By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 5, 2017) Amid the accounts the emissions-cheating scandal with Volkswagen’s popular TDI diesel engine, along with a double-digit sales setback in the United States, one fact may have gotten past most consumers: In 2016, Volkswagen became the world’s best-selling automaker, unseating Toyota, who held the distinction since 2009.

Around the world, the Volkswagen Group, selling passenger cars under the brand names Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Volkswagen and others, delivered 10.31 million products to consumers, compared to Toyota’s 10.18 million. We won’t get into the numerous reasons why, but suffice to say that China played a big role in VW’s sales — the U.S. did not.



While I’ve personally never owned a Volkswagen, I confess I’ve always had a soft spot for them. From the iconic Beetle and Micro Bus to the modern day GTI and Golf R, these vehicles put a smile on lots of faces.

They’ve also had their share of disappointments along the way: the $100,000 Phaeton introduced in 2004, the Fox sold here between 1987 and 1993, and the Routan, a rebadged variant of the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan. But that’s true for all auto manufacturers.

The excellent Golf GTI and Golf R, the top down fun of the Beetle Dune convertible, the newly introduced Golf Alltrack, the overpriced Touareg and ho-hum Passat and CC are among the notable in current offerings. And, by the time you read this, they will have launched the Atlas mid-sized SUV, targeted to families.

I’ve also tested Volkswagen’s best-selling Jetta but it was the now discontinued Hybrid and that was two years ago. It was also Volkswagen’s lone hybrid in its U.S. lineup.

The Tornado Red Jetta GLI tested here is the sportiest trim level and shares the same 2.0-liter turbo-charged 210-horsepower engine that powers the Golf GTI. It doesn’t feel as responsive or as powerful in the Jetta but there’s still plenty of power and it emits nice exhaust notes. VW Group also uses this engine in numerous Audi products like the A6 sedan, Q5 crossover and others.



Our test GLI came equipped with the excellent, butter smooth, standard six-speed manual shifter. A DSG dual-clutch automatic is available for an additional $1,100 if you don’t care to shift.

The compact front-wheel drive Jetta 4-door sedan is now in it’s sixth year of this generation and, despite a mild freshening of the fascia for 2015, is looking dated and due for a complete makeover. The GLI receive modest improvements for the 2016 model year, adding red accents inside and out, smoked tail lights and a slim trunk-mounted rear spoiler, a new steering wheel that’s used in the GTI, and VW’s new infotainment system.

There’s little to fault with the interior of this car. Look, materials and quality build could easily pass for an Audi. Restrained in appearance, but classic German. No disappointments.

I’m extremely tall and found no trouble finding a comfortable driving position thanks to standard tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and eight-way adjustable power seat that was well-bolstered and covered in faux leather. Rear doors open wide, allowing easy access for parents to load kids in a child safety seat. There’s also plenty of legroom even with the driver’s seat pushed all the way back.

Built in Puebla, Mexico, it’s still replete with German quality and Euro driving characteristics. Handling is great for a compact sedan; it feels solid, predictable, punchy, and fun to throw around on twisty roads, with handling as tight as a pair of yoga pants. Brake feel is strong; 18-inch wheels are standard.

I also couldn’t help but notice how well screwed together this car is. A week of hard driving, not a squeak, rattle, or vibration. Nothing — bank vault quiet. 

The Jetta is a standout compared to rivals like the Chevrolet Cruze, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra mostly because of its Euro styling and driving quality. But faces a tougher battle when compared to vehicles like the new Honda Civic Si, Subaru WRX and Ford Focus ST.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $28,715
Price as Tested: $28,715
Engine: 2.0-Liter turbocharged
Horsepower: 210
Fuel Economy: 23-MPG City – 33-MPG Highway
Crash Test Safety Rating: IIHS 2017 Top Safety Pick+, NHTSA Overall 5-Star

Competes With

Ford Focus ST
Honda Si
Subaru WRX

What Stands Out

Sporty, performance-oriented Euro sedan
Roomy interior
Quiet with superb build quality