Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 (auto): compact saloon packs five-pot charisma

Conceived as a saloon car based on and complementing Volkswagen’s mainstay Golf hatchback, the Jetta has since 1979 seen several name changes to Vento and Bora, but remained a reflection of the Golf of the day. The current Jetta, introduced in 2010, however diverged from its’ European sister as a more accessible and affordable quality product designed for global markets.

Intended to counter the ever-increasing popularity of compact Korean and Japanese saloons in key markets, including developing markets like the Middle East, where saloons are more popular than hatchbacks, the Mexican-built Jetta is first launched with competitiveness and value in mind. However, its torsion beam suspension was soon ditched in favour of a more sophisticated multi-link set-up.

Subtle but effective improvement

Refreshed to include more equipment, more luxurious packages and with minor aesthetic enhancements, the Jetta is offered in the Middle East with a choice of two similarly long-serving and well-proven 2-litre four-cylinder and 2.5-litre 5-cylinder naturally aspirated engines. And while US models gain a more modern turbocharged 1.8-litre in place of the 2.5, the 5-cylinder unit, however, remains a charismatic, capable and convincing choice.

Driven in five cylinder guise for the first time in these pages, and with the benefit of updated multilink suspension and new improved electric-assisted steering, the effect was a transformative one. A considerably more impressive car in its latest Jetta incrementally improved iteration, the Jetta makes for an impressively capable, unexpectedly fun and understatedly elegant option in the affordable compact saloon segment.

Built on a lengthened previous generation Golf PQ35 platform — also used by other current VW group cars — the Jetta cuts a conservatively and un-controversially handsome figure, with sleek deliberate lines, and subtly assertive sills and surfacing. With slim wide grille emphasizing width, the recently revised Jetta also includes front and rear LED lighting elements in top SEL trim.

Perky and progressive

Refined, smooth and with a hint of a charismatically distant five-cylinder burble, the Jetta’s 2.5-litre engine is a well-proven, effective and cost-efficient unit. Progressive and eager in delivery, the Jetta’s five-pot powerplant is a less complicated SOHC 20-valve aluminium head design, with durable cast iron block and unstressed, somewhat low 9.7:1 compression.

Developing 168BHP at 5700rpm and 177lb/ft torque at 4250rpm, the Jetta 2.5 may not be a high performance vehicle, but with relatively modest weight and comfortably capable delivery, it proves to unexpectedly brisk and effective. Better shining in the Jetta rather than its more luxurious Volkswagen Passat, the 2.5 proves transforms the Jetta into an entertainingly perky, fun and flexible car, compared to the significantly less powerful 2-litre Jetta.

Conservatively quoted to be capable of 0-100km/h in 9 seconds and a 200km/h top speed one felt that the Jetta 2.5 might in fact be slightly quicker off the mark. However, in real world driving the Jetta’s generous low-end availability provide confident and vigorous versatility in town and on highway, as it pulls with seamless progression through revs.

Agile and alert

Perkier and punchier with 2.5-litre engine, the Jetta’s near hot hatch performance is delivered through its front wheels via a six-speed automatic gear box. Well-compromising speed and smoothness, the Jetta’s gearbox features sequential “tiptronic” manual shifts for more drive involvement. Meanwhile the SEL spec model also received electronic stability control with an electronic differential to better channel and control power and stability. 

Comfortable, stable and agile, the Jetta benefits considerable from the addition of multilink rear suspension and electric-assisted steering, with the former lending refinement over imperfect roads and the latter proving quicker, lighter more precise. Crisp into corners, the Jetta 2.5 has an almost hot hatch eagerness to it, tidily flicking in and powering out consistently.

Riding on 225/45R17 tyres, the Jetta 2.5 find a good balance between a good level of lateral grip and steering feel. The Jetta’s unexaggerated tyre size — and suspension set-up — also provides supple and smooth qualities over imperfections, firm body control and forgiving absorption of bumps and cracks. All-round disc brakes are meanwhile responsive to pedal inputs.

Practical and accessible

Stable on highway and settled on rebound, the Jetta is smooth and reassuring, but has a more alert feel at speed. Refined for noise, vibration and harshness, the Jetta also offers a well-adjustable, alert and upright driving position. And with good visibility, light steering and agile, seemingly slim feel, one can accurately and confidently place the Jetta on road.

Well spaced inside for its compact saloon segment, the Jetta is particularly comfortable in front and decently accommodating in the rear, while its boot volume is generous at 510-litres. User-friendly and ergonomic inside, the Jetta’s un-fussed dashboard and cabin are well-fitted and use decent if not extravagant material, with soft textures in prominent places and leatherette upholstery.

A practical and convenient compact that is easy to park and maneuver, the Jetta also returns good, if not class-leading, fuel economy of 7.1l/100km on the combined cycle. Well-kitted for its value segment, the Jetta features air conditioning, remote central locking, parking sensors and rear view camera, cruise control, multi-function steering split folding rear seats and other equipment.

Volkswagen Jetta 2.5

Engine: 2.5-litre, cast iron block / aluminium head, transverse 5-cylinders

Bore x stroke: 82.55 x 92.71mm

Compression ratio: 9.5:1

Valve-train: 20-valve, DOHC

Gearbox: 6-speed automatic, front-wheel-drive

0-100km/h: 9-seconds

Maximum speed: 200km/h

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 168 (170) [125] @5700rpm

Specific power: 67.7BHP/litre

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 177 (240) @4250rpm

Specific torque: 97Nm/litre

Fuel consumption, combined: 7.1l/100km

Fuel capacity: 55-litres

Length: 4,659mm

Width: 1,788mm

Height: 1,482mm

Wheelbase: 2,651mm

Kerb weight: 1,325-1,395kg (est.)

Headroom, F/R: 970 / 943mm

Legroom, F/R: 1046 / 967mm

Shoulder room, F/R: 1401 / 1362mm

Luggage capacity: 510-litres

Steering: Electric-assisted rack and pinion

Turning circle: 11.1-meters

Brakes, F/R: Ventilated discs / discs

Suspension, front: MacPherson strut / multi-link

Tires: 225/45R17