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Picked up my slightly demo'd (10 months) Jetta 147 yesterday evening from Byran Byrt's in Mount Gravatt (so far awesome service). Here are my thoughts thus far.
The reason I purchased this car was that it was the complete opposite of what I was driving which was a Civic Type-R, which was all shouty and crazy and manic and either hot or cold, on or off no in between. I wanted to blend in more, not get noticed and easily be taken for granted in the traffic while I am still able to get ahead of everyone. The Jetta was the number one choice for me after months of decision making.
Engine: I am surprised at how much go this engine really has, it sounds much nicer than I expected as well if a little muted of course compared to the Type-R which is what I wanted but definitely not unpleasant. Open the back windows and it sounds very good.
DSG: I have come from a manual so the DSG is a little jerky for me but not too bad. I am rarely with passengers so I am able to drive it as I want mostly. Taking off can be a bit less smooth but surging ahead of the traffic once it starts changing gears is great fun to listen to. The drive mode seems nice and sedate, manual is something I will rarely use and sport is really good and holds onto the revs nicely, much better than expected.
Ride: This is the big winner for me, the Type-R was aweful, now this is not to say that I did not enjoy it but unless you were in the mood for it the jarring ride could become quite annoying. The Jetta is completely civilised, rides well while still being sporty. While not at Golf GTI levels which is for me a good thing it is certainly not dull and is a lively car to drive quite hard.
Looks: I personally love the simple clean look and the wheels are awesome. It is not loud and brash, look at me try hard at all which is perfect for my taste.
Inside: I have heard a lot of complaints about the quality of the interior. I have not owned the previous version so if that was better built and finished then it must have been amazing because I have no complaints at all about the interior thus far which was part of the attraction for me. The seats are excellent, the boot large, the back seats comfortable (I am told) and everything is within easy reach of the driver. The car is 10 months old, has no rattles or anything and as a demo that is a good sign I think having owned many demo's in the past that were not as good.
Overall impressions: The Jetta does everything well and takes it in it's stride. It blends in and quickly and efficiently transports you around in comfort without annoying. There is a lot of fun to be had here though which many of the journo's have left out. When you are in a Type-R or GTI or R or STI etc. people expect you to be fast and often you feel a bit disappointed and let down but in the Jetta there is no expectation and when you leave them at the stop light you can tell there is some serious wonder what the hell you have under the bonnet, can it really be that fast. I love that feeling.
I usually swap cars every year so we will see how this one goes. I will report back on issues and impressions for those interested in purchasing to help them make the right decision.
I am planning a bunch of long drives this weekend which will take in highways and back roads so will add more impressions then.
Car Details:
2012 Jetta 147 in Candy White
Options: Sunroof/Electric Seats/Rear Camera/Zenec 2010D Sat Nav/Sport Pack
The reason I purchased this car was that it was the complete opposite of what I was driving which was a Civic Type-R, which was all shouty and crazy and manic and either hot or cold, on or off no in between. I wanted to blend in more, not get noticed and easily be taken for granted in the traffic while I am still able to get ahead of everyone. The Jetta was the number one choice for me after months of decision making.
Engine: I am surprised at how much go this engine really has, it sounds much nicer than I expected as well if a little muted of course compared to the Type-R which is what I wanted but definitely not unpleasant. Open the back windows and it sounds very good.
DSG: I have come from a manual so the DSG is a little jerky for me but not too bad. I am rarely with passengers so I am able to drive it as I want mostly. Taking off can be a bit less smooth but surging ahead of the traffic once it starts changing gears is great fun to listen to. The drive mode seems nice and sedate, manual is something I will rarely use and sport is really good and holds onto the revs nicely, much better than expected.
Ride: This is the big winner for me, the Type-R was aweful, now this is not to say that I did not enjoy it but unless you were in the mood for it the jarring ride could become quite annoying. The Jetta is completely civilised, rides well while still being sporty. While not at Golf GTI levels which is for me a good thing it is certainly not dull and is a lively car to drive quite hard.
Looks: I personally love the simple clean look and the wheels are awesome. It is not loud and brash, look at me try hard at all which is perfect for my taste.
Inside: I have heard a lot of complaints about the quality of the interior. I have not owned the previous version so if that was better built and finished then it must have been amazing because I have no complaints at all about the interior thus far which was part of the attraction for me. The seats are excellent, the boot large, the back seats comfortable (I am told) and everything is within easy reach of the driver. The car is 10 months old, has no rattles or anything and as a demo that is a good sign I think having owned many demo's in the past that were not as good.
Overall impressions: The Jetta does everything well and takes it in it's stride. It blends in and quickly and efficiently transports you around in comfort without annoying. There is a lot of fun to be had here though which many of the journo's have left out. When you are in a Type-R or GTI or R or STI etc. people expect you to be fast and often you feel a bit disappointed and let down but in the Jetta there is no expectation and when you leave them at the stop light you can tell there is some serious wonder what the hell you have under the bonnet, can it really be that fast. I love that feeling.
I usually swap cars every year so we will see how this one goes. I will report back on issues and impressions for those interested in purchasing to help them make the right decision.
I am planning a bunch of long drives this weekend which will take in highways and back roads so will add more impressions then.
Car Details:
2012 Jetta 147 in Candy White
Options: Sunroof/Electric Seats/Rear Camera/Zenec 2010D Sat Nav/Sport Pack
oh well at least I was enjoying myself and it wasn't by much, coming from the type-r you are well aware of your speed but I find the Jetta much quieter and easier to go unnoticed in this regard.
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