Volkswagen’s Jetta, a perennial bestseller, received a significant upgrade in 2011, becoming sleeker, larger, more spacious, and quieter. For the 2014 model year, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI continues to stand out, largely due to its impressive four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, making it a compelling option for those seeking a fuel-efficient and refined compact sedan.
Potent Diesel Performance
The heart of the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI is its 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. This powerplant delivers 140 horsepower and a robust 246 pound-feet of torque. This substantial torque figure translates to brisk acceleration, particularly in urban environments. Merging onto highways and executing passing maneuvers are effortlessly handled, providing a confident driving experience in various traffic conditions.
Gone are the days of noisy, clattery, and smelly diesel engines. The 2014 Jetta TDI’s engine is remarkably refined. Standing near the vehicle with the engine idling, the characteristic diesel tick is barely audible. Even in cold weather conditions, starting is virtually instantaneous, a significant improvement over older diesel technologies that required lengthy pre-glow periods.
Exceptional Fuel Economy
Diesel engines have long been celebrated for their fuel efficiency, and the 2014 Jetta TDI is no exception. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 30 mpg in the city and 42 mpg on the highway with the six-speed manual transmission. Real-world driving often mirrors or even exceeds these figures, with the fuel gauge barely budging even after extended periods of mixed city and highway driving. Volkswagen’s fuel economy ratings for this model might even be conservative, further highlighting the diesel’s efficiency.
The tested model was equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. For optimal passing power at higher speeds (65-75 mph), downshifting to fourth or even third gear is recommended. Fifth gear provides adequate power for less urgent passing, while sixth gear is strictly an overdrive gear, intended for relaxed cruising at lower engine speeds. In city driving, third gear keeps the engine responsive, whereas using fifth or sixth gear at lower speeds like 30 mph can cause engine lugging.
Driving Dynamics and Comfort
The 2014 Jetta TDI offers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, delivering a smooth driving experience. While tuned on the firmer side, the ride can occasionally feel slightly “floaty” on uneven highway surfaces. The car feels solid and well-built, contributing to a sense of confidence behind the wheel.
The steering is noteworthy, featuring a small, thick-rimmed steering wheel that feels sporty and provides a good connection to the road. Steering effort is slightly heavier, but the weighting is well-judged, offering decent road feel. The brake pedal provides linear response, and the all-disc anti-lock brakes ensure confident and predictable stopping performance.
The manual transmission features a light clutch action and a short-throw shifter, making gear changes smooth and effortless for drivers accustomed to manual transmissions. However, the clutch has an unusually long throw, which may require some acclimation and could initially lead to stalling. For those who prefer automatic transmissions, the optional six-speed DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) automatic is an excellent alternative, offering much of the efficiency of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic.
Interior Features and Practicality
While gasoline-powered Jettas are available at a lower price point, the 2014 Jetta TDI justifies its cost with a robust diesel engine and a good level of standard features. The interior is spacious and quiet, embodying a typical German car’s businesslike and upscale ambiance. Front seats are supportive, though the driver’s seat has manual adjustments. The rear seats offer ample room, although the center rear seat is firmer and best suited for the fold-down armrest, which includes dual cupholders.
Standard features include a six-speaker sound system, heated and leatherette-covered front seats, air conditioning, cruise control, an adjustable steering wheel, an adjustable front center armrest, power windows, heated power mirrors with integrated turn signals, and power locks with remote locking. Safety features encompass front airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, electronic stability control, an electronic differential lock, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
The cabin also features a comfortable raised footrest for the driver’s left foot, beneficial for long drives, along with practical storage compartments, including a covered center console bin. Illuminated visor vanity mirrors are a thoughtful touch. Rotary climate controls are user-friendly, although the audio controls may require a brief familiarization period. The ignition key slot’s location behind the steering wheel might feel slightly awkward initially.
The trunk provides generous cargo space and can be remotely opened via the ignition key fob. While the trunk lid uses manual hinges instead of struts, it features deep interior indents for easy manual closing. The hood, however, is supported by a prop rod. The 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks offer expanded cargo capacity, accessible via trunk-mounted releases.
Final Verdict
The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel TDI remains a compelling choice in the compact sedan segment, particularly for those prioritizing fuel economy and diesel performance. It offers a refined driving experience, a spacious and well-equipped interior, and the inherent longevity associated with diesel engines. While the initial cost might be slightly higher than gasoline models, the long-term fuel savings and robust performance make the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta TDI a Buy It! recommendation.
