The Jetta is offered in several levels, with three different powerplants. The S and SE models offer a 1.4L 4-cylinder engine that makes 150 horsepower. SEL models are powered by a 170-horsepower 1.8L 4-cylinder turbo. GLI models are powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder making 210 horsepower.
A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on S and SE models, while a 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic and Sport mode is optional. The SEL is equipped only with a 6-speed automatic, while a 6-speed manual is standard on the GLI, with the 6-speed auto optional.
Jetta S models come equipped with standard goodies such as heated power side mirrors, one-touch up/down power on all four windows, an AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 playback, 6-way manual seat adjustment, air conditioning, a rearview camera, and a 60/40 split folding rear seat. Jetta SE models add power reclining front seats, metallic interior trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter and V-Tex leatherette seating. SEL trims bring a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat with manual lumbar support, adaptive cruise control, a "soft-touch" dash, 17-inch alloy wheels, bumper-integrated halogen fog lights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, chrome accents, touchscreen navigation, Bluetooth, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, interior leather accents and a multi-function trip computer.
The Wolfsburg comes with 16-inch wheels, a sportier front bumper, foglights, heated leatherette seats, a leather shift knob and handbrake cover, a rear seat pass-through and heated windshield wiper nozzles.
The GLI is equipped much like the SEL but with the larger 2.0L engine. It also rides on 18-inch alloy wheels with a sportier suspension and stronger brakes. Exterior differences include chrome exhaust tips, a spoiler, a unique grille and LED taillights. Inside, there are sport seats, a Fender sound system with nine speakers, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The GLI does not include adaptive cruise control, however.
Packaged convenience options for the SE add many of the premium features of the SEL, including heated seats, a premium audio system and Bluetooth, while a sunroof package includes an even more robust touchscreen stereo system with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and SD memory card reader, plus a tinted power sunroof. The sunroof is available on the SEL as well.
Standard safety equipment on all Jettas includes 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, driver and front passenger front and side thorax airbags, side curtain airbags, traction and stability control and engine braking assist. Optional safety technologies include blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, frontal collision warning and Park Distance Control.
Affordability
Excellent Fit And Finish
Good Handling And Braking
Fuel Economy
Terrific Trunk Space
The biggest change to the Jetta lineup for 2018 is the addition of a new Wolfsburg Edition. Sitting above the S trim, the Wolfsburg represents a great value in the Jetta lineup, combining lots of options for not a ton of money. Meanwhile, the SE has gotten a new chrome front grill and new wheels as does the SEL.
The 2018 Jetta competes with the Honda Civic, MAZDA3 and Toyota Corolla. Volkswagen has worked to give buyers the best of all worlds-- carefully packaging features and tweaking the Jetta's price level. Volkswagen wants buyers to feel they can get a premium German sedan or wagon at a friendly price, with fit and finish similar to that on cars that cost two and three times as much.
