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2014 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T (TSI) Drive

trd420

Go Kart Champion
VW's Americanized small sedan gets some of its Euro back.









Here in the land of the Whopper and the big-box stores, we’re accustomed to getting a lot for our dollar. While we might not be able to get through the entire two-gallon tub of mayo before the “serve-by” freshness date, what red-blooded American could possibly resist saving so much cash over on aisle seven? VW applied a liberal dose of that “more-for-less” philosophy to its North American–made Jetta back in 2011 in an effort to boost U.S. sales, which yielded a roomier, but hard-plasticky, compact sedan for less money. While Americans snapped up the decontented Jettas in bigger numbers, the beam axle bringing up the rear of all but the fancy-pants GLI model and the antediluvian five-cylinder engine powering the majority of Jettas dimmed enthusiasm from buyers previously drawn to the car’s European driving characteristics.

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.

More cheery news: VW’s coin-squeezers have restored the Jetta’s multilink rear suspension for 2014. As tuned for SE and SEL models, this gives a compliant but well-damped ride with good body control. Uneven or oddly cambered pavement is handled in stride with little or no effect on steering, which now is electrically boosted with the 1.8T engine to aid fuel economy. The steering itself has low friction and while no paragon of feedback, is quick enough for spirited driving and offers linear response to inputs. Even with the modest 205/55-16 tires, the car can be hustled down a twisty back road.

When you put it all together, Volkswagen is giving us the 2014 with the 1.8-liter turbo and a multilink rear setup for about the same money as last year’s car with the old 2.5-liter five and rear beam axle. That’s the kind of more-for-less goodness we can get our mayo-glazed fingers around.
 

McQueen77

Banned
VW's Americanized small sedan gets some of its Euro back.










Here in the land of the Whopper and the big-box stores, we’re accustomed to getting a lot for our dollar. While we might not be able to get through the entire two-gallon tub of mayo before the “serve-by” freshness date, what red-blooded American could possibly resist saving so much cash over on aisle seven? VW applied a liberal dose of that “more-for-less” philosophy to its North American–made Jetta back in 2011 in an effort to boost U.S. sales, which yielded a roomier, but hard-plasticky, compact sedan for less money. While Americans snapped up the decontented Jettas in bigger numbers, the beam axle bringing up the rear of all but the fancy-pants GLI model and the antediluvian five-cylinder engine powering the majority of Jettas dimmed enthusiasm from buyers previously drawn to the car’s European driving characteristics.

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.

More cheery news: VW’s coin-squeezers have restored the Jetta’s multilink rear suspension for 2014. As tuned for SE and SEL models, this gives a compliant but well-damped ride with good body control. Uneven or oddly cambered pavement is handled in stride with little or no effect on steering, which now is electrically boosted with the 1.8T engine to aid fuel economy. The steering itself has low friction and while no paragon of feedback, is quick enough for spirited driving and offers linear response to inputs. Even with the modest 205/55-16 tires, the car can be hustled down a twisty back road.

When you put it all together, Volkswagen is giving us the 2014 with the 1.8-liter turbo and a multilink rear setup for about the same money as last year’s car with the old 2.5-liter five and rear beam axle. That’s the kind of more-for-less goodness we can get our mayo-glazed fingers around.

sounds like a good little sedan! whats up with the opening on top of the intake scoop?
 

trd420

Go Kart Champion
The B7 current model Passat is using the old 1.8T overseas?

the old 1.8T was rated at 158HP 180TQ the new one 170HP 184TQ maybe same with a re tune :iono: would be pretty cool if so slap a K04 on it for 2k and you get 330HP 335TQ nice lil sleeper
 

McQueen77

Banned
the old 1.8T was rated at 158HP 180TQ the new one 170HP 184TQ maybe same with a re tune :iono: would be pretty cool if so slap a K04 on it for 2k and you get 330HP 335TQ nice lil sleeper

I started a whole thread on this and ultimately got some shit for it because I guess if you drive a hatchback golf with a tiny turbo in it you have massive elephant balls and eat glass in your cereal for breakfast, but if you think the upcoming jetta might be cool you are a gay man whistling show tunes and playing with my little ponies.. :iono:

http://golfmk6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64592
 

D Griff

Go Kart Champion
No, you got shit because trading in a basically new GTI for a Jetta with less power, worse suspension, less features, worse interior, etc isn't a great idea. This Jetta seems decently nice, just not nicer than a MK6 GTI.
 

troyguitar

Go Kart Champion
I started a whole thread on this and ultimately got some shit for it because I guess if you drive a hatchback golf with a tiny turbo in it you have massive elephant balls and eat glass in your cereal for breakfast, but if you think the upcoming jetta might be cool you are a gay man whistling show tunes and playing with my little ponies.. :iono:

http://golfmk6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=64592

No, you got shit because trading in a basically new GTI for a Jetta with less power, worse suspension, less features, worse interior, etc isn't a great idea. This Jetta seems decently nice, just not nicer than a MK6 GTI.

:word:

If you currently owned a 1994 Buick or something and were debating between a used MK6 GTI and a new 1.8T Golf/Jetta then there would be some merit to each side, but owning the GTI already there is no reason to switch.
 

McQueen77

Banned
well, i guess you're right..
 
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