By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(August 21, 2021) The latest generation of the Volkswagen Jetta is the seventh-generation that was all-new when it was introduced for 2019. It wasn’t just a refresh of the then-current Jetta, rather it was a complete redesign, no longer built on the Golf platform. Rather, it is now built on the MQB platform that serves duty for almost all VW models, including SUVs and crossovers.

It’s been almost a decade since Jetta had its best sales year in the U.S., when nearly 200,000 were sold. Sales have been on a steady decline since that time and last year less than half that number were sold. The sales decline isn’t because Jetta isn’t a good car, in fact it’s an impressive compact sedan that competes with Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic Hyundai Elantra and others. In fact, all of those compacts, as well as other sedans, have fell out of favor as car-buying consumers flock in record numbers to scarf up SUVs and crossover utility vehicles.

Last year, we tested and rendered rave reviews of the 2020 Jetta GLI, the sportiest of seven available trim levels. It was powered by the same 2.0-liter, 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder as Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Now, for 2021, Volkswagen supplied us with the mid-trim-level front-wheel-drive R-Line, powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 147 horsepower and connects to a six-speed manual transmission, one of the very few compact cars to do so. It has a starting price of $23,790 including the $995 destination charge. An automatic transmission is an $800 added option. All Jetta trim levels are front-wheel drive.

Buyers can choose from six colors on the R-Line including black, gray, silver, white, orange ($295) and tornado red, which adorned our test vehicle along with storm gray and black interior. Being honest here, it looked like someone sacrificed Shamu to upholster the inside.

What stood out for us was Jetta’s impressive fuel economy where we averaged just over 35 mpg during our weeklong testing. While far less powerful than the GLI we tested last year, we still thought the 1.4-liter had the potential to perform more than adequately, but the six-speed manual transmission was geared for optimizing fuel economy rather than energetic driving performance.

Taking off in first gear quickly gets the Jetta moving, however, shifting into second immediately rendered the car lethargic with a gear ratio that drops the rpms so low I at first thought I missed the gear and had shifted into third or fourth. Third through sixth gears were a repeat experience of second gear and I most often found myself driving in third gear around town to squeeze out better driving performance.

Unlike the GLI tested last year, the R-Line sadly doesn’t deliver a completely different driving experience. Where the GLI was agile, handled sharply with precise steering and confident maneuvers that isn’t part of the offering with the R-Line. Still, the ride was pleasant and absorbed most road imperfections.

Inside, the Jetta has impressive build quality with excellent fit and finish. But materials, fabrics and switchgear let you know you are in an economy car. That said, it is an improvement in almost every way from the previous generation Jetta and there’s a nice array of standard features like dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather-wrapped R-Line steering wheel with multi-function operating controls, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, power tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof, rain sensing wipers, heated and cooled front seats, and heated rear seats, but oddly no rear seat climate vents.  

The rear seat is nice and roomy. Ditto for the front seats. Visibility is good all the way around. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and delivered via a small 6.5-inch touchscreen.  

Standard safety features include forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitor and rear traffic alert, cruise control, hill hold control, heated outside rearview mirrors, keyless entry with push button start and remote starting feature, and an electric parking brake.

Overall, the Jetta R-Line is a good car that’s a significant improvement over the previous generation Jetta and easily the best Jetta ever. Appearance wise, the Jetta isn’t a standout beauty, rather bland in style but certainly not offensive. There isn’t any cool factor about the Jetta, driving performance is anemic and there’s not much “fun to drive” offered here. But what you get and really stands out with the Jetta is the loads of standard tech and safety features, a roomy compact sedan with excellent fuel economy at an affordable price. And for many shoppers, that’s exactly what they are looking for and will be well pleased with the Jetta.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $23,790
Price as Tested: $24,290
Engine/Transmission: 147-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
EPA Fuel Economy: 30/41/34-mpg City/Highway/Combined
Seating: Five

Crash Test Safety Ratings: Highest possible overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and an overall “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Where Built: Puebla, Mexico

Competes With:
Honda Civic
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Forte
Mazda3
Nissan Sentra
Subaru Impreza
Toyota Corolla

Fab Features
Standard elevation gauge
Loaded with standard tech and safety features
Excellent gas mileage