Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 Review: Home Economics

What we like:

Efficient DSG gearbox

controlled ride

interior build quality

reasonably priced

What we dislike:

Engine sounds gruff when pushed hard

not as pretty as a Golf

The Jetta 1.6 is the most affordable Volkswagen saloon you can buy here. At just under $80k, you get a compact saloon that has most of Volkswagen's traditional virtues of solidity, build quality, competent ride and handling, safety and efficiency. Obviously you won't get Volkswagen's latest engine technologies with this base model but you still get a state of the art seven-speed DSG gearbox.

Despite it being a base model, the Jetta is nicely kitted with stuff like a factory fitted radio, cruise control, an electronic speedo, LED tail lamps, alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, rear air-con vents, locally fitted leather seats, ESP, six airbags and so on.

The Jetta will set you back roughly ten percent more than an equivalent popular 1.6-litre Japanese saloon but it's worth the extra pennies if you do not mind its ancient motor. If your budget allows you the, the mid-range 1.4 TSI model is an even more convincing proposition.

Credits: Story and Photos by Raymond Lai