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2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000
 
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Volkswagen Jetta 103TDI
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Volkswagen’s Jetta sedan has finished at the pointy end of the Australia’s Best Cars field several times, either as a class winner or more recently a finalist. Post ABC final testing last year,VW gave the Jetta range a refresh. That brought new models, new alloy wheels, some interior and equipment upgrades, plus revised engines and gearboxes. Combined with last year’s Medium winner, the Golf 118TSI, moving class as part of this year’s ABC restructure, Jetta was again well in the title hunt. This year’s winner, the 103TDI, retains a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, but fuel efficiency has benefited from a move to latest-generation Bosch common-rail direct-injection. There’s plentiful low- and mid-range torque, 320Nm at 1750-2500rpm, to ensure excellent driveability. Combined with the standard slick-shifting DSG gearbox (the manual has been dropped), performance rates very highly. Jetta has a refined and civilised feel. The engine is smooth, although there’s still some diesel engine soundtrack to betray the power source. There are two other diesel engines in the range and two petrol versions, including the 118TSI 1.4-litre twin-charger mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox or six-speed manual. It combines small displacement with a turbo and supercharger to deliver both good performance and low fuel use. Despite its recent makeover, Jetta in generational terms is getting long in the tooth, and is due for a major model change mid next year. But age hasn’t wearied the current car’s dynamic appeal. Well weighted, consistent and accurate steering, good grip levels and responsive handling ensure driver appeal and an engaging drive. Suspension tune has a European tautness but proved composed and mostly comfortable over a mix of local conditions, including second-class gravel roads and corrugations. Judges praised its excellent body control. The inside story is one of comfortable supportive seats including height and lumbar adjustment for front occupants and well-laid-out controls, although occupant space trails a number of its competitors. The boot on the other hand is cavernous and there’s the practicality of an asymmetric split-fold rear seat. Buyers will also be pleased by a full-size spare wheel in the boot, although it’s steel, not an alloy to match the road wheels. Front and rear parking sensors and an optical parking system are now standard on all Jettas. Jetta scores highly for safety, with all models featuring six airbags and stability control as standard. Unlike its sibling Golf, however, there’s no driver’s knee airbag. Jetta ranks well for its fit and finish, but warranty coverage is only marginally better than the industry norm and significantly behind that offered by class leader Hyundai. With consistently good scores in the Value for Money, Design and Function and On-road areas of ABC assessment, Jetta still has, after all these years, what it takes to show its rivals a clean pair of heels in the race to grab the Best Medium Car under $50,000 award.
Finalists
Previous Results
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