2015 Volkswagen Jetta Pros vs Cons
When it comes to cars, James Murdock has the real-world experience to back it up. With an economics degree and over 20 years running the family dealership, he's managed it all - from sales to service and marketing. His role is to provide his expert opinion on vehicle performance and value. He meticulously fact checks all features and data with vehicle manufacturers to ensure the upmost accuracy.
Quoting an Automobile Magazine automotive expert, "As you'd expect from any midcycle enhancement, the changes to the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta aren't exactly revolutionary, but our drive suggests that they are significant enough to help the refreshed Jetta keep pace with the key competitors in its market segment."
Already, consumers are reacting very favorably to this new Jetta model's attributes of a roomy, comfortable cabin, powertrain options to suit all drivers and the latest in technological advancements. In addition, this car’s sleek modern style free of extra frills catches the attention and approval of many car buyers today.
Top Ten Reasons Why You May Want to Buy a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta
In city morning traffic or on the highway, the new Jetta sedan from Volkswagen may look like a sedate, attractive car for smooth, easy driving minus any challenges or hassles. However, this appealing 2015 model is specifically designed to accommodate all types of drivers, driving conditions and needs. It is equally equipped to handle fast highway speeds or unpredictable maneuvers necessary in rush-hour traffic jams. It also handles expertly during the sudden stops and starts of in-town and suburban driving.
Reasons to Buy a 2015 Volkswagen Jetta - the Pros
1. Appearance and Handling.
Volkswagen's 2015 Jetta sedan wins high marks in the appearance category for design simplicity. Its no-frills, sleek lines and functional structure make it attractive to practical drivers who also favor subtle style updates. The car's taller front grille has three bars that merge with the bumper, allowing space for the newly sized fog lights to aid visibility at night and in foggy driving conditions. Also, the fresh trunk lid design with rear spoiler integration enhances the car's aerodynamics for smoother handling.
2. Operation and Performance.
The 2015 Jetta is fun to drive. It consistently exhibits no turbo-lag. Drivers benefit from smooth, dependable acceleration both in heavy urban traffic and on seldom-traveled country roads. These advantages can be attributed to the car's engine output of up to 170 hp with 184 lb-ft of torque. Even the base Jetta has 115 hp with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine.
The Jetta model with turbocharged engine is 1.8-liter 4-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic transmission. When placed in Sport Drive mode, the transmission shows quiet, but highly effective increased power.
3. Design and Functionality.
This new Jetta is carefully designed to meet the driving needs of many kinds of owners, from daily urban commuters to heavy-duty highway motorists and sports-car minded drivers. Its spacious, relaxing interior is a plus, and five people can fit comfortably without crowding. With the conveniently placed dashboard controls, telescoping steering mechanism and heated front seats, this model offers quality functionality.
4. Technology Rating.
Tech options for the new Jetta include the Premium VIII touchscreen radio (AM, FM and HD). Also offered are a CD changer and MP3 playback. A very popular item is the 6-speaker sound system. Other options are SiriusXM satellite radio and a Media Device Interface with iPod adapter. Another perk is Bluetooth connectivity. Another great tech feature is Car-Net connected service offering automatic crash notice and helpful roadside motorist assistance.
5. Safety Features.
This Jetta has earned a 5-Star rating according to a recent National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluation. It won 5 stars during the side crash scoring. It also earned 4 stars when evaluated for frontal crash and rollover safety. Other security features are its blind-spot safety monitor, warning of frontal collision and rear alert for cross-traffic. This car is also equipped with a rear-view camera, 6 airbags and antilock brakes.
6. Cost Efficiency.
The 2015 Jetta wins high ratings for fuel efficiency. Its engine offers 25 mpg for urban driving, 37 mpg for highway travel, and a combined average of 30 mpg. This makes the Jetta a competitor in cost effectiveness with the Dodge Dart and Chevrolet Cruze. If you choose a diesel model, you can achieve 31 mpg city and 46 mpg highway driving.
7. Impressive Warranty.
Volkswagen's 2015 Jetta sedan comes with a 36,000-mile limited warranty as a new car. This warranty is valid for three years. It also has a 60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty as a new vehicle.
8. Cargo Room.
This new Jetta sedan offers spacious trunk space of 15.5 cubic feet. This is an impressive amount of room for a compact car. According to an Edmunds report , ". . . the 15.5-cubic-foot trunk is one of the roomiest you'll find in this class."3
9. Seating.
Bucket seats in the Volkswagen Jetta sedan for 2015 are soft and comfortable, made of durable yet attractive fabric. The front seats are heated for the cold days of late autumn and in wintry weather. Second row seats are bench style. There is also a convenient pass-through rear seat.
10. Pricing.
Prices for various trims of the 2015 Jetta range from $15,567 for the Jetta 4dr Manual 2.0L Base sedan to $30,403 for the Jetta 4dr DSG Hybrid SEL Premium sedan.
Reasons You May Choose Not to Buy the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan - The Cons
Although there are many advantages to owning the new 2015 Jetta sedan, there are also some reasons for deciding against buying this car. Six reasons you may not want to purchase this new Jetta model are:
• Larger wheels on this Jetta result in a somewhat rougher ride;
• The dashboard navigation display is smaller in the 2015 model;
• This car has no USB port;
• This Jetta’s interior, though improved, is still very simple and austere, and the door panels are of hardened plastic; and
• Successfully pairing and operating a smartphone using Bluetooth in the 2015 Jetta is often difficult.
How the 2015 Jetta Sedan Looks Beside Competing Brands
Two other new car models often compared with the Volkswagen Jetta are the Mazda3 and the Honda Civic. These three car brands and models are all popular sedans offering similar powertrain and steering choices. The new Mazda3 has gained high praise for fuel economy and precision handling. However, its interior lacks the simplistic style and spaciousness of the 2015 Jetta. The Honda Civic has clean, stylish lines and offers easy, relaxed driving and handling. However, the new model is very similar to the 2013 model, offering no impressive updates or design innovations. Due to its hatchback body design, the new Jetta provides much larger cargo space than the 2015 Civic has and is actually more fun to drive.
Conclusion
Although many drivers view the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta sedan as a simple, no-frills car, it actually offers a large number of the latest stylistic and technological updates available. The advantages to owning this new Jetta model far outnumber the suggested disadvantages. When compared with other popular models in its automobile class, the 2015 Jetta is often praised for the very qualities its detractors criticize—it simplicity of line, its no-frills interior, and its space-enhancing hatchback design.
