2012 Jetta 147 First impression

[neiliss]

Picked up my slightly demo'd (10 months) Jetta 147 yesterday evening from Byran Byrt's in Mount Gravatt (so far awesome service). Here are my thoughts thus far.

The reason I purchased this car was that it was the complete opposite of what I was driving which was a Civic Type-R, which was all shouty and crazy and manic and either hot or cold, on or off no in between. I wanted to blend in more, not get noticed and easily be taken for granted in the traffic while I am still able to get ahead of everyone. The Jetta was the number one choice for me after months of decision making.

Engine: I am surprised at how much go this engine really has, it sounds much nicer than I expected as well if a little muted of course compared to the Type-R which is what I wanted but definitely not unpleasant. Open the back windows and it sounds very good.

DSG: I have come from a manual so the DSG is a little jerky for me but not too bad. I am rarely with passengers so I am able to drive it as I want mostly. Taking off can be a bit less smooth but surging ahead of the traffic once it starts changing gears is great fun to listen to. The drive mode seems nice and sedate, manual is something I will rarely use and sport is really good and holds onto the revs nicely, much better than expected.

Ride: This is the big winner for me, the Type-R was aweful, now this is not to say that I did not enjoy it but unless you were in the mood for it the jarring ride could become quite annoying. The Jetta is completely civilised, rides well while still being sporty. While not at Golf GTI levels which is for me a good thing it is certainly not dull and is a lively car to drive quite hard.

Looks: I personally love the simple clean look and the wheels are awesome. It is not loud and brash, look at me try hard at all which is perfect for my taste.

Inside: I have heard a lot of complaints about the quality of the interior. I have not owned the previous version so if that was better built and finished then it must have been amazing because I have no complaints at all about the interior thus far which was part of the attraction for me. The seats are excellent, the boot large, the back seats comfortable (I am told) and everything is within easy reach of the driver. The car is 10 months old, has no rattles or anything and as a demo that is a good sign I think having owned many demo's in the past that were not as good.

Overall impressions: The Jetta does everything well and takes it in it's stride. It blends in and quickly and efficiently transports you around in comfort without annoying. There is a lot of fun to be had here though which many of the journo's have left out. When you are in a Type-R or GTI or R or STI etc. people expect you to be fast and often you feel a bit disappointed and let down but in the Jetta there is no expectation and when you leave them at the stop light you can tell there is some serious wonder what the hell you have under the bonnet, can it really be that fast. I love that feeling.

I usually swap cars every year so we will see how this one goes. I will report back on issues and impressions for those interested in purchasing to help them make the right decision.

I am planning a bunch of long drives this weekend which will take in highways and back roads so will add more impressions then.

Car Details:
2012 Jetta 147 in Candy White
Options: Sunroof/Electric Seats/Rear Camera/Zenec 2010D Sat Nav/Sport Pack

[anthony]

Thank you fot your impressions,I went from the previous Jetta to a new Honda Accord Euro,so we have swopped brands,but i am still active here as bought 4 new VWs over the years,and have many family members and friends who bought VW because of me.

The finish of the Jetta 5 was better than the Jetta 6,but the new Jetta is still a great,very practical car,which is good looking,and yes,the alloys are lovely.

Lets see how the reliability and service stands up to what you experienced witth Honda.

I love my Euro,build quality and reliability has been exceptional so far.

[Umai Naa!!]

Good write-up so far.

Looking to replace our MY11 Lancer with one in 12 months or so.

[neiliss]

Hi everyone, so done quite a bit of driving today, maybe 400 or so k's on highways, back roads, city. Here is the good and the not so good.

First the not so good
Power - I think I want more, but I am not sure if the car actually needs more or is just so good at what it does with so little fuss. The power is awesome but it just feels so good that you want more.

Zenec - I have a zenec 2010D in place of the OEM system. The good below but the bad is the glare on the screen (may be enhanced by sunroof), also a bit slower to respond than I would like to input's. The sat nav also needs a map update as I think it is maybe a year or so old. I also can't get a USB HDD working with it which woud be nice.

Handling - Nothing bad but there is just no fuss at all. I like this but I am calling out a possible negative for some people to be aware of if they are looking for amazing dynamic excitement, this is no R but it is very good.

Engine sound - Open all the windows and the sunroof and you know that there is some possibility there but it is just a bit muted. I must admit that in a way I like this it adds to the appeal of the Q car but it would also be nice to let some of the growl out.

FWD - I know this is not a negative but this car is so good imagine it with 4 wheel drive, it would be unbeatable.

The good:
Engine - Wow is all I can say. I look at the digital speedo and the cars just disappear behind me. It is amazing how flexible this engine is and I reckon it can handle loads more power (APR in the future?). This is my first turbo car all others have been super or NA and I am loving it. But the fact that I am loving it makes me want more (the bad)

DSG - My first DSG. I have just come from one of the slickest manual's and have owned many sweet auto's and manuals in the past (E36 M3, Clio Sport, Cooper S) but this is an amazing achievement. Yes starts can be a bit jerky and FWD can be a bit of a handful with a bit of spinning but the way it changes gear is just awesome. I even got some kudo's from my son in this department (he still prefers the type-r's sound). I have found the 3 modes (drive, sport, manual) to be perfect and all have a place in my driving style. I am actually excited to get in and drive knowing this is there rather than a boring slow auto.

Seats - I have the electric option but I presume all the seats are the same, I love these seats so comfortable and lumbar support adjustment on the fly rocks.

Sunroof - Yes I am a sunroof fan and this one is excellent, major part of my purchase decision

Ride/Handling - Some of my favourite roads are a bit twisty and the Jetta handled them well, overtaking is a breeze and using the slowish in and fast out with either manual or sport mode on the DSG works very well.

Looks - I loved the looks of the car and looking at it side on with those beautiful wheels I think it looks really good, everything is subtle and in proportion and does not shout at all, very dignified and easy to look at.

So that's it for now, I will post more thoughts soon on the sat nav (I know some are also using the zenec) as well as the rest of the car in more depth as well as my thoughts on upgrades etc. but for now I am very pleased, actually I am delighted with my purchase.

Anything specific you are keen to know give me a shout if I don't cover it.

Cheers

[neiliss]

Short update, another week of driving and all going very well. I am loving the car and especially impressed with the after market sat-nav (zenec) which sounds fantastic. I am also really appreciating the sunroof open, tilted or closed. The car's off the line performance is still very impressive for general day to day city driving but I have made the front tyres squeal on a few occasions by accident which is a bit embarrassing especially for me coming from a manual.

I also think I may have my first ticket in the post oh well at least I was enjoying myself and it wasn't by much, coming from the type-r you are well aware of your speed but I find the Jetta much quieter and easier to go unnoticed in this regard.

Very happy so far and hope it keeps getting better.

[blutopless2]

not wanting to put a downer on your experience so far... but have the gearbox looked at... jerky from a standstill is not good... it should be smooth to take off.
On a more positive note... get an ECU flash done... this will take the kW up to approx 180 or 190..

[neiliss]

Thanks bluetopless2 the jerky feeling is just me not being smooth sometimes on take off and either trying to put down power too quick and spinning wheels or too slow then quick often forcing a change from 1st to 2nd and then back to first in rare occasions and heavy hills. In manual it is smooth as except maybe for some wheel squeek. I am getting the hang of it and loving the DSG so much.

I have looked at the ECU flash but I am just too nervous to void my warranty as that for me is such an important part of the car and why I usually swap cars every year or so but I must admit from what I have read the ECU flash looks really awesome and is very tempting

[jessv3]

The finish of the Jetta 5 was better than the Jetta 6,but the new Jetta is still a great,very practical car,which is good looking,and yes,the alloys are lovely.
.

I disagree with that statement, I own an mk5 gti (same interior as jetta 5) and regularly drive my parents mk6 golf (same interior jetta 6). The plastics in the 5 feel more flimsy also the fit and finish on the 5 isn't quite as solid as the 6. Its almost like stepping from a Passat to an Audi A4. The only thing I will say about the 6 is its not as simplistic so the controls take a while while to get used to which can be dangerous.

Sent from my XT925 using Tapatalk 2

[DoggiesUtd]

hey mate,
im waiting for my 147 to be ready...should get it by the end of March?
how is your 147 treating you atm?

[neiliss]

Every drive is a pleasure, I love everything about the car especially the looks when I leave traffic behind at the lights, they were not expecting that from a lowly white jetta, very inconspicuous and I think it looks great. The sunroof adds to the car as well. There are no downsides to this car, plenty of power, awesome to drive, comfortable and compliant and you dont have to drive like a boy racer (sorry GTi and R owners I love your cars). You will love the car, what spec did you get (options/colours etc)?