2011 Volkswagen Jetta Priced at $15,995
We’ve been getting tidbits of information about Jetta pricing, but today Volkswagen finally confirmed all specification and pricing with us. Volkswagen has priced its redesigned and re-engineered Jetta at $15,995, not including a $770 destination charge. That’s a $1,740 reduction in price compared to the outgoing generation, but the 2011 Jetta has little in common with the 2010 model. The 2011 is on an all-new platform, which is now 2.9 inches longer than the outgoing model with class-leading legroom (38.1 inches) and trunk space (15.5 cubic feet), but the base trims have fewer features compared to their outgoing counterparts.
The 2011 Volkswagen comes in S, SE, SEL and TDI trims. All Jettas come with six airbags, daytime running lights and a rear 60/40-split bench. All models also get Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance program, which gives owners free regular maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.
It’s important to note that there are important mechanical differences between the various trims. The S and SE trims come with front disc and rear drum brakes, while the SEL and TDI come with four-wheel-disc braking. All models come with a rear torsion-beam setup, though a yet-to-be-announced GLI model will come with a multilink rear suspension. These changes are significant as an independent rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes were standard on the 2010 Jetta.
The S trim comes with a 115-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder mated to a five-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic transmission is a $1,100 option. VW said the 2.0-liter will get 24/34 mpg city/highway with the manual and 23/32 mpg with the automatic. The S comes standard with air conditioning, a four-speaker sound system, power locks/windows, keyless entry, heated power mirrors, cloth seats and 15-inch steel wheels.
The SE model starts at $18,195 ($2,355 less than the 2010 SE Jetta) and comes with all of the features on the S trim. It has the same 170-hp, 2.5-liter five-cylinder found on today’s Jetta mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The 2.5-liter will get 23/33 mpg with the manual and 24/31 with the auto, which is an improvement from the 23/30 mpg rating of the 2010 Jetta with an automatic. The model comes with 16-inch steel wheels, leatherette upholstery, cruise control, body-colored side mirrors, floormats, a rear center armrest with pass-through, illuminated vanity mirrors and glove box, and chrome accents on the interior knobs and dials. A Convenience Package on the SE will add a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and washer fluid, an MP3 jack and six-speaker audio system for $1,350. A sunroof and LCD touch-screen adds another $1,250 to the SE.
The SEL model starts at $21,395 ($2,050 less than the last 2010 SEL Jetta) and has all of the SE with Convenience Package features plus 17-inch alloy wheels, a touch-screen navigation system with SD card reader, push-button start, trip computer, driver seat lumbar adjustment, fog lights, exterior chrome accents and four-wheel-disc brakes. A power sunroof is a $900 option. You can get a sport-tuned suspension and sport bucket seats for an additional $1,600.
Finally, the Jetta TDI starts at $22,995 (a $165 increase over the 2010 TDI). It comes with the 2010’s 140-hp, 2.0-liter diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual. The TDI’s automatic transmission option differs from the torque-converter six-speed found on the gas models. Instead, it sports a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The TDI will now get 30/42 mpg with both the automatic and manual transmissions; the 2010 Jetta with a manual transmission got 41 mpg highway. The TDI includes all of the features found on the SE model with the Convenience Package and Sunroof Package. A Navigation Package comes with a navigation unit, push-button start, fog lamps and exterior chrome accents. It adds $1,200 to the TDI model.
In the marketplace, the Jetta competes with the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010 Honda Civic and 2010 Toyota Corolla. The Jetta has a $280 pricing advantage against the Cruze and stays competitive throughout that model’s trim levels, with similar gas mileage and content. The Honda Civic is $340 cheaper at the base trim level and has better gas mileage for gas-powered models; the Civic remains cheaper throughout the trim levels compared to the 2011 Jetta. The Corolla costs less than the Jetta throughout its trim levels. It’s also more fuel efficient (gas-powered models) and has similar content offerings compared to the Jetta.
Previous
Subscribe to our feed
Email us your tips!
Excellent information. The cost cutting is evident when you look at the base S model, with a fairly anemic 115 hp motor. At least it gets good mpg. I've read they're not building a Jetta wagon on the new platform, but will use the current version of the wagon and just carry it over. That means the 2011 wagon won't benefit from the better rear legroom. Another cost cutting move?
the jetta wagon is really a wagon of the golf not the jetta. i know, they are the same platform and whatnot, but there's apparently a difference. i really like the new Jetta. its sedate and albeit a little too audi like, its original. what about the coupe model? is that gonna see production?
The base engine is going to be a dooooooooooooog
..I'll be waiting for the GLI...!!..be interesting to see what surprises are instore..(I have a 2003 with the VR6 and 6 speed and LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!
the 2.0L 4 should be putting out at least 150 hp. i find it very disappointing that they didn't even update this engine.
rear drums are one thing, since more Corollas, Civics, and Sentras use them, and can be just as effective as four-wheel discs if they are tuned correctly, but this engine is really just a powerless turd that probably wont get very good fuel economy. to me, that is probably the worst part.
i guess we can only hope that the interior quality is as good as the Golf. or at least as good as the current Jetta.
"....A Convenience Package on the SE will add a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, 16-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and washer fluid,...."
What is this washer fluid for?
JR,
they are referring to heated washer fluid.
VW is really not suitable for the US. Too many small issues for the car. The important thing is that, the dealer in your area may not able to repair it!!! true story based on my own.
I see that they're still using the 2.5 liter that sounds like a tractor engine and have apparently resurrected the 115-horse 2.0 liter from the 1990s Jetta. 32 MPG highway with an automatic? An Accord is bigger, much more powerful, and gets better mileage than that.
The rear drum brakes make it the first VW in recent memory to use drum brakes, although I'm not sure about their rebadged minivan.
I don't think the new Jetta is competitive in the marketplace given its weak engines and poor MPG. I thought VW's strategy was to go upmarket--if that were true, the Jetta should be offered only with the TDI and 2.0T engines. What is wrong with VW?
A friend of mine's mother purchased a Jetta with the 115 hp engine (manual transmission) in 1995 and that car was a dog. I remember turning off the air conditioning so you could merge onto the highway. I can't believe that engine has not been updated since 1995!
Whoever has a brain will not even consider the 2.0 115 hp mill. A Civic with a 1.8 out powers it by a whopping 25 hp.
the base engine will barely be offered. Its only there so VW can brag about the low base price of the Jetta. I doubt you will be able to find on on a dealer's lot. They only care about undercutting the competition on low end models that few are going to buy.
Here is one of the reasons why I would not buy Jetta...
They don't age well. After few years they become loose. They shake , rattle, and "scream". Civics, Proteges, are solid and tight even after 10 years.
And what did they called this Jetta, re-engineered? It is de-engineered.
So what if they don't age well! I think it beats owning a BMW, because those break down more on the roads, and they don't get great gas mileage! I've owned Japanese cars since the late 90's, and must say they've been reliable. We'll see how the new one goes, but then again, there's always something better!
They should just take the engine lineup from the european version and stop making special case version for the NA market. the low 1.4L turbo gas motor over there is 122hp/147lb.ft and get 28/44 mpg(US gallons-manual).
You can still get disk on disk breaks in the upgraded trim if you want it...if not, check out the stopping distance of the Jetta compared to the civic, senata, mazda 3, and other competitors...VW still wins with its disk/ drum. Overall this car will have more room than the civic or senata, better stopping power, German safety requirements, great fuel economy, and amazing reliabilty. If you don't like the base model, don't buy it and get the TDI, GLI, or SEL.
It is disappointing that VW keeps holding onto the leatherette... the cloth fabric on European VW models are almost luxurious and I would prefer real leather if I am going to buy a heat magnet. The swing arms in the trunk lid are another disappointment as they will surely eat up any space gains VW claims to have added. And dropping the multi-link rear suspension... what gives? Sometimes, cheap prices are not everything. With that said, it is a beautiful car in appearance and maybe the GLI will be worth holding out for.
You're overlooking the TDI. I have a 2010 TDI Sportwagon with dual-clutch automatic. The diesel engine is a power and torque monster and delivers (for me) 42 MPG highway and 36 city. Well worth the 10% diesel fuel up-charge.
I have the 2011 Jetta TDI and it is a blast. Fully loaded - the worst thing I can say about it is that the inside panels are no longer of the "padded" style. Even the leatherette is acceptable. Runs great, gives me 6.7L/100KM average and the DSG transmission shifts instantaneously.
I guess the Americans just have to wait a bit longer for the TDI - but it is a heck of an engine. One caveat - the Nav system is a downer.... I tried the RNS315 and had it pulled out.. but the radio (RCD510) is a winner... use that and buy a $150 Garmin for nav.