6 June 13th-June 19th, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | Questions? Feedback? Email me at [email protected] • Follow me on RATING (out of 5 McFly’s) THE TRUSTY STEED NEEDS A REFRESH! 2024 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.5T SEL 2024 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.5T SEL T he Volkswagen Jetta he Volkswagen Jetta has been a solid has been a solid vehicle purchase vehicle purchase for decades but the trusty for decades but the trusty steed is starting to get steed is starting to get stale. In 2012, we were stale. In 2012, we were in peak Jetta time as VW in peak Jetta time as VW sold over 183,000 Jetta’s sold over 183,000 Jetta’s in the US that year. Things in the US that year. Things change, times change and change, times change and in 2023, Volkswagen sold in 2023, Volkswagen sold just 47,407 Jetta’s. Now just 47,407 Jetta’s. Now the Jetta is still a reliable the Jetta is still a reliable whip and 47,000 units is whip and 47,000 units is a solid volume, but the a solid volume, but the Volkswagen needs a Volkswagen needs a refresh to kick some new refresh to kick some new sales life into this trusty sales life into this trusty steed! steed! The 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder The 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder engine is built for stability, engine is built for stability, reliability and fuel economy reliability and fuel economy (30/40 MPG). She is not (30/40 MPG). She is not a powerhouse but no a powerhouse but no one expected the Jetta to one expected the Jetta to drop the hammer in the drop the hammer in the performance category. The performance category. The 158 horsepower and 184 158 horsepower and 184 pound-feet or torque are pound-feet or torque are fine for the size but if you’re fine for the size but if you’re expecting some pep and expecting some pep and power, look elsewhere. power, look elsewhere. The exterior looks like The exterior looks like a Jetta. Not much has a Jetta. Not much has changed over the decades changed over the decades and this is where a refresh and this is where a refresh would do VW some good. would do VW some good. Decent sized interior, Decent sized interior, good enough materials, good enough materials, and the basic technology and the basic technology are currently delivered are currently delivered in the 2024 Jetta (priced in the 2024 Jetta (priced at an incredible value at an incredible value of $29,975). But there of $29,975). But there hopefully more on the hopefully more on the horizon. Think about the horizon. Think about the Mustang Mach-E…taking Mustang Mach-E…taking a solid brand and injecting a solid brand and injecting new life into the emblem, new life into the emblem, Volkswagen has the Volkswagen has the roadmap laid out perfectly. roadmap laid out perfectly. Comfort: Value: Fuel Economy: Looks: The Drive: Safety & Security: Overall: Sound System: Bells & Whistles:
