The all-new Volkswagen Jetta of 2011 has a bright future in America, like every other mid-size well-equipped German sedan with a base price of $16,000 would have. But now that the Americans have the NMS Passat, VW wants a bigger market for the Jetta in Europe where it’s priced from 20,900 Euro.

The new Jetta slots between the Golf and Passat sizewise and with a range of highly efficient TSI and TDI engines, it has the perfect recipe for European taste. The most economical version of the car manages 4.2 liter /100km which is astonishing. The car also gets dual-clutch transmissions (DSG) which you don’t usually see in a car of this price range.

Powertrains:

Key data of pure efficiency: Tremendous advances were also made in the powertrain area. Consider the 1.6 TDI with 77 kW / 105 PS: In the BlueMotion Technology version, this common rail turbodiesel only consumes 4.2 l/100 km (equivalent to 109 g/km CO2). Or take the example of the 1.2 TSI, which also outputs 77 kW / 105 PS and has BlueMotion Technology: The direct injection turbo petrol engine consumes just 5.3 l/100 km (equivalent to 123 g/km CO2) – and this is a saloon with petrol engine that can accelerate to 190 km/h. As noted, the Trendline version of the Jetta 1.2 TSI costs 20,900 euros. The base price of the Jetta 1.6 TDI Trendline with BlueMotion Technology is 23,475 euros. Other power levels: a TDI with 103 kW / 140 PS and (following over the course of the year) three TSIs with 90 kW / 122 PS, 118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS. This means that the Jetta will be exclusively powered by state-of-the-art charged direct injection engines. All engines except the 105 PS TSI may be combined with an optional dual-clutch transmission (DSG).

Safety:

Here’s where it starts: The Trendline equipment line is the entry level into the world of the Jetta. However, it is certainly not a base version in the classic sense of the word. When it comes to safety, for example, it offers six airbags (optionally eight), five crash-optimised head restraints (with special anti-whiplash design in front), daytime running lights, automatic seatbelt detection system, automatic hazard lights on hard braking, Hill Climb Assist, ABS with braking assistant and ESP with countersteering feature and trailer stabilisation. Exterior features of the Jetta Trendline include such details as 205 tyres on 16-inch steel wheels, electrically adjustable and heated door mirror with integrated indicators and green tinted insulating glass. Inside, the Jetta’s convenience features have been upgraded with details such as a climate control system (Climatic), dust and pollen filter, remote control central locking, electric windows all round, outside temperature indicator with frost warning, chrome bezels for air vents, multifunction display and height adjustable driver’s seat (fabric seat covers in “Cardeol” design).

Equipments:

The popular middle: The next level up, the Comfortline, starts at prices from 22,600 euros (Jetta 1.2 TSI with 77 kW / 105 PS). From the outside , this model is distinguished by such features as chrome accents on the radiator grille and 16-inch, 5-spoke “Navarra” alloy wheels. Inside, the Jetta Comfortline is upgraded by such details as storage pockets on the backs of the front seats, centre armrests (with storage compartment in front armrest), 8-way adjustment of the comfort seats (with fabric covers in “Sienna” design), fabric floor mats, RCD 210 Radio-CD system, a chrome pack (including rotary light switch and climate system control dials) and what is known as the small leather pack (steering wheel, gearshift grip and parking brake lever) as well as black accents (“Black Pyramid”). Also standard equipment: the Park Pilot assistance system (front and rear), lowering of the passenger side mirror for reversing, and four reading lamps (two in the front, two in the rear).