Considered the Octavia,but no presence...noebody knows what it is,and my local dealership has allready closed down.
  Looked at the Corolla Ultima,but the feel of the Jetta is far superior.
  Had my 15000 km service done at a main Melbourne dealership recently for 390...
• reply ” like !

  

  Richie says,
  3 years ago

  Bruster,
  The Octavia RS is offered to a different market to the Jetta 2.0TSI. The Jetta 2.0TSI is the top of the tree Jetta, a luxury model if you like. The Octavia RS is the sports model of the Octavia (like Ford Mondeo XR5T) range, and comes with the bigger brakes, sports suspension, 18-inch wheels as well as the engine package, whereas the bigger wheels, leather, touch-screen Bolero radio are (standard equipment on the RS) optional on the Jetta (even at the top of the line). Worst still, you can't even get a manual transmission, how pathetic is that? Skoda resale has gone up to VW levels too by the way...according to Red Book, who are the people who set resale levels for vehicles.
  
  Anthony,
  How does a Jetta have presence? Its just an Octavia with different windows, styling and the sedan boot. And, I might add the Octavia was launched before the Jetta and the NVH levels Skoda applied were put into the Jetta, such was VW's impression of Skoda. I was suprised at that!
• reply ” like !

  

  anthony says,
  3 years ago

  Ritchie,I am not knocking the Skoda,as it is a first cousin of my car.however,by presence I mean what I see on the roads.
  Locally,VW have sold 12000 Jettas,so I see lots of them everyday in Melbourne...
  Hardly ever see a Skoda.
  I travel to the USA,Canada,Mexico and South Africa for business,see millions of Jettas,but no Octavias.
  For me,the VW is a far better choice...
• reply ” like !

  

  Richie says,
  3 years ago

  Anthony,
  Yes I understand you aren't knocking Skoda, but how can you base your rejection on something thats been here for two years? Oh and FYI, Skodas aren't sold in any part of the American continent (bar Chile) or South Africa, and also, VW Jettas are made in Mexico and are popular in the states because theres nothing better available in that particular market. But here...
• reply ” like !

  

  anthony says,
  3 years ago

  Personally,I like the Jetta best.
  It would then be a toss up between the Octavia,Mazda 6,and Accord Euro.
  I find the Camry brilliant value,but oh so boring...
  Find the Subarus ugly,and not sure about the Mondeos quality.
  Not a fan of the Epica at all...
  So its VW first for me...
• reply ” like !

  

  AWO says,
  3 years ago

  I have a 2007 Jetta that was put out of action when a marsupial rat ate a wire off the engine. Volkswagen were unable to provide spare parts. The car was off the road for 6 MONTHS! Volkswagens are beautiful cars to drive but when something goes wrong you are done for!
• reply ” like !

  

  Steve says,
  3 years ago

  Anthony what do you do for a living, sell womans shoes?? Spend a lot of time in chapel street?? Not knocking you it just seems as though you have 'acquired taste and an unnatural relationship with your car. Comparing The Jetta with the Ultima is like comparing Cranbourne with Toorak, stating Toorak is better is really stating the bleeding obvious.
  
  As for the Skoda i really couldn't agree, i think it is a fresh face that in traffic looks good, not great, not flashy just an understated good. The Jetta has grown boring and really looks like a Euro version of the Honda Euro (irony at its best). Its well due for a facelift external and let me tell you the fact that have chosen not to will have a big impact on its resale. It makes the car (externally) nearly 5 years old and with no prospect of a future change..................................good luck with your massive depreciation
• reply ” like !

  

  anthony says,
  3 years ago

  Steve,according to Wheels magazine November 2009,the Jetta has best in class resale value,retaining up to 70 percent after 3 years.
  What do you drive...
• reply ” like !

  

  Steve says,
  2 years ago

  I own a 2007 Jetta TDI with DSG. Absolutely the best car I've ever owned. Its now done just over 100,000 klms and never had a problem. Unlike my fathers Holden ute which was on its 2nd diff before he sold it, and he's no hoon at 70 years old.
  Brilliant fuel economy 4.9l per 100klms on last trip to Sydney, and we weren't mucking around. Will be upgrading to 125TDI in June.
  Please do not compare a Corolla with a Jetta as their is no comparison. The driving dynamics of a VW are far superior.
  Do yourself a favour and take the TDI models for a test drive and hang on!!
• reply ” like !

  

  Steve 2 says,
  2 years ago

  whoops didn't realise their was a Steve already on this post. So I'll be Steve2. Comments still stand though.
• reply ” like !

  

  Anthony says,
  2 years ago

  Steve 2,I agree that the Jetta is a totally diffirent car to the Corolla,thats whyt I bought the Jetta instead of the Ultima.
  
  My Parents have a Corolla,and look for any excuse to use my Jetta...they love it when I go overseas,as their Corolla gets locked up in my garage.
• reply ” like !

  

  Ken1 says,
  2 years ago

  I was interested in the comments between the Skoda andJetta. I'm a diehard vw man. I think the Skoda has one advantage, it producers a liftback, now that gives real flexability as against the boot size of the car.
• reply ” like !

  

  anthony says,
  2 years ago

  Ken 1,basically the hatchback version of the Jetta is the Golf.
  VW is getting all its prospective markets covered.
  The Golf /Jetta wagon is going to be launched locally too.
• reply ” like !

  

  Phil says,
  2 years ago

  After searching for a used car for my girlfriend, her 2001 Golf easily won against all comers.I was surprised how this older Golf blew all competitors away at the $10,000 mark. Also, 3 out of every 4 Dealers wives or themselves drove a Golf..! After exhaustive test drives of New cars for myself, including the hyped Mazda 6 I found the Jetta TSI 147 and the Golf 118 TSI the best drive and feel my a mile. The Jetta is so underrated. Quite possibly by people who either have not driven it, or who may have vested interests in other brands. The Jetta is a Class unit. A friend of mine works with a guy that has owned a Jetta 147 TSI for over a year and he adores it. I ordered a Jetta 147TSI the day I test drove one...
• reply ” like !

  

  anthony says,
  2 years ago

  Phil,I am not sure if you have your new Jetta yet,but I am sure that you too will adore yours.
  Go to www.vwwatercooled.org.au
  We are ALL very passionate about our Volkswagen products,and Jetta buyers are just loving their cars.
• reply ” like !

  

  Will S says,
  2 years ago

  Horrible styling and the oiler drives and sounds like a MAC truck. Overpriced
• reply ” like !

  

  Will S says,
  2 years ago

  Correct grammar is "different from" not "different to"
  
  Paddy the reason you never go to sleep in a VW is because it is like riding in a tin can
• reply ” like !

  

  Fred says,
  2 years ago

  1 like

  My wife has a new 2010 Jetta turbo diesel Auto.
  Great car one problem.
  When the car is locked the windows wind down. This is an intermittent problem.
  We left the car in a city car park. The car was locked. When we returned the windows were fully down.
  
  Anyone else had this problem?
  
  
• reply ” like !

  

  Philg says,
  2 years ago

  We purchased a 2 year old Jetta 147FSI (2006 model), with about 40,000 kms, a couple of years ago. It is by far the best all-round vehicle we have owned. The build quality is excellent and with over 90,000km on her has never missed a beat. I cant wait to get out of my 4WD & climb into the Jetta. The refinement, handling, safety features & power with the DSG gearbox is brilliant. The whole car just feels like quality. Cheers!
• reply ” like !

  

  Ifor says,
  2 years ago

  I have owned a 2.0TDI Jetta DSG for 4 years, I have had little trouble with the car which now has done 106000km, I now service it myself as I find the VW dealers are inefficient and tend to try to rip you off, I have tried 3 in Perth and remain unimpressed.
  I also bought my wife a same model Jetta about a year ago, hers has also been trouble free, apart from a partially blocked EGR valve, and an engine speed sensor failure. Both of our cars have performance chips fitted, which give superb performance and excellent economy. I used to be a mechanic, and have experienced many cars over the years, but I find the balance of performance, reliability, comfort and economy hard to match in any car in this price bracket, furthermore as a drivers car the handling and safety are remarkable.
  I have noticed my headlights are beginning to go opaque, which is disappointing.
  Looking at the other cars on the market in Australia, I am seriously considering another Jetta ...