Volkswagen Jetta BlueMotion 1.9 TDI DPF | Road Test Review

“Go ahead, buy a Jetta BlueMotion
just because it does 61.4mpg on
the combined cycle. But drive one
for a week and you’ll appreciate it’s
other virtues...”

THE BLUEMOTION VOLKSWAGEN JETTA model went on sale last June, and with its practical four-door saloon body and large boot it looks uncommonly like VW's larger Passat saloon. Volkswagen uses the term 'BlueMotion' for its most fuel- and CO2-efficient models, models that are modified to match or beat hybrids at their own game yet which remain conventional for serving and repairs.

Medium-sized saloon-bodied cars of this size tend to be overlooked by UK buyers who, on the whole, buy hatchbacks and compact estates. However, just about everywhere else in the world these cars are hugely popular: for instance, in America, the Jetta has, in its various incarnations, long been the best-selling Volkswagen.

UK buyers purchasing a Jetta do so as an alternative to buying, say, an entry-level Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series. It's looks may be on the conservative side but that's no bad thing, making the Jetta a desirable buy for drivers for whom a large limo-like saloon is too ostentatious and who prefer a set of smarter looking wheels than provided by an 'everybody drives one' hatchback from Ford or Vauxhall.

VW expects to sell just 100 Jetta BlueMotion models per year in the UK (about 2 per cent of total Jetta sales). The Jetta BlueMotion is just one of eight BlueMotion models in the VW line-up — the others being the Polo, Golf Plus, Golf Estate, Passat, Passat Estate, Touran and Sharan.

A word about those 'conservative' looks... from the tip of its executive chrome-grilled nose the Jetta is not only well-proportioned and obviously built to a high standard, but it is deceptively elegant with bling-free styling and some neat design touches — such as the integrated indicators in the door mirror housings and the smart and distinctive LED tail lights.

The well-built theme continues inside the BlueMotion. The facia is refreshingly 'clean', with just about all of the switchgear housed logically on the centre stack — including the optional touch-screen radio, iPod/MP3-compatible 6-CD autochanger. Dials — elegantly ringed with slim chrome bezels — are easy to read at a glance and trip information such as range and average mpg is easily viewed on the smaller digital screen between the speedometer and rev-counter.

The Jetta BlueMotion may be an economical car but that doesn't mean that Volkswagen has skimped when it comes to standard equipment: semi-automatic air conditioning, multi-function computer, one-shot electric windows all round, electrically-heated and adjustable door mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic driving lights, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, an automatic coming/leaving home lighting function and heat-insulating tinted glass are all standard-fit items.

You also get speed-sensitive power-assisted steering, a three-spoke steering wheel, driver's seat height adjustment, 10-spoke alloy wheels with 205/55 low rolling resistance tyres, sports suspension, driver's and front passenger's airbags with front passenger's airbag deactivation switch, curtain airbag system for front and rear passengers, front seat side impact airbags, height-adjustable front seat belts and whiplash-optimised front head restraints.

All Jetta models are, commendably, also fitted with an Electronic Stabilisation Programme supported by Electronic Differential Lock and Traction Control and, of course, ABS with Hydraulic Brake Assist. A useful safety feature is hazard lights that are automatically activated under emergency braking to warn other drivers.

The wide cabin feels airy and is a pleasant place to be. The adequately bolstered seats are upholstered in durable 'Glow' cloth material that's good to sit on and promises to wear well. The driver can easily set an optimised driving position thanks to the height and reach adjustable steering wheel. Space is also in good supply, both front and back, with plenty of head- and elbow-room — in fact, the surprisingly generous rear legroom makes the Jetta something of a mini-limo.

Rear passengers also sit about six inches higher than those in the front and the good views out make journeys all the more interesting, although six-footers sitting in the back may find their hair just brushing the headlining. When not in use the three rear headrests all slide down out of the driver's line of sight. A useful number of cup-holders, storage spaces and stowage boxes (including a sunglasses holder in the roof console and cubby on top of the dashboard) are dotted about the cabin, so there's a place for everything and it's easy to keep everything in its place. There's also a cooled, lit and lockable glovebox.

And don't forget the huge boot — 527 litres. So, not only four/five adults inside but and all of their luggage behind them too. If you're a golfing man (or woman) you'll be pleased to hear that you can lay your clubs length-ways and even get your trolley in. For longer items the split/folding (60:40) rear seats backrests can be dropped forward. And, as seems to be the trend, there's no spare wheel; not even a space-saver. Instead you'll find a motorised tyre repair kit in the well.

To maximise its fuel consumption, the BlueMotion comes with a 1.9-litre TDI engine fitted with a Diesel Particulate Filter. Aided by the low rolling resistance tyres and lower sports suspension (by 15mm to reduce aerodynamic drag), the 1.9's 104bhp returns an undeniably impressive — remember, this is a proper family car not some cramped 'city' car — 61.4mpg on the combined cycle!

Even the Jetta's urban figure — 47.9mpg — is pretty remarkable; the extra-urban figure of 72.4mpg makes you ask why anyone would want an electric-powered car that needs recharging ten times more often than a mobile phone. The Jetta's CO2 emissions are also good — a low 122g/km. Drive a BlueMotion Jetta and you may almost forget what a fuel pump looks like — in theory you could cover 743 miles on just one 55-litre tank of fuel. When we topped up the car, the trip computer displayed an accurate 640-mile range.

For the record, a week's driving around in mixed conditions and over a broad selection of roads resulted in an overall test average of 53.7mpg. Most Jetta drivers will, I feel certain, better this figure.

While 104bhp may seem on the low side for a medium-sized saloon, the TDI's 184lb ft of torque provides ample 'kick' on the move and there are no second thoughts when you want to overtake. Our usual test route takes in a pretty steep hill and the Jetta zipped up to 65mph coming up there without hesitation. Top speed is 117mph and 0-62mph acceleration takes 11.9 seconds. While the BlueMotion's five-speed manual 'box has longer 3rd, 4th and 5th ratios for improved economy, they don't hamper the driving. And neither does the gear-change, whose action is smooth and precise.

With the diesel unit red-lined at 4,500rpm, the legal limit calls for a relaxed 1,900rpm in top (5th) gear, emphasising the Jetta BlueMotion's unruffled cruising gait.

With front-wheel drive the Jetta drives predictably. If that sounds like a put down, it's not meant to be because it feels responsive, the steering is fine and the brakes — discs front and rear — good. It also rides smoothly and quietly, coping well with camber changes, bumps and the UK's second-rate road surfaces. The Jetta also corners well and handles predictably; well enough to make it 'fit for purpose'.

Many motorists would buy one of these BlueMotion Jettas for no other reason than its indisputable ability to deliver impressive real-world fuel economy. However, if you've read this far you don't need me to tell you that there are many other good reasons to choose a Jetta over its rivals. — MotorBar

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