iMatt player shares his experiences with the Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 "Special Quebec "
is the engine of 2.0L old really as bad as the Internet believes?
I knew it was a matter of time before I have to buy a second vehicle compliment the Honda Fit shared by my girlfriend and me this time has finally come with forced displacement and after work taking several months to decide what I wanted in my next car, I decided my two main priorities were the value and comfort that be the focal points of the Fit.
I opted for a base model 2015 Jetta with the 2.0 liter engine and 5-speed manual with nary an option, not even A / C (ironically ). Price after fees and taxes came to just over $ 17,000 CAD. Standard equipment included equipment that were once optional, such as cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, a trip computer, a rearview camera and a touchscreen head unit.
The plain exterior is a common sight these days, even with a few minor changes for 2015. I appreciate the discreet style compared to the more stylized competitors like the Mazda 3 or Corolla. The Jetta just seems to have a more mature and refined it. My biggest problem is that the basic steel wheels not look expensive and a bit too small, luckily it easily solved would I choose to do so.
The interior design reflects that of the exterior. I must say though, I was surprised how good it feels. Hard plastics abound (do not care) but materials are where they count. The dashboard and center console are a pleasure to use on a daily basis, even if I deplore the absence of a temperature gauge engine coolant. The gear lever and steering wheel have beautiful shapes and plastics so-so, but do not wear. The adjustable seat 6-way driver is comfortable for my small frame but offers less support thigh as I would like. On the other hand, there is a fair bit to strengthen the side. Big people can find uncomfortable narrow seats. The trunk is large as is the back seat.
My favorite attribute inside is the combined driving position with the low bonnet. It reminds me a little older Honda Accords providing excellent forward visibility with easy access to controls.
When I was researching this car, I could hardly find real comments of entry engine. Even still, in most abstract, the authors of the automobile no labeling issue as an obsolete boat anchor and engine to avoid at all costs. I could not wait to get my hands on one to try
beginning with the facts. The move is a little less than 00 CCs. The output is rated at 115 HP @ 5000 RPM and 125 lb-ft at 4000 RPM
The first on the test drive impressions were that the old engine is quite sufficient for normal use in town -. I would even dare say more than enough. There's enough torque to keep you ahead of the traffic red light to red light if that's your thing. I think you still have to be aware of being in the optimum ratio. This engine will not get you out of gear situations badly as others will be more powerful cars.
The bulk of the 3000 km I put on the car to date came from the mountain road driving on the road to a single lane. The grades are steep, sharp corners and in this region of Alberta, sidewalk beaten to a pulp abundant heavy industrial traffic.
On the rare stretches of straight and level road, the Jetta is no problem of maintaining speeds of 80 - 0 MPH in 5th race around 3000 RPM - something I did not expect myself fully . Passing on two-lane road is also the free theater and can easily be done in 4th. Obviously, you will not be explosion effortless acceleration offered by more powerful cars, but it is not the real world slugs "amateurs" would lead you to believe it is.
climbing steep slopes of 7% or more will require a downshift to 4th gear, otherwise 3rd in some cases. In any case, I was unable to maintain speed limits
In all driving conditions, the engine proved to be calm and relaxed, able to work in relatively low speed. the opposite of happy and noisy rev 1.5 L in the Fit. It even has a nice and unique growl survey that I do not normally associate with a 4 cylinder engine. At idle and low engine loads, you may feel slight vibrations coming through the steering wheel. Personally, I want to remind that I'm piloting a machine with parts in relation to any movement say modern V6 sedan with engine so isolated, you can not even tll if it is running. Mechanical sensation is part of the driving experience, perhaps explain why I am partial older Hondas for so long. I honestly and surprisingly was not disappointed by this "boat anchor" of a motor.
The shifter is easy to use with little change notchy at times, but is still feeling substantial on the difference example of a Honda Civic I was a bit ourselves and compare the sensation to that of an old and tired I owned Mazda 626 (note:. 5000 km further, it seems to have loosened a bit with a smoother action). Clutch take-up is lighter than what I expected, but still heavier than the Civic to the above. It is easy to use and does not expect any surprises.
Back on winding roads, the ride and handling of the Jetta not you egg on a playful way the Fit Mazda 3 or do. it is the Jetta drives much like it is style suggests it would be. the journey is on the smooth side and rigid compound. Only twice a 0km stretch of highway I bruised bottom suspension traveling at higher rates of speed. The car is very stable in most conditions. The same trip in the Fit has always been a white knuckled affair - in a kind of more fun back but wrong path. To get the same thrill in the Jetta, you would have to travel at a pace that could land you in a lot of trouble.
approaching the limits of handling the Jetta is smooth and predictable. Roll, while present, is heaves corner minimum and average frost are not upset the car's balance. steering inputs are met with clear answers, but as I said earlier, the car just did not change direction as eagerly as other sports car feeling. Pushing the relatively high cornering limits, you can feel when the front tire starts flipping on its side wall, not exactly fun, but it's there. Management has a lighter feeling than I expected as well, lighter than I'd like.
The advantage of the calmer manipulation is a tour of the very competent highway. On one occasion, on these same roads rutted and bumpy, I asked my partner how fast she thought we were going without looking at the speedometer, she knew why I asked;). His proposal was a good 30 mph less than what was our actual speed. Somehwat faint praise, but it gives you an idea of the car does not feel like a cheap econobox on the highway. Adding to the experience is a wind and road noise low.
The brakes work. I can tell you that the moderate braking highway speeds or down steep slopes is smooth and drama free. I have not tried any emergency stop in the opposite direction but I can not say if the rear disc brakes feel like a significant improvement over previous drums.
Fuel economy was reported by the onboard computer to about 8.0 L / 100 KMS (29.4 MPG). This was in a driving style, as explained above, at temperatures ranging from -10 ° C to -25 ° C (14 F to -13 F). I think it's fantastic.
As I conclude this review, I noticed a few trends emerge from my thoughts and reflections. The words free and comfortable tragedy continue to appear everywhere. I want to reiterate that while this car and transmission are quite comfortable, especially for the price, it may not be ideal for lazy drivers or people who simply do not drive. The powertrain requires attention to ensure you always get the best of the limited power available. For example, if you do not want to plan your overtaking maneuvers, struggling to maintain a constant speed even on small notes or just around not paying attention to your driving, I suggest you switch to a more powerful car.
If you're like me, however, and take pleasure in anticipating the road or the traffic ahead, enjoy interacting with your vehicle (and no, I do not mean having read your e -mails for you) and you sometimes go for a drive just for the pleasure of driving this car can provide the compromise focused a great driver.
In this neck of the woods, people (men) are quick to tell me all the time I need a pick-up truck here - I'm crazy to travel on a road in a vehicle of 2WD drive. Some even say that cars should not even be allowed on the highway. I note with pleasure by my girlfriend very well this winter commuting within the city at our winter tire fitted Fit without ever getting stuck.
The point is that cars are much more useful and more capable than people give them credit for. measly 115 HP Jetta is so thin it on its own merits and suits my needs very well. Could I have given payments on a more powerful version or even a shiny new truck? -Certainly, But apart from the rights and accelerating roller coaster bragging, I have other priorities at this stage of my life. (Spoken like a true Canadian, DK)
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