Consumer Reports Disappointed in Cheap New VW Jetta

Consumer Reports (CR) has set its sights on all automakers this year, and is becoming more and more active in conducting its reviews of new models. Unfortunately for the automakers that hope the cars CR tests are enough to land them a recommendation or such, not all cars advertised as “revolutionary” are seen as such by the specialist.

After it had its way with the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, CR went on to test the model Volkswagen said it will revolutionize its sales on the US market: the new Jetta. When it presented it, the German automaker presented it as a great leap from the previous version, a model aimed at the modern American consumer in terms of both features and design. CR, on the other hand, disagrees: “The redesigned Volkswagen Jetta is a shadow of the agile, well-finished car it once was.”

The main reasons for which CR is not recommending the Jetta refer mainly to the interior of the car and anything related to it, as well as to the handling of the model. The quality watchdog says the model falls short when it comes to the finish of the interior (formerly impeccable, CR adds).

During the drive, CR found that handling agility and cornering grip disappoint, while the six-speed automatic transmission can be slow to downshift. When it's time to stop, the car takes much longer than expected to brake.

"The new Jetta is unimpressive," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center. "In an effort to bring the car's starting price down, VW cheapened the previous Jetta's interior and suspension, making it less sophisticated and compromising handling."