Published October 26 2022

The 2023 VW Jetta Has all The Right Stuff

With the departure of the VW Golf in all forms save for the hi-po GTI and Golf R models from the Canadian market, the Jetta sedan has been left to hold the water for VW in the North American compact car market. In that light, VW has given it the tool to ensure it’s a standout in the class.

Interior digs

One thing about VW is that they never skimp on interior fit and finish, and so it goes that the Jetta gets an interior befitting of the VW name. You’ve got an optional modifiable digital gauge cluster, an infotainment display measuring 8- or 10-inches, think-rimmed steering wheel and even some ambient lighting.

Handling and ride

While many are looking for a compact sedan with a sporty ride, you can’t forget about the comfort factors, either. With that in mind, the dampers have been tuned to ensure body roll is kept to a minimum, but also to keep everyday bumps nicely metered out. Add the fact that interior panel gaps are kept nice and tight and you have a quiet, well-insulated interior that makes every ride that much more enjoyable.

GLI ready to fly

Just because the Jetta gets a number of trims in North America (Trendline, Comfortline, Highline) that the Golf doesn’t, don’t think that means the Jetta doesn’t get its fair share of the performance pie. Enter the GLI, a turbocharged whizz-banger of a sedan that’s high on thrills. Power is made to the tune of 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, sent to the front wheels via either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or six-speed manual transmission. Add a mechanical limited-slip differential as well as variable ratio steering that adjusts depending on the driving environment, and what you get is a compact sedan that, if you close your eyes, feels every bit the sports car.