Cost

At approximately Rs 13 lakh for the petrol Trendline and Rs 18 lakh for the diesel Comfortline (ex-showroom, Mumbai), the Jetta doesn't come across as a value-for-money proposition. However, consider that VW has positioned itself as a premium car maker in India - which they've taken special pains to do - and the build quality of VWs is among the best there is. You'll probably get better resale for your Jetta when you move on to your next car. This will make the money you spend on the Jetta well worth it. Don't expect spares and service to be cheap, though; you get what you pay for, and the Jetta has 'quality' written all over it.

Overall Evaluation

VW has been a relatively unknown brand in India so far, but that's about to change soon. The number of Passats and Jettas already on the roads are testament that India has got discerning consumers that are willing to pay for a quality product. The mini-Passat that the Jetta is, it delivers on the promise of quality, but at a price. We can't wait for the TSI to be launched, though - that will be a fitting powertrain for the brilliant chassis and will help it keep up in the horsepower stakes with its competitors. That, with slightly rationalized pricing should make this car more of a VolksWagen than it is now.

Useful touches

• Auto headlamps,
• Bag hook in the Comfortline boot
• Air-con vents for the rear seat

Painful touches

• Weak headlamps
• Violet dials in Trendline trim

Test Data (1.9 Comfortline TDI DSG)

Engine Specifications

1896cc, 4-cylinder in line, unit injector turbo diesel, 105bhp@4000rpm, 250Nm@1900rpm. View full specs

Speedo Error Speedo Reading (kph) Actual Speed (kph) 40 36.8 60 57.4 80 74.8 100 94.8 120 112.4 140 131.3

Max in Gear Gear Speed (kph) 1st 34.2 2nd 56.5 3rd 90.3 4th 128.8 5th 165.5 (4400rpm) 6th -

Performance Test Data Top Speed 185.9kph* 0-60kph 5.5sec 0-100kph 13.0sec Quarter Mile (402m) 19.2sec Braking 80-0kph 27.4m / 2.7sec 30-50kph in 3rd 2.8sec 30-50kph in 4th - 50-70kph in 5th 3.6sec

Test Data (1.6 Trendline)

Engine Specifications

1595cc, 4-cylinder in line, 102bhp@5600rpm, 148Nm@3800rpm. View full specs

Speedo Error Speedo Reading (kph) Actual Speed (kph) 40 37.3 60 56.2 80 75.6 100 94.7 120 111.4 140 131.6

Max in Gear Gear Speed (kph) 1st 47.1 2nd 82.6 3rd 126 4th 166 5th 185.5 (6000rpm) 6th -

Performance Test Data Top Speed 185.5kph* 0-60kph 5.9sec 0-100kph 14.1sec Quarter Mile (402m) 19.4sec Braking 80-0kph 26.7m / 2.4sec 30-50kph in 3rd 5.4sec 30-50kph in 4th 7.9sec 50-70kph in 5th 9.7sec

^* Achieved. ^{^} In kickdown for automatics.