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Tad too docile?

Sibling rivalry The diesel version of the Jetta is powerful, more efficient and better suited to Indian conditions

There are some cars that have etched their names into the automotive history books for all the right reasons. And they have turned out to be best-sellers across the world. Three examples of such cars are the Toyota Corolla, the Honda Accord and the Volkswagen Golf. We are familiar with the first two, but what about the Golf? Well, India has fallen for the Golf’s many charms unknowingly too. Skoda’s Octavia and Laura are both based on the same platform or basic running gear as the Golf. Their solid build, very efficient diesel motors and excellent driving manners have made them favourites. Now the Golf is finally here, but in the form of a saloon.

The petrol-powered Jetta we are driving has got its work cut out. With four passengers and a boot full of luggage including a lot of bulky television gear, this car is almost running at full capacity. The road out of Pune is the typical city bypass road, well paved, straight as an arrow and well marked. I’m not paying much attention to the car as yet, as we are planning where and how to shoot the car. Still the Jetta gets my attention. Sitting in fifth gear we are rolling along at around 80kph when the opportunity to overtake a swiftly-driven Volvo inter-city bus presents itself. Since there is a massive gap, I decide to leave it in fifth and see how well it manages the slog. I put my foot down and expect a protracted pass. But I’m pleasantly surprised by the manner in which we reel the bus in and pass it effortlessly.

You might have guessed that this version of the Jetta is not the car to go for if you are looking for outright speed and performance. Its 1.6-litre engine and 100-odd horses are not going to win you any traffic-light Grands Prix in a car of this size, but it does have a healthy flow of torque and a strong midrange. This is no weedy-legged motor.

We’re finally on the twisting ghat section but have to keep our speed in check as we are literally driving through patches of clouds. The petrol motor under the hood impresses again. Even short-shifting for a relaxed easy cruise keeps the power coming on smoothly and progress is effortless. Full marks also for the perfectly weighted and accurate gearbox that slots in with a metallic ‘clack’. Don’t you just hate those gearboxes that feel like they are made of plastic bits!

Once the clouds and rain have disappeared, I start to use more revs on the car but the engine doesn’t feel as impressive. It’s not the most free-revving motor around, taking some time to spin up to the red line, and it feels strained near the top end of the power band as well.

Unlike most modern four valves per cylinder motors, the two valves per cylinder head put it at a disadvantage here. The motor is also quite audible and throaty. Comparing this car to the Civic or even the Corolla for performance is futile. Still, it’s more than sufficient for use in city traffic, the torquey nature of the motor and its great tractability perfect for most urban driving conditions.

On its raised suspension and ample rubber, the Jetta handled our roads pretty well. Handling was sharp and very confident, the car didn’t roll much despite the ground clearance and the steering felt very direct and well set up. While the Jetta can be ridden rough over most of our poor road sections, ride quality is quite revealing. It feels stiff on most sections of the road and though big bumps don’t upset it much, you keep getting a pitter patter inside. Also, surprisingly, there are no disc brakes at the rear, only drums.

The base Trendline version of the car has a lot of grey in the interiors and though the seats are very comfortable and large and there is a good amount of space in the rear of the car, this version could do with some more frills.

The petrol Jetta might lack flash and you often wish it had more performance to offer. But it does everything that you want it to without complaining and you can’t help wondering if you really need more for everyday use. However, it is bound to live in its diesel sibling’s shadow as the diesel is powerful, more efficient and generally better suited to Indian conditions.

Technical Data

Price Rs 13.5 lakh (estimated)

L/W/H4554/1781/1459mm

Wheelbase 2578mm

Turning circle 10.9m

Kerb weight 1268kg

Engine 4 cyls inline, 1595cc, petrol

Power 102 bhp at 5600rpm

Torque 14.8kgm at 3800 rpm

Suspension(Front) MacPherson struts with lower wishbones,

(Rear) four-link suspension and coil spring

Gearbox 5-speed manual

Fuel tank 55 litres

Brakes (F/R) 280mm Ventilated discs / 260mm drums

Tyres 205/55R16

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