For 2014, Volkswagen is taking some concrete steps to restore some of that luster. Under the hood, a Gen 3 version of the EA888 four-cylinder turbo replaces the 2.5-liter five-cylinder in SE and SEL trims, which together represent 60 percent of Jetta sales volume.
While the new 1.8-liter turbo makes the same 170 horsepower as the now-retired five-banger, it generates a bigger dollop of torque (184 lb-ft) and holds that from a just-above-fast-idle 1500 rpm to the upper reaches of the rev range. A faster-responding turbo and reduced engine friction help make the 1.8T a very flexible engine that’s responsive to the throttle across a wide swath of the rpm band and not overly concerned what gear it’s in.
With the base five-speed manual, for example, the engine will pull in top gear on uphill grades from 2000 rpm, or lug down to 1200–1500 rpm around town without the need to downshift. Not that we have any aversion to shifting, as the Jetta’s five-speed stir stick offers low efforts, positive gates, and a precise feel. On paper, you might think that the Jetta’s five-speed manual is one cog short of its competitors, but the turbo mill is so torque-rich that five ratios cover the waterfront amply. We expect the Jetta 1.8T will sprint to 60 in eight seconds or less, about a half second quicker than last year’s 2.5 model did. Also, unlike the premium-unleaded-sipping 2.0-liter turbo engine that powers the GLI, the new 1.8-liter turbo runs on regular unleaded, which should save a couple of bucks at every fill-up.
The new 1.8T is quiet, too, although when equipped with the optional six-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain can experience a low-frequency rumble when cruising in top gear under a light load at around 1200–1400 rpm. We suspect that VW’s drive to achieve the Jetta 1.8T’s impressive EPA highway fuel-economy estimate of 36 mpg has something to do with the noise. Left to its own devices, the six-speed autobox will upshift to sixth gear and lock its torque converter fairly quickly under light load, which can initiate the conditions for the graininess. However, the driver can tip through the gears manually with the shifter if so desired to avoid the drone zone.
Specifications >
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ENGINE TYPE: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum head, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 110 cu in, 1797 cc
Power: 170 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed manual, 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 104.4 in
Length: 182.2 in
Width: 70.0 in Height: 57.2 in
Curb weight (C/D) est: 3050–3100 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 7.7–8.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 16.3–16.4 sec
Top speed: 120 mph
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