Volkswagen of America will downsize once again with the introduction of a 1.4-liter turbocharged four on the most common 2016 Jetta models, replacing a 1.8-liter turbo. And may the 2-point-slow finally rest in peace.
This new-to-the-U.S. 1.4T, announced Tuesday, is significant mostly for reasons of increased efficiency (an estimated 39 MPG highway, which is 13 percent over that of the old 2.0 and 7 percent more than the 1.8T, according to VW) and strong power figures for an engine of this size – 150 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.
But it’s symbolic because it finally gives this generation of Jetta a decent base engine. Previously, fleet-grade and lease-special S models made do with a 2.0-liter, 115-horse four that carries just eight valves and dates back to when you were failing to write the words you wanted on your Apple Newton. It was dated even in a Jetta from 1995 let alone 2015. The 2-point-slow nickname was deserved.
Buyers who pick the popular Jetta SE for ’16 may feel a bit shortchanged, however, because the 1.8T you used to get in that car is being relegated to higher trims now. In the process, the 1.4T gives up 20 horses over the old car in exchange for better MPG. Knowing VW’s torquey turbo fours, however, the trade-off might be worth it.
Just revised with new styling and tech gear for 2015, another change to the 2016 Jetta line was announced earlier this summer with the 2016 Jetta GLI getting styling tweaks to match that of the Golf GTI hatchback.
Expect to see the new Jettas in showrooms in the coming months.
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