phaeton's Trip to the Dealer Jetta Edition

[Riker]

Agree with the above posts... I/we were all set to order the MKVI Jetta 147 with a bunch of options but when I confirmed before it was released that an option like Xenons was not available at all & some design & quality backward steps were part of the new MKVI package we decided against it & looked at the Passat. We have since ordered a Passat 125TDi Highline with a bunch of options & am very very happy we stepped up. The pulling power of the 125TDi is just about V8 awesome.

The MKVI Jetta has been made to a world standard (read:US standard) & that has been to the detriment of Europe & the Asia-Pacific. Sure the EU & Asia-Pac have the upgraded suspension & some better quality interior bits but it is still the same car as the US version.

The MKVI design isn't offensive & can no doubt be easily lived with but it is an unadventurous looking car. Maybe this is what VW was looking for with the MKVI, as inoffensive & unadventurous design....? We were dissapointed as we were expecting a move upwards in equipment, style & quality of the MKVi over the MKV. Just saying it as I see it.....

To you guys that have them or have ordered them enjoy... They are VW's after all......

[scamma]

Riker, I think your comments are fairly balanced in that those things are important to you and agree we will enjoy our VW. Xenons were not an issue in our decision to buy a Jetta - they are just not that important to us (having never had them, I guess we don't miss them) but understand all things are different for all people. I agree with other comments that the boot hinges appear to be a backward step but again don't warrant a step up $ wise to a Passat to overcome this for us. Being our first VW purchase maybe the expectation isn't as high but also was a major leap forward from my wife's 2000 Civic for her! I would certainly agree the design is fairly conservative but it is still pleasing on the eye and wont date too quickly we hope.

[frozze]

Funnily enough, I was actually looking at the Passat 118TSI at first, back in July/Aug. Test drove it several times. Went back and forth with the dealer regarding the options and what were available. Almost put a deposit in but never did. Somehow I was never 100% on the Passat. I decided against ordering one and waited it out. I'm glad I did coz I didn't know the Jetta was coming out until I saw it at the Motorshow. No doubt, the Passat is a nice(r) car, better built and more features/options. But I felt that it was geared more towards the young families with 2-3 kids, executive lifestyle (mid 30s) couples. I guess it didn't really "fit" me (I just turned 26!) and felt that the Jetta had a "younger" feel/look to it.

The Passat 118TSI that I wanted cost nearly $50k! Despite the shortcomings on the Jetta, it "felt like a glove" for me as soon as I drove it. Plus, I got a more powerful engine for $41800! Mind you, I'm upgrading from a Corolla Ascent Sports. So either the Passat or Jetta is a substantial upgrade for me!

[Riker]

scamma & frozze, spot on fella's. We can be diverse in our our tastes & this is exactly what car manufacturers bank on when designing & positioning cars on the market.

Considering some things I came to the conclusion that MKVI Jetta is going to be a more appealing car than I first thought due to it's increased size & good spread of engines. I am still dissapointed that VW has in my opinion missed an opportunity to build in more eye opening qualities over MkV but maybe that is what they wanted. A car that possesses all the inherant VW qualities but is sensibly simple in design with a view to increasing a greater market share here & in Europe that emulates the Jetta's success in the US...

Whatever the case, I am looking forward to seeing a 147 Jetta with all the bells & whistles including some nice 18' Charleston wheels.

[frozze]

We can be diverse in our our tastes & this is exactly what car manufacturers bank on when designing & positioning cars on the market.

Agreed!

I'm actually really surprised with the lack of options for the new Jetta. Considering this is a "new design" (i.e. the next Mark up), I thought they would have gone all out like they did the Passat. No options for Xenon, park assist, adaptive cruise control, Dynaudio, adaptive chassis control (for the 147 at least) etc.

Maybe they're saving it for a future Jetta R? That would be a nice thought..

[Riker]

Yep, too many possible options have been left out of Jetta MkVI which suggests to me that a dedicated performance model such as an R as you speculate or even a GLI could be introduced at the first update in a couple of years. Even on standard cars there will probably be a big increase in standard equipment... It is the same simple theory I guess, start with a strong package & get stronger as the model ages by adding equipment along the way...

Agreed!

I'm actually really surprised with the lack of options for the new Jetta. Considering this is a "new design" (i.e. the next Mark up), I thought they would have gone all out like they did the Passat. No options for Xenon, park assist, adaptive cruise control, Dynaudio, adaptive chassis control (for the 147 at least) etc.

Maybe they're saving it for a future Jetta R? That would be a nice thought..

[TomC]

No options for Xenon, park assist, adaptive cruise control, Dynaudio, adaptive chassis control (for the 147 at least) etc.

Having not looked into the Jetta at all, I might be missing something but... Are you serious that none of the options you've listed above are available on the new Jetta?

If this is so, I'm sorry, but I cannot make sense of this It would seem to me that all of those options above would be extras people would want to be considering (not necessarily all, but in different combos) when purchasing a new european car, especially as they are available on many other brands of car of much less cost/brand appeal.

The only thing that would say to me is that VW is trying to cut costs/lower the market impression of the quality of the Jetta as a model. Maybe this is true and it's the direction they want to go in, but if it is I think it's very sad. VW to me has always been a brand that offers accessable european build quality, options and design without breaking the bank. I think it would be a great shame to lose this, for the sake of world car market domination... Just my two cents

[frozze]

Having not looked into the Jetta at all, I might be missing something but... Are you serious that none of the options you've listed above are available on the new Jetta?

Yup. I was shocked too when I saw the list, which only included; RNS510, sunroof, sports pack, driver's electric seat, alarm, leather trim (for the comfortline) and that's pretty much it. No fancy stuff like the options list for the Passat.

Maybe they don't want it to cannibalise its brother, Passat, since it's pretty much an identical car - just slightly smaller and cheaper. Also, the car is built in Mexico - maybe not as technologically advanced as being built in Germany like the Passat. Just my thoughts. But I ordered one anyway!

[TomC]

But I ordered one anyway!

And that's the final point isn't it If the car suits your needs and you like it, then why shouldn't you go for it! Enjoy.

[faisan]

I am dissapointed with the boot design too. its clearly a cost cutting exercise.

I have noticed that the bonnet has had the same cost cutting too. My MKV jetta has gas struts to hold up the bonnet and this one appears to have the old fashioned rod to hold it up.

Im sure its still a nice car but it really hasnt got anything to entice me to upgrade from my MKV.