In October, the common transaction worth of a brand new car hit a file of $46,036. That’s greater than many individuals can swing, however there are nonetheless loads of inexpensive choices on the market.

One in every of them is the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, which receives a minor facelift in addition to a brand new engine and up to date know-how. Regardless of these enhancements, the mannequin begins at an inexpensive $20,195 and climbs to $30,995 for the GLI variant.

We not too long ago took a spin within the facelifted sedans and whereas the updates aren’t sport altering, they’re welcome additions.

A Refined Styling Makeover

Whereas the sixth-generation Jetta had a forgettable design, the seventh-generation sedan adopted a sportier and extra upscale look. The facelifted mannequin builds on that by including a brand new entrance bumper with a extra expressive consumption. It’s joined by a brand new single bar grille, vertical accent lights, and an up to date rear bumper.

Extra adjustments are restricted, however the Jetta adopts new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels. Patrons can even discover a revised coloration palette that features new choices corresponding to Kings Purple Metallic, Oryx White Metallic and Rising Blue Metallic.

The GLI, however, seems to be like a toddler who discovered mother’s lipstick as pink accents will be discovered on the grille and air curtains. It’s a bit a lot, however the different upgrades are extra palatable because the efficiency mannequin is distinguished by honeycomb mesh intakes, black window surrounds, and bigger 18-inch alloy wheels. Different highlights embrace sportier bumpers, distinctive aspect skirts, and a wider twin exhaust system with “improved acoustics.”

A Classier Cabin With Extra Tech

Extra significant adjustments happen inside because the 2022 Jetta comes with a newly commonplace 8-inch digital instrument cluster. It’s a pleasant addition, however the cluster is pretty fundamental and doesn’t really feel prefer it’s utilized to its full potential.

Whereas that’s disappointing, the SEL and GLI trims have a bigger and extra superior 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Professional show. It gives extra customization and settings, together with a full-screen map view on fashions geared up with navigation.

Placing the screens apart, the entry-level mannequin adopts new material seats with a rhombus sample. They’re joined by a brand new steering wheel and leatherette door panel inserts, which assist to make the cabin really feel a bit extra premium.

Elsewhere, there are acquainted infotainment programs. This implies mainstream variants have a 6.5-inch MIB2 system, whereas the Jetta SEL and GLI have a extra superior MIB3 system with an 8-inch show.

Because the inside adjustments are comparatively minor, drivers will discover a acquainted cockpit with loads of bodily controls and properly grained plastics. It’s not essentially the most thrilling atmosphere, however the cabin feels comparatively trendy and welcoming.

That’s very true within the range-topping GLI, which comes properly geared up with perforated leather-based seats that characteristic heating and air flow up entrance. Different highlights embrace gray woodgrain trim, pink accents, and a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel.

They’re joined by a ten-color ambient lighting system, illuminated scuff plates, and stainless-steel pedals. Rounding out the highlights are a wi-fi smartphone charger and a nine-speaker Beats audio system with a subwoofer.

No matter which trim is chosen, all Jettas supply a roomy inside for households on the go. There’s loads of head- and legroom up entrance, whereas the backseats supply a beneficiant 37.4 inches (950 mm) of legroom. That matches the redesigned Honda Civic and is 2.6 inches (66 mm) greater than you’ll discover within the Toyota Corolla.

Talking of area, the Jetta provides an accommodating trunk with 14.1 cubic toes (399 liters) of bags room. That bests the Corolla and is barely lower than the Civic, however you may all the time fold down the rear seats in the event you want further room.

A New 1.5-Liter Turbo With 158 HP

Whereas the styling and tools adjustments are minor, one of many largest updates is hiding underneath the hood. Opening it reveals an all-new turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is shared with the Taos.

The engine develops 158 hp (118 kW / 160 PS) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque, which is 11 hp (8 kW / 11 PS) greater than the outdated 1.4-liter turbo. Regardless of the improved efficiency, gasoline effectivity will increase as fashions geared up with the six-speed handbook have an EPA-estimated ranking of 29 mpg metropolis, 43 mpg freeway, and 34 mpg mixed. With the non-compulsory eight-speed automated, the Jetta returns as much as 31 mpg metropolis, 41 mpg freeway, and 35 mpg mixed.

In addition to being extra highly effective and gasoline environment friendly, the engine appears a bit extra refined than its predecessor. Whereas it’s laborious to make certain with out a back-to-back comparability, the brand new EA211 unit is a easy operator that provides extra energy than the Corolla and considerably extra torque than the Civic.

In fact, in the event you’re searching for efficiency, you’ll need to improve to the Jetta GLI.  It incorporates a acquainted turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. That’s a large improve over the usual mannequin and it means the GLI has a 28 hp (21 kW / 28 PS) and 66 lb-ft (89 Nm) benefit over the Honda Civic Si.

The GLI comes commonplace with a six-speed handbook, though a seven-speed DSG gearbox can also be accessible. Each carryover and the automated permits the automobile to have an EPA-estimated gasoline economic system ranking of 26 mpg metropolis, 36 mpg freeway, and 30 mpg mixed.

There’s rather a lot to love in regards to the GLI’s engine, however every part isn’t excellent because it drones on the freeway whereas in Sport mode. If that’s the “improved acoustics” Volkswagen is speaking about, we’ll cross, but it surely’s simple to alter modes for a extra snug expertise.

The Comfortable Cruiser With A Sportier Sibling

Whereas the remainder of the automobile will get a handful of updates, the chassis and suspension carries over. In consequence, the usual mannequin remains to be geared in direction of consolation and it largely achieves this objective because the journey is easy and largely settled. A number of impacts made themselves identified, however this was solely a minor distraction and may very well be a results of the comparatively fundamental torsion beam rear setup.

The steering isn’t significantly participating because it’s gentle and a bit numb. Making issues even worse is the truth that solely the Jetta GLI and SEL have 4 selectable drive modes – Consolation, Eco, Sport and Customized – so there isn’t something you are able to do to enhance the steering on mainstream variants.

Dealing with can also be nothing to write down dwelling about because the mannequin is succesful, however the expertise isn’t very rewarding.  In fact, that most likely shouldn’t be too shocking given the automobile’s deal with worth and luxury.

Fortunately, the Jetta GLI is a delight because it incorporates a multi-link rear suspension, a rear anti-roll bar, stiffer springs, and sport-tuned shocks. That’s simply the tip of the iceberg because the mannequin additionally has a lowered journey peak, an XDS differential system and extra responsive steering. Volkswagen additionally throws in adaptive dampers, a limited-slip differential, and an upgraded braking system with parts from the earlier Golf R.

Talking of the latter, the GLI has ventilated discs that measure 13.4 inches (340 mm) entrance and 11.8 inches (300 mm) rear. That’s a big improve over lesser variations of the Jetta, which have 11.3 inch (287 mm) ventilated entrance discs and 10.7 inch (272 mm) stable rear discs.

Because of the GLI’s distinctive options, it’s a much better driver’s automobile. It checks all of the bins with good dealing with, extra responsive and higher weighted steering, and a journey that’s sportier however nonetheless completely snug.

Pricing Begins At $20,195

As we’ve talked about above, pricing begins at $20,195 earlier than a $995 vacation spot cost. That’s not unhealthy, but it surely’s a large improve over the 2021 mannequin which started at $18,995.

Since we’ve already lined the mannequin’s pricing, we’ll solely do a fast recap right here. The entry-level Jetta S comes geared up with LED lighting items and 16-inch alloy wheels. Patrons can even discover material seats, a four-speaker audio system, a 6.5-inch infotainment system, and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster.

Whereas the entry-model is sparsely geared up, clients can get an IQ.Drive bundle for $955 on fashions geared up with the $800 automated gearbox. It contains adaptive cruise management, entrance help, a blind spot monitor, rear visitors alert, lane help, journey help and emergency help. Drivers preferring to shift for themselves can get an identical Driver Help bundle for a similar worth, but it surely lacks emergency help.

One step up is the all-new Jetta Sport, which begins at $21,095. It builds on the S by including black exterior accents and bigger 17-inch wheels. The mannequin additionally comes geared up with sport seats, a stiffer suspension, and the XDS differential system.

Transferring up the trim ladder are the automatic-only SE and SEL, which start at $23,795 and $27,795. The latter incorporates a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, an eight-way energy driver’s seat, heated / ventilated entrance seats, heated rear seats, and leather-based upholstery. The mannequin additionally has a dual-zone automated local weather management system, a keyless entry system, a distant starter, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. They’re joined by a wi-fi smartphone charger, an ambient lighting system in addition to an upgraded digital instrument cluster and infotainment system.

Lastly, there’s the Jetta GLI which is obtainable completely in well-equipped Autobahn trim. It begins at $30,995 and climbs to $31,795 when geared up with the DSG gearbox. The mannequin comes with all of the tools talked about earlier and this leads to a sporty sedan that’s comparatively upscale.

A Higher Jetta, However The Commonplace Mannequin Is A Bit Boring

Whereas the Jetta isn’t essentially the most thrilling automobile in the marketplace, it’s an inexpensive choice that receives a handful of upgrades for the 2022 mannequin yr.

An important is an all-new turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which is extra highly effective and fuel-efficient than its predecessor. Throw in some styling upgrades and extra tools, and the sedan makes a good higher impression.

Nonetheless, these upgrades come at a price because the 2022 Jetta is $1,200 costlier than final yr’s mannequin. That’s a big improve, however pricing remains to be aggressive because the sedan is cheaper than the Civic and solely a bit of greater than the Corolla.

That’s not unhealthy for a spacious sedan and clients can all the time improve to the Jetta GLI in the event that they’re searching for one thing sportier. Sadly, that specific mannequin sees a $4,650 worth bounce due to the elimination of the value-focused S trim.  That’s unlucky, however the Jetta Sport is an fascinating different for customers on a price range.

On the finish of the day, the 2022 Jetta is a little more highly effective, a bit extra fashionable and a bit costlier.  The GLI, however, is as nice as ever.

Image credit: Michael Gauthier for CarScoops