2012 Volkswagen Jetta in Matteson, IL - $3,495

For 2017, the popular Volkswagen Jetta lineup has been simplified. Now available in S, SE, SEL and GLI trim levels, the sedan’s exterior design incorporates clear, precise lines and muscular surfaces to impart a timeless elegance. At the front, the coupe-like incline of the windshield and the consistent use of horizontal lines define the design. The radiator grille features three cross fins. The Daytime Running Lights (DRL) have a distinctive design and unmistakable signature, formed by LEDs arranged in an L-shaped line alongside and beneath the headlamps. The visual band formed by the radiator grille and headlight clusters, as well as the large lower air intake, give the Jetta a substantial appearance. This look is finished off on the SEL and GLI trims with fog lights mounted in the outer areas of the bumper.

At the rear, the Jetta features a trunk lid with an aerodynamic trailing edge—an integrated spoiler that lines up with the car’s silhouette near the character line, extending elegantly into the rear fenders. The Volkswagen logo sits just below the trunk lid, flanked by available LED taillights on the GLI trim. The GLI has a bolder look, highlighted by an aggressive front fascia that incorporates a honeycomb grille and fog lights, along with a rear bumper design that has a diffuser and a standard rear spoiler. 2017 Jetta GLI models have 18-inch “Mallory” design aluminum-alloy wheels, shod with standard all-season tires.

Base power is generated by a EA211 1.4L TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine joined to a five-speed manual gearbox. Midrange models feature a 3rd generation EA888 1.8L TSI turbocharged four-cylinder motor bolted to a six-speed automatic transmission. The top-of-the-line GLI is equipped with the latest version of the EA888 - a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine connected to a six-speed manual gearbox. A six-speed automatic transmission is an available option for the 1.4L engine. The automaker’s legendary fast-acting DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission is available on the GLI.

Control hardware for the Jetta consist of a strut-type front suspension with coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an anti-roll bar. They also have a sophisticated multilink independent rear arrangement that features three transverse and one longitudinal link per wheel. This enables the longitudinal and transverse dynamics to be precisely configured almost independently of each other. The result is more agile, responsive and precise handling. All Jetta models have an anti-roll bar as part of the rear suspension.

The GLI features a sport suspension that rides 0.6 inches lower than other Jetta models. In addition, the impressive XDS® Cross Differential System is standard on GLI.

Inside the passenger cabin, the Jetta features a spacious interior with impressive rear-seat legroom. The gently arcing roofline also means more than ample headroom of for rear-seat passengers. The Jetta also offers a generous amount of usable trunk space, which can be increased by folding forward the 60/40-split rear seatback. The rear seatback also includes an available pass-through o help accommodate longer items, like skis.

One of the most technologically advanced features in the 2017 Jetta comes in the form of its MIB II touchscreen infotainment system. The display utilizes a capacitive touch sensor rather than the more common resistive touchscreens that require pressure, enabling gesture controls like swiping and even pinch-zooming.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 104.4; overall length: 183.3; width: 70.0; height: 57.2
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder – 150 hp at 5000 rpm and 184 lbs-ft of torque at 1400 rpm; 1.8L turbocharged four-cylinder – 170 hp at 4,800 rpm and 184 lbs-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm; 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder – 210 hp at 5300 rpm and 207 lbs-ft of torque at 1700 rpm
Transmission: five-speed manual, six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 1.4L – 28 city/40 hwy. (manual), 28 city/38 hwy. (automatic); 1.8L – 25 city/35 hwy. (automatic); 2.0L 23 city/33 hwy. (manual), 24 city/33 hwy. (automatic)
Cargo capacity: 15.5 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual side curtain protection, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, hydraulic brake assist, electronic brake pressure distribution, anti-slip regulation, electronic stability control, rearview camera, LED daytime running lights, and tire pressure monitoring system. SE adds blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert, remote keyless access, push button start, and Bluetooth hands-free phone system. SEL adds front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, navigation system and HomeLink. GLI adds park distance control.

Optional safety features include rearview camera, VW Car-Net subscription (six months), Bi-Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps, and adaptive front-lighting system.

Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 12-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta sedan starts from $17,895 for the Jetta S manual upto $28,995 for the Jetta GLI automatic. Destination charges add $820.