Used 2014 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be aware that this vehicle’s diesel engine is involved in a Notice of Violation of the Clean Air Act issued by the EPA to Volkswagen for producing and selling 4-cylinder diesel cars that include a software device that circumvents EPA emissions standards for certain air pollutants. The EPA and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) determined that these diesel cars emit up to 40 times more pollution than emission standards allow. Recalls, investigations and litigation are currently ongoing.

The Jetta is Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicle, and it’s easy to see why. Available with a variety of powertrains that include gasoline, diesel and hybrid, a wagon body style in addition to the popular sedan, and prices that range from under $18,000 to over $32,000, there is a Jetta for just about everybody. The best news for the 2014 Jetta is a heart transplant that replaces the aging 5-cylinder engine with a peppy and more fuel-efficient turbocharged 4-cylinder, a swap that gives the VW a new lease on life. The mainstream compact-sedan segment teems with popular rivals that include the Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze and Hyundai Elantra, but the VW Jetta stands out with its Euro sophistication, and the sedan earned itself a spot on our list of the 10 Best Sedans Under $25,000 for 2014.

The Jetta you experience on the road will depend on what’s under the hood. On the base end is the underwhelming Jetta S with its 115-horsepower 4-cylinder, while on the other is the invigorating Jetta GLI. With its 210-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder and sport-tuned suspension, the GLI might give its upscale cousin, the Audi A4, a run for its money. Combining the best value, efficiency and fun-to-drive dynamics are models equipped with the new 1.8-liter turbocharged-4 and TDI clean-diesel models. The former feels like a baby GLI, especially with a manual transmission, while the diesel models have loads of torque for quick off-the-line acceleration. Like other Jetta models, the Hybrid version is surprisingly agile. Its combination of a small turbocharged engine and electric motor deliver peppy acceleration while returning up to 48 mpg. Our main gripe with the Hybrid is its brake feel, which "grabs" too abruptly when pressing the pedal as part of its energy-regeneration system.

For a compact car, the 5-passenger 2014 Jetta has ample interior space. Especially notable is the amount of legroom in the rear seats and the trunk space. At 15.5 cubic feet, the sedan’s trunk is in a higher league, and when you need even more room the rear seats fold. Space is a big attribute of the SportWagen, too, which boasts an SUV-like 66.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Design-wise, the Jetta’s interior could be called “minimalist-chic.” You won’t find the latest technology, but you also won’t be confused by a thousand buttons. Tuning the radio is easy, as is setting the temperature.

The latest Jetta is stylishly conservative compared to such design-focused competitors as the Mazda3, Hyundai Elantra and even the 2014 Corolla. Indeed, compared to the many entrants in this segment, it’s the Jetta and Chevrolet Cruze dressed as the adults at the dinner party. Is that appealing? Depends whether you’re more Josh Groban or Bruno Mars. If you’re in the camp of the former, you’ll like the Jetta’s clean lines that we expect to age well. GLI versions increase the excitement level with a honeycomb grille, 17-inch alloy wheels, smoked taillights and dual exhaust tips. SportWagen models continue with their rounded look.

TDI DIESEL MODELS
Volkswagen is among the German automakers continuing to prove that today’s diesel engines are nothing like the sooty, sputtering versions of the past. The 2.0-liter turbodiesel available in the Jetta sedan and SportWagen – mated to an automatic or manual transmission – has power to spare and fuel economy of up to 42 mpg.

NEW TURBOCHARGED GASOLINE ENGINE
No doubt we love the Jetta GLI, but its $25,000 starting price isn’t for every budget. With the introduction of VW’s new 1.8-liter 4-cylinder, Jetta buyers can now have similar turbocharged fun in models starting under $20,000. On top of that, the new powerplant delivers up to 36 mpg.

Spend the very least on a 2014 VW Jetta S, and you’ll get basics like air conditioning, power windows/doors/mirrors, keyless entry, 15-inch steel wheels, and an AM/FM/CD audio unit with auxiliary input. Spend roughly $2,000 more for an SE model and you’ll not only get a great engine, but cruise control, Leatherette interior with heated front seats and 6-speaker sound system with iPod adapter. SportWagen models come with Bluetooth, cruise control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and 8-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system with auxiliary input. Complimentary maintenance still comes with the Jetta, but it has been reduced by a year and 12,000 miles to two years/24,000 miles.

Aside from a 6-speed automatic transmission, most extras in the 2014 Jetta are had by climbing trims. Among them are sunroof, navigation system, VW’s new Car-Net connectivity service, push-button start, touch-screen radio, power driver’s seat and rearview camera. At around $30,000, top-line GLI and Hybrid models bring sparkling bi-xenon headlights, automatic climate control and Fender premium audio system. SportWagen models can be had with a panoramic sunroof.

Five engines are offered among the 2014 Jetta sedan and SportWagen. Used only on base sedans is an underwhelming 4-cylinder connected to a 5-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic with sport mode. You can move up a trim to obtain VW’s zesty new 1.8-liter turbocharged-4, also connected to a 5-speed manual or 6-speed auto. GLI models use the most powerful engine in the lineup, a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that makes 210 horsepower, 10 more than last year. Its transmission choices are 6-speed manual or 6-speed auto. Hybrids employ a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder and electric motor, and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Like the GLI, hybrid models require premium fuel. The efficient TDI models use a 2.0-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder connected to a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. The SportWagen continues with the 2.5-liter 5-cylinder or the 2.0-liter turbodiesel.

2.0-liter inline-4
115 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
125 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/34 mpg (manual), 23/29 mpg (automatic)

1.8-liter turbocharged inline-4
170 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/36 mpg (manual), 25/36 mpg (automatic)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (GLI only)
210 horsepower @ 5,300 rpm
207 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/33 mpg (manual), 24/32 mpg (automatic)

2.0-liter turbodiesel inline-4
140 horsepower @ 4,000 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 30/42 mpg (manual, sedan and SportWagen), 30/42 mpg (automatic, sedan), 29/39 mpg (auto, SportWagen)

1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 plus electric motor
170 horsepower (combined)
184 lb-ft of torque (combined) @ 1,000-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 42/48 mpg

2.5-liter inline-5 (SportWagen only)
170 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
177 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 23/33 mpg (manual), 23/30 mpg (automatic)