How are the Jettas to drive?
Discussion
Having reached the age of 32 without a car, I am considering a job offer where running one is a requirement. I've been looking at the usual petrol, manual stuff and have noticed that the Jetta, and specifically the Mk5 1.4 TSI offers what appears to be pretty sound value for money in regard to the apparent build quality and performance.
How might this compare in steering and suspension to cars like the Mini Cooper and Ford Focus that I have experience with? I have been using a 10 year old Volvo S60 of late which does not impress, as it offers no feedback and the wheel needs huge amounts of turning. I want to avoid even spending time considering something that feels like a boat.
How might this compare in steering and suspension to cars like the Mini Cooper and Ford Focus that I have experience with? I have been using a 10 year old Volvo S60 of late which does not impress, as it offers no feedback and the wheel needs huge amounts of turning. I want to avoid even spending time considering something that feels like a boat.
I find the Jettas nicer to drive than the equivalent Golfs. Mainly because of the extra overhang over the rear wheels and a saloon car's extra rigidity over a hatchback.
I find Minis too harsh and the steering too numb tbh, so would not feel sad leaving that behind and getting into a Jetta, but obviously Jettas have a bit of a Passat image (i.e. dull) if that concerns you?
I find Minis too harsh and the steering too numb tbh, so would not feel sad leaving that behind and getting into a Jetta, but obviously Jettas have a bit of a Passat image (i.e. dull) if that concerns you?
I had a Mk5 2.0 TDI Sport for a couple of years.
Really enjoyed driving it. Feedback will never be on a par with something like a MINI Cooper, but it's better than you'd imagine. Never felt like you were driving a big, wallowing barge. Granted mine was Sport spec' which was similar to Golf GT TDI at the time. So slightly stiffer suspension, 17" wheels etc. Not sure how an SE model would handle - may be more 'comfort' orientated.
i'd recommend one any day. Handsome looking, huge boot, cheaper to buy than equivalent Golf and good to drive. Only reason I sold mine was due to buying a house with a drive that it didn't fit on!
Really enjoyed driving it. Feedback will never be on a par with something like a MINI Cooper, but it's better than you'd imagine. Never felt like you were driving a big, wallowing barge. Granted mine was Sport spec' which was similar to Golf GT TDI at the time. So slightly stiffer suspension, 17" wheels etc. Not sure how an SE model would handle - may be more 'comfort' orientated.
i'd recommend one any day. Handsome looking, huge boot, cheaper to buy than equivalent Golf and good to drive. Only reason I sold mine was due to buying a house with a drive that it didn't fit on!
We're on our second Mini and I have to say I find them tiresome on long journeys. Engine noise is intrusive, they're fidgety on motorways and they're not particularly fast (both of ours were Coopers).
On the other hand, it's great around town and B roads. Which is fine as we have our A6 as the motorway cruiser.
So if your journeys are likely to be longer than 20 miles or so, I'd say forget a Mini.
In my humble opinion there are no good motorway cars of less than Golf size.
On the other hand, it's great around town and B roads. Which is fine as we have our A6 as the motorway cruiser.
So if your journeys are likely to be longer than 20 miles or so, I'd say forget a Mini.
In my humble opinion there are no good motorway cars of less than Golf size.
I am not really considering the Mini on initial cost grounds, and could do with a larger car for stuffing bikes and things in when not working.
When I am working it is likely to be fairly short journeys in rural Hampshire, so something that is fun on B roads within the boundaries of the law would be great.
The Jetta definitely seems like it has potential.
When I am working it is likely to be fairly short journeys in rural Hampshire, so something that is fun on B roads within the boundaries of the law would be great.
The Jetta definitely seems like it has potential.
Ive a Jetta with the 2.0 pd diesel engine. I use it to commute 90ish miles a day.
Its generally a nice place to be, harder on the bumps than the focus it replaced, its the sport version as above so lower than standard and 17inch wheels.
It is impossible to see the back when you are parking so that takes some getting used to.
But as a motorway cruiser its fine, and its is pokey enough to enjoy the B roads, no sports car but it holds the bends well and as mentioned above the longer back means it feels quite balanced when making progress.
Its generally a nice place to be, harder on the bumps than the focus it replaced, its the sport version as above so lower than standard and 17inch wheels.
It is impossible to see the back when you are parking so that takes some getting used to.
But as a motorway cruiser its fine, and its is pokey enough to enjoy the B roads, no sports car but it holds the bends well and as mentioned above the longer back means it feels quite balanced when making progress.
Pints said:
If you are planning to stuff bikes in the back, perhaps you should consider a large hatch or an estate. You're probably going to find it a bit of a struggle getting bikes into the boot of a saloon on a regular basis.
Oh yeah. Boot is huge, you can drop the seats but there is no way to move the parcel shelf.Pints said:
If you are planning to stuff bikes in the back, perhaps you should consider a large hatch or an estate. You're probably going to find it a bit of a struggle getting bikes into the boot of a saloon on a regular basis.
Indeed saloon boots are usually quite large but the opening too small to get bikes and awkward shaped things in. More use for shopping. Hatchbacks are more practical.Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff