New diesel leads 2015 VW Jetta

Published 12:00 am Thursday, January 15, 2015

For Volkswagen’s top selling car, 2015 is about refining the formulas that drive its success. The design changes are subtle, but an updated engine lineup greatly enhances the VW Jetta’s already admirable fuel efficiency. Add in a plethora of driver assistance and safety technology, and the compact sedan beats many of the segment’s top models.

New front and rear end designs give the Jetta a wider and more geometric, technologically advanced appearance. LED running lights and bi-xenon active headlights are available on top trim levels.

The Jetta’s interior has always felt spacious for its class, but for 2015 the surfaces, lighting and textures have been greatly improved. There’s a new multi-function steering wheel with excellent ergonomic design, with controls naturally at the driver’s fingertips. The Jetta’s interior still feels a bit minimalistic compared to some competitors that use more complex interior motifs.

But the real news is under the hood. Last year, the Jetta earned VW’s 1.8-liter turbocharged engine, replacing the companies aging 2.5-liter model with the more advanced, responsive and efficient powerplant. It produces 170-horsepower and an excellent 184 ft-lbs. of torque from 1,500 to 4,750 rpms.

This year, the Jetta’s already great diesel engine has been replaced with an even better model. Not only is it more powerful, quieter and smoother, but mileage is increase by up to 4 mpg on the highway. With a manual transmission, the Jetta TDI is now rated at 31 in the city and 46 on the highway. Experience has demonstrated that VW’s diesel mileage figures are often beatable by using a gentle touch on the accelerator.

For long-distance travelers, Volkswagen’s diesels have always been an excellent choice. With the improved efficiency, the ’15 Jetta becomes an even better solution. One trade-off is that the new diesel requires a diesel exhaust aftertreatment chemical (AdBlue) to be injected into the exhaust stream. Replenishment of the system is generally done at oil change intervals.

VW also offers the Jetta with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine, but the 1.8-liter turbo or the TDI should be the engine of choice for most buyers. Urban buyers should also consider the Jetta turbo hybrid, with its 42 mpg city mileage estimate, and a driving experience that is decidedly un-hybrid-like.

Advanced safety technology, once only found on luxury cars, is quickly making its way to all classes of vehicles. For 2015, the Jetta offers blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and forward collision warning on upper trim levels. Adaptive bi-xenon headlights that swivel in the direction of turns are available.

2015 Volkswagen Jetta

Models: S, SE, SEL, GLI, Hybrid and TDI Clean Diesel

Base prices: Range from 2.0-liter S $17,325 to Hybrid SEL $31,670, plus $820 destination

Type: 5-passenger front-wheel drive compact sedan

Engines: 2.0-liter, 1.8-liter turbo, 2.0-liter turbodiesel, Hybrid

EPA Estimated Mileage: Ranges from 23 city/34 highway (2.0-liter gas) to 42/48 (Hybrid)

Length: 183.3 inches

Curb Weight: 2,859 lbs. (base vehicle)

Final Assembly: Puebla, Mexico

John M. Vincent can be reached at JMVincent2848@gmail.com or @OregonsCarGuy on Twitter.