Volkswagen dropped its diesel and hybrid engines in the 2017 Jetta model. Ongoing lawsuits and recalls dealing with mileage manipulation impacted consumer trust. Lower gasoline prices and more fuel efficient gasoline engines may have also played a role in the decision.
Despite the negative publicity, VW sold 17-percent more new vehicles in January 2017 than it did in the previous year. The German automaker is the largest car manufacturer in Europe and remains one of the world’s top manufacturers of passenger cars.
As part of VW’s product streamlining, The 2017 Jetta lineup was reduced to four trim levels: S, SE, SEL and high-performance GLI. A turbocharged engine runs every Jetta.
However, the 2017 Jetta now offers more technological features as standard equipment. A rearview camera is standard in all models, and blind-spot monitoring is standard in the SE, SEL and GLI.
The new gasoline engine significantly improves the performance of the 2017 Jetta. The 1.4T turbo engine replaces the previous 115 horsepower 2.0-liter base engine. The S and SE models get up to 150 horsepower with an EPA-rated average mpg of 28 city and 40 highway for the manual models. The automatic gets 38 highway and the city mpg is the same as the manual.
Power increases to 170 horsepower with a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-4 in the SEL and Sport models, which averages 25 mpg city and 35 highway. The top of the line GLI generates 210 horsepower with its 2.0-liter inline 4 engine.
In addition to adding more modern driver aids like traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring, the 2017 Jetta is roomier, with an increase in trunk space than previous models.
Finally, the entertainment system has a USB connection to replace the old cable connection, which I never figured out how to use.
The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta sedan faces stiff competition from other compact and midsize sedans that offer more premium luxury features and style, like the Toyota Corolla, Chevy Cruze, Mazda 3, and the Hyundai Elantra. But for those not looking for a fashion statement, the Jetta can hold its own when it comes to affordability and function. It’s a solid vehicle for the urban commuter.
The Jetta S starts at $17,895 and goes up to $27,895 for the GLI model.
Randi Payton is Founder at Decisive Media, Washington D.C. Metro Area.
