Discount Deals On Jetta

Sydney Morning Herald

Saturday February 23, 2008

David Berthon

VOLKSWAGEN'S Jetta arrived in 2006 with great promise but two years on the medium-sized sedan, facing some stiff competition from newer rivals, is discounted by as much as $3600.

The Mexican-built Jetta is now generally available with free on-road costs - the base 2.0-litre model with a six-speed manual transmission sells for $32,990 drive-away, a $3450 saving. The six-speed automated manual gearbox adds $2300, while metallic paint adds a further $690.

The 2.0-litre turbo diesel model with six-speed manual sells for $35,490 drive-away and the six-speed automated manual is $37,790 drive-away, a saving of $3550. The 2.0-litre turbo petrol model (six-speed auto only) sells for $36,990 drive-away, a $3600 saving. Metallic paint adds $690.

The Jetta, which shares the wheelbase and the basic mechanical underpinnings of the Golf hatch, comes highly equipped.

Stability control is standard on all models, as are eight airbags, five lap-sash seat belts (the front belts have pre-tensioners and belt-force limiters as well as height adjustment), anti-lock brakes and dual-zone climate control air-conditioning.

Other equipment across the Jetta range includes cruise control, height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel with audio and trip functions, a chillable glove box, height and lumbar adjustment on the front seats and a 60-40 split-folding rear seat with centre armrest.

The naturally aspirated petrol and turbo diesel models have a single CD player with MP3 capability, velour seats, and 16-inch alloy wheels. All models have body-coloured bumpers, door handles and exterior mirrors, while the sporty turbo petrol model has body-coloured lower front and rear bumper trim. It also gets a sports suspension with a 15 millimetre lower ride height, larger 17-inch alloy wheels with wider tyres, sport front seats, a six-disc in-dash CD player and front fog lights.

Volkswagen's build quality has proved inconsistent with this model and owner reports of squeaks and rattles are not uncommon. Both petrol models require the use of 98 RON premium unleaded.

Jetta sales slumped in January this year but in 2007 sales of the medium car accounted for almost 15 per cent of total Volkswagen sales. The Golf accounts for 40 per cent of local Volkswagen sales. Golf sales lifted by 27 per cent in January over the same month last year due to free on-road costs: that offer continues until February 29.

Brands under the Volkswagen Group umbrella all lifted worldwide sales last year - Volkswagen by 7.8 per cent, Audi by 6.5 per cent, Skoda by 14.6 per cent, Seat by 0.4 per cent, Bentley by 6.7 per cent, Lamborghini by 14.8 per cent and Bugatti by 80 per cent (on a tally of 81 cars).

DRIVE A BARGAIN

Holden Viva five-door hatch, $17,990 drive-away, all Holden dealers 1.8-litre four-cylinder, five-speed manual, dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, air-conditioning, alloy wheels, remote central locking and power windows and mirrors. Save $3550.

Mitsubishi Lancer ES sedan $23,388 drive-away, Phil Gilbert Mitsubishi, Lidcombe 2.0-litre four-cylinder, air-conditioning, dual airbags with a driver's knee airbags, stability control, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, remote central locking and CD player. Save $3400.

Mazda2 Genki five-door hatch $19,990 plus on-road costs, Penrith Mazda Centre 1.5-litre four-cylinder, five-speed manual, six airbags, anti-lock brakes, sport front bumper and rear spoiler, air-conditioning, 16-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel with audio controls, front fog lights and CD player. Save $855.

Peugeot 307 XSE hatch and wagon run-out, free value pack plus free automatic on hatch only. All Peugeot dealers Pack consists of rear park assist ($450), 17-inch alloy wheels ($500), CD stacker ($590) and metallic paint ($700). Free automatic on hatch only ($2240).

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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