Jetta engine choices expand

Volkswagen has introduced a mid-life spruce up to its current Jetta sedan range in Australia.

Revamping its engine and transmission offerings, mildly making over the interiors, and boosting the spec list as it seeks to retain its competitiveness with its mainly European rivals.

Six and seven-speed twin-clutch DSG transmissions are scattered through the model list, and front and rear parking sensors combined with the Optical Parking System (OPS) are now fitted on every vehicle. New trims choices and a new steering wheel and revised instrument cluster give a fresh look.

The entry level model, the $28990 1.6 TDI powered by a common-rail 77kW/250Nm 1.6 turbo diesel engine (also recently introduced to the new Golf range) and linked to a five-speed manual brings low fuel consumption (officially 4.9L/100km) and CO2 emissions, and good-enough performance to the Jetta catalogue. It did seem to lack hill-climbing torque, we thought.

Driving normally on the journey from Tullamarine to the Yarra Valley, the 77kW TDI returned 5.4L/100km. Trying harder, this figure dropped below 5.0L/100km.

There's no doubt that fuel efficiency is a major marketing tool right across the motoring spectrum, even among the branks further up the totem pole.VW made mention that it has been teaching efficient driving techniques to its staff in order to spread the message that smart driving is just as important as the latest technologies in the fight to save our dwindling fossil fuels.

The new seven-speed DSG gearbox is now available with the 1.6 77TDI Jetta as well as the 1.4 118TSI as part of a bewildering collection of engines and trannies across the VW range.

More than a technical curiosity is supercharged and turbocharged (yet very fuel efficient) 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine, which is complemented by the seven-speed DSG. Though it generously puts out 118kW/240Nm, its official fuel figure is an impressive 6.8L/100km.

At the top of the seven-model line-up priced at $38,990 are two Highline models - the 2.0 TSI petrol with a spirited 147kW/280Nm on tap with and the 125kW/350Nm 2.0 TDI turbo diesel. Each has the standard six-speed DSG.

Here is the full 2010 Jetta line-up, with prices:

1.6 TDI five-speed manual: $28,990
1.6 TDI seven-speed DSG: $31,490
1.4 TSI six-speed manual: $30,990
1.4 TSI seven-speed DSG: $33,490
2.0 TDI six-speed DSG: $35,990
2.0 TSI Highline six-speed DSG: $38,990
2.0 TDI Highline six-speed DSG: $38,990

Options:
Metallic paint: $700
Electric sunroof: $1,900
Satellite navigation: $3,000

Satellite navigation: $2,500 (Highline models)
Media Device Interface: $300
Leather upholstery: $3,300
Leather upholstery: $3,000 (Highline models)
Leather upholstery with power driver's seat: $4,000
Leather upholstery with power driver's seat: $3,700 (Highline models)
Bi-xenon headlamps: $1,900
Front fog lights: $400
Alarm system: $600