Throttle response is excellent, with almost no lag, as the turbo four is tuned for low-end grunt. Its 184 lb-ft of peak torque comes at just 1400 rpm, making the Jetta seem like a much more powerful car, an illusion it can maintain right up until encountering a freeway on-ramp –Caranddriver.com
Engine and Transmission
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta carries forward its familiar 1.4-liter turbo inline-4 from its previous generation. However, it gains more power for this year. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the engine is one of the best engines you can get in this segment. It's punchy, energetic and teams well with the 8-speed auto.
While the power output from the inline-4 may not be explosive, but for the overall dynamics and character of the Jetta, it feels quite adequate. The ample 184 lb-ft of torque also adds to the driving experience and makes the engine feel at ease, most of the time. Aloso, unlike the premium fuel of its rivals, the Jetta's motor can run on regular unleaded fuel.
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Models
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Volkswagen Jetta
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Toyota Corolla
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Honda Civic
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Mazda 3 Sport
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MSRP
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$18,745
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$18,700
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$19,550
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$21,000
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Engine
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1.4L Turbo Inline 4
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1.8 L inline-four
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2.0 L inline-four
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2.0 L inline-four
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Transmission
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8 Speed Automatic
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CVT
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CVT
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6-speed Auto
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm))
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147 @ 5000
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132 @ 6000
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158 @ 6500
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155 @ 6000
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Torque (ft-lbs @ rpm)
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184 @ 1400
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128 @ 4400
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138 @ 4200
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150 @4000
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The turbocharged motor in the Volkswagen Jetta delivers the maximum torque in this comparison and the 8-speed auto effortlessly adds to its driving flavor. There is also a manual transmission on offer in the Jetta which comes standard with the base model only for a more connected driving experience. Irrespective of which transmission you choose, this new Jetta will sure bring a smile on your face.
Acceleration
With a humble proposition and value on mind, popular compact sedans are not ideal sprinters and the Jetta is no different. However, with its peppy engine and enthusiastic transmission, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta clocks from 0-60 MPH in 7.7 seconds, when asked for. Some nimble revisions to its powertrain this year, makes the seventh-gen Jetta more energetic than before.
Despite carrying the smallest engine engine in its segment, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta benefits from its turbocharger and efficient dynamics. While the turbo rushes quickly to cater the healthy 184 lb-ft to the wheels, the seventh-gen Jetta's new architecture allows it to gain momentum with great composure.
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Models
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Volkswagen Jetta
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Toyota Corolla Sedan
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Honda Civic Sedan
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Mazda 3 Sedan
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0-60 MPH(sec)
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7.7
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9.4
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8.2
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8.0
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Quarter mile(sec)
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16.0
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17.2
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16.3
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16.2
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Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
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5.2
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9.8
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8.4
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11.2
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Curb Weight (lbs.)
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2888
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2840
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2762
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3071
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Among the competition, the new Volkswagen Jetta stuns its rivals with its class-leading 0-60 MPH run. Interestingly, the Jetta is not the most powerful or the lightest among the pack here. Thanks to Volkswagen's effective weight distribution and an eager powertrain. Surprisingly though, the Mazda 3, despite being the heaviest, gets closest to the Jetta with its 8.0-second run from 0-60 MPH.
Ride and Handling
The redesigned seventh-gen 2019 Volkswagen Jetta has also improved on the ride and handling front. Though the Jetta has always been a refined machine, the new architecture in its seventh-generation with revamped physical proportions allows better rigidity and weight distribution. As a result, the 2019 Jetta is more comfortable and smoother than its previous generation. In fact, its ride quality is one of the best you can get in the segment here. The suspension deals with bumps with ease and the levels of vibrations and sound inside the cabin are checked very well too.
The lightweight steering wheel is also new and not only it has a better feel to it but it's also more responsive and connected than before. Apart from its comfort, the Jetta also impresses you with its swift handling which is more leaned towards the sportier side. Maneuvering this handsome sedan around tight parking spaces is no hassle at all. With a stiffer architecture and lower center of gravity, the new Jetta feels more planted and confident around corners. Body movements and swings are also kept under surprising control. For its price and segment, the 2019 Jetta has just the right amount of comfort and sportiness that you could seek from it.
Braking
While the all new seventh-gen 2019 Volkswagen Jetta does impress on most fronts, braking is surely not one of them. Although it does get 4-wheel discs and 4-wheel ABS as standard, the brakes just don't feel to have the appropriate bite. In fact, the brake pedal feels too grabby and the pedal too feels a bit squishy. Stopping from 70-0 MPH comes in 191 feet which is a bit disappointing.
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Models
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Volkswagen Jetta Sedan
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Toyota Corolla Sedan
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Honda Civic Sedan
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Mazda 3 Sedan
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Brake Front (in.)
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11.5
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10.8
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10.2
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10.7
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Brake Rear (in.)
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10.8
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9.1
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9.8
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9.5
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70-0 MPH (ft.)
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191
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183
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180
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17
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Among its segment though, the Volkswagen Jetta stands last in the braking tests. All the other rivals here are blessed with more enhancive brakes than the Jetta for sure. Among the lot here, the Mazda 3 sedan impresses the most with its firm pedal and a best-in-class 70-0 MPH stopping distance of 179 feet.
