2016 Volkswagen Jetta gets 1.4 liter turbo engine

In addition to updating its infotainment and driver assist systems for the upcoming model year, Volkswagen announced its 2016 Jetta sedan would replace the current 115-horsepower 2.0-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder gasoline engine used in the Jetta S and the 170-horse1.8-liter TSI turbo four in the Jetta 1.8T SE with a new and more efficient EA211 engine. Already used in the Jetta Hybrid, this latest iteration of VW’s all-aluminum direct-injected turbocharged and intercooled 1.4-liter 4-cylinder develops 150 horsepower 184 lb-ft of torque.

The Jetta’s new 1.4-liter TSI engine will be backed by either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. Paired with the latter, VW is estimating a 39 mpg highway EPA rating, 13 percent better than the 2.0-liter and seven percent beyond the 1.8T. Meanwhile, the 1.8T engine will carry over to the 2016 Jetta Sport.

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VW stated that this latest change brings engine downsizing to more than 97 percent of vehicles it currently sells in the U.S. As we reported earlier, the top-line 2016 Jetta GLI carries on with the same 210-horse/2.0-liter EA888 turbocharged 4-cylinder that it shares with the Golf GTI while the Jetta TDI will continue using VW’s 150-horsepower/2.0-liter turbodiesel. The Jetta Hybrid also is back intact, with a gas/electric powertrain that makes 177 combined ponies.

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"We are delighted that so many Volkswagen customers are now able to benefit from the performance and fuel-efficiency of our turbocharged and direct-injection engines, whether they choose TDI or TSI technology," noted Joerg Sommer, Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America. "Volkswagen leads the industry with implementation of these engines in North America and we are excited that we are furthering our leadership with the introduction of the latest-generation EA211 engine in the Jetta."