Ride and Handling in the City
The City Jetta rides more smoothly than I expected. It is far more polished than the New Beetle; and handles just as well. I really enjoyed the composure exhibited by the City Jetta when rough and broken pavement was encountered. The vehicle absorbs such degradation without jarring its passengers or allowing the disruption to intrude into its solid, quiet cabin. A fairly refined four-banger exhaust note plays loudly in the serene environs when the engine is pushed hard.

The Jetta's symmetrical clean lines look good even today, 8 years after its original introduction.

The comfortable ride in no way compromises the City's agility and athletic handling dynamics. Its four-wheel independent suspension setup enables the car to perform admirably in corners. While not BMW-sharp, the City Jetta responds quickly to steering inputs without engaging in abnormal body roll or unwelcome chassis destabilization. Steering feedback and road feel are informative and unmasked, which enhances driveability.

Safe in the City
Unlike some low cost competitors, the City Jetta provides four-wheel antilock disc brakes as standard equipment. A quick survey of other entry models will uncover numerous examples of non-antilock brakes as standard equipment, often paired with a front disc, rear drum arrangement. Driver and front passenger airbags are also standard City fare, with side impact airbags and side curtain airbags available as options along with Volkswagen's Electronic Stability Program (ESP). Adding the extra airbags and ESP would be money well spent.

Life in the City
Of all the econo-boxes I have driven this year, the City Jetta is perhaps my favourite. It satisfies with Euro-spirited driving dynamics and solid build quality. It disappoints in flat-out acceleration, which is to be expected given its low price point, and with excessive idle vibration causing the steering wheel to resonate when the vehicle is motionless. If however I were in the market for a sub-$20K ride, the good-looking City Jetta would be a very strong contender.



Outstanding build quality
Timeless design
Smooth ride
Euro-driving dynamics


No centre armrest
Under-powered (automatic)
Pronounced engine note when pushed



Excessive idle vibration


Photo Credit : Rob Rothwell