New 2014 Volkswagen Jetta to start from £18k

The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta will start from £18,815, available to order now with the first UK deliveries in December.

The updated Jetta gets subtle styling updates over its predecessor, including a tweaked grille and slightly modified bumper. The changes are just as light at the rear, with new taillights and a reshaped bootlid.

Volkswagen has also updated the interior with some new trim options and a fresh steering wheel design. If you go for the flagship Jetta GT then you’ll get some new ambient interior lighting.

The £18,815 starting price is for an entry-level S model fitted with a 1.4-litre TSI engine with 123bhp. There’s a 108bhp 2.0 TDI available, too. Standard equipment on these cars includes DAB, electric windows and air-con.

Upgrading to SE trim opens up the engine options, with the addition of a more powerful 148bhp 1.4 TSI and 148bhp 2.0 TDI. Buyers can also opt for a seven-speed DSG, too, with standard equipment including 16-inch alloys, cruise control and Bluetooth.

The flagship GT models get 17-inch alloys, sports seats, auto headlights and wipers, ambient interior lighting and 15mm lowered sports suspension. There are some new options available to Jetta buyers, too, like Blind Spot Detection.

The lower-powered 1.4 TSI engine boasts official fuel economy of 52.3mpg, with emissions of 125g/km but is outshone by the diesel, which emits just 105g/km and can achieve 70.6mpg in 108bhp form. Going for the DSG gearbox does slightly improve running costs. 

If you want a little more punch from your compact saloon, check out our Audi S3 vs Subaru WRX STi twin test...