The cabin tech interface in the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SEL looks good and is easy to use. The Bluetooth phone system offers dial by name through voice command. The manual transmission only has five gears, and the engine feels short of the claimed 170 horsepower. The navigation system lacks advanced features.
The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta SEL makes for decent, if unexciting, transportation and includes a good suite of cabin electronics.
Volkswagen previously priced itself above its intended market, but wants to regain the title of peoples' car with the all-new Jetta. At its very base S trim, the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta can be had for $15,995.
Our Jetta SEL review car looked like a very good value, even at that price. For one, its navigation and Bluetooth phone systems are standard.
On paper, the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine sounds quite powerful.
The EPA ratings for the Jetta SEL are 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. Nav and Bluetooth, standard
Surprising is Volkswagen's decision to mostly do away with options and make cabin tech dependent on trim level. The SEL trim car comes standard with navigation, Bluetooth phone system, and digital audio sources.
Legroom is now a class-leading 38.1 inches, a 2.7-inch gain from the previous model.
Upgrading to the SE trim will add a 2.5-liter engine, 16-inch wheels, V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, body-colored side mirrors with integrated turn signals, a chrome interior package that accents the rotary light switch, bezels for air nozzles, HVAC controls, parking brake and steering wheel emblem.
The new Jetta also sees the return of Volkswagen's 115-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain as its base engine, while the previously standard 170 horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder will be on the options list. The TSI and TDI engines get VW's advanced six-speed DSG automatic.