Road test - VW Jetta Bluemotion

Author: Ian Strachan

The medium-sized Volkswagen Jetta just keeps getting better and better. Often overlooked as “boring”, the latest Jetta is anything but, setting new standards in the medium sector.

There is no doubt that the exterior design of the Jetta's predecessor, the Bora, was a little staid. But now the Jetta, launched in the UK three years ago, has much better looks. With a high boot, deep grille, sleeker profile and classy trim details it is far more distinctive.

You only have to get in the car to realise that this Jetta is all about understated quality combined with value-for-money reliable motoring.

That's not to mention performance. I test drove ultra-economical Jetta BlueMotion with the excellent 105 horsepower 1.9 diesel power engine, which has all the power you need while being quiet and economical. Its penny pinching fuel consumption is helped by a slick, nicely sprung five speed manual gearbox. It's one of the few five-speed setups that never feels as if it needs that sixth cog.

The smooth and refined engine lacks for nothing and delivers power pleasantly. This is an enjoyable car to drive, and it can still return an impressive 61.4 mpg in mixed driving.

Handling is excellent and the car feels rigid and stable even when being pushed hard around corners. Road holding is sure footed and the ride is comfortable in the extreme.

Inside, the car is roomy and well laid out, with comfortable, easy to adjust seats. My test car had grey cloth seats and grey and black trim, making it feel a little functional and austere, but that apart there has been a lot of attention to detail with controls which fall easily to hand, semi-automatic air conditioning, all round electric windows, powered and heated door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps.

The boot is huge with more than enough height and depth and a lid which opens fully upright to make loading easier.

Standard features include very nice 16" alloys, ABS with electronic differential lock and traction control, alarm and immobiliser, and all round airbags. My test car was fitted with a six-disc CD autochanger and radio with touch-screen controls and multimedia input at an extra £440, as well as rear side airbags at £220 and platinum grey metallic paint at £367. 

This is a thoughtfully put together package. It looks good and will give you comfortable and effortless business travelling. And it's good value at £16,143 on the road. 

Road test by Ian Strachan Communications Ltd

Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949 202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserve.co.uk