2019 Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen needs you…and a lot of other Americans…to reach their goal of 5% U.S. market share. It’s about 2% today. Their new atlas and Tiguan SUVs will certainly help, but they need more. So, enter an all-new Jetta compact sedan. Now, VW says that more than ever, it was designed with Amercian buyers in mind. But in doing so, VW risks ruining what made Jetta popular in the first place. So let’s see how well VW walks that tight rope.
With over 17½ million sold since 1979, the Volkswagen Jetta is a well-recognized, global nameplate. When the last Jetta sedan debuted right around the beginning of this decade, it was part of Volkswagen’s new strategy to not only build cars in North America, but to tailor them specifically for American drivers.
What that meant was less emphasis on ride-and-handling, making space and price the priorities. That “bigger and cheaper is better” approach yielded exactly the desired results, record sales.
For 2019, the 7th gen. Volkswagen Jetta not only doubles down on that strategy, but attempts to bring more driving excitement back into the mix.
While it still bears a resemblance to the conservative Passat, it’s certainly the most dynamic Jetta we’ve ever seen, and if you were expecting to hear the words “coupe-like profile”; well, they’re here.
The other usual descriptors apply as well, longer wheelbase, shorter overhangs, wider track; and cliché as it all may be, it’s hard to argue with the very handsome results.
A slicker shape is only part of what VW has done to get back some of the fuel economy lost without diesel or hybrid models. Active grille shutters up front, and while technically the same engine, the 1.4-liter turbo behind that grille is now tuned for more efficiency.
3-horsepower was lost in that transformation, now at 147; but torque remains the same at 184 lb-ft.
Furthering the theme, base cars get an extra gear for a 6-speed manual, and the optional automatic is now an 8-speed.
The results are improved Government Fuel Economy Ratings of 30-City, 40-Highway, and 34-Combined; the same regardless of transmission.
While far from flashy inside, the exaggerated tilt of the center stack, sets a more driver-oriented tone to the space; and there’s much less hard plastic to be found, leaving nothing much to complain about.
And impressive features like the digital dash won’t be found anywhere else in this segment.
Top SEL Premium trim will also get you leather seats, both heated and ventilated; a new 8-inch Discover Media infotainment with navigation; selectable drive modes, and a 10-color LED ambient lighting system.
There is indeed plenty of space inside to get comfortable, no matter whether you’re the driver or just along for the ride. And cargo space is plentiful as well, at 14.1 cubic-ft.; 60/40 split-folding seatbacks are standard.
Our early drive time came around Raleigh, North Carolina; and we’ll jump right in with talk of the suspension. Yes, a torsion beam is back at the rear on all trims. And while it’s easy to complain; for American Jetta buyers, it’s likely the ideal blend of capability with great everyday comfort.
And, it keeps costs down. Helping offset that is the fact that that torsion beam is now bolted to VW’s MQB architecture. Does it provide A4-like sport sedan agility? Not quite. Is it a sensibly entertaining everyday compact sedan? We’d say yes and then some. Certainly more lively than segment leaders Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.
The new 8-speed automatic stays very busy managing power delivery from the little 1.4-liter; but it does so without undo effort. Sporty R-Line trim has no any added power, but it does get an XDS electronic differential, unique wheels, black trim, and dual exhaust tips.
VW is certainly attempting to attract your bucks by delivering as much bang as possible; very well equipped base S trim starts at $19,395, down 100 bucks from last year; top trim SEL Premium goes for $27,795. Plus, VW’s new People First warranty includes bumper-to-bumper protection for 6 years or 72,000 miles.
It would be foolish to expect the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta alone to put the brand’s sale’s goal within reach. But, it is another correct step in that direction. VW has walked the tight rope well. So, if you’re thinking about a compact sedan, with Corolla and Civic on your list, we think you should add the very entertaining VW Jetta at the top.
Specifications
- Engine: 1.4 liter
- Horsepower: 147
- Torque: 184 lb-ft.
- EPA: 30 mpg city / 40 mpg highway
2025 Porsche Taycan Turbo GT
It’s A Turbo GT With No Turbos Or Even An Engine
In an era when even mass market EVs have mind-bending acceleration, how do performance-minded brands such as Porsche stand out? Well, you take things to an even higher level of road-going insanity. Hold on for this one! The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT just changed the game again.
When the original Porsche Taycan arrived for 2020, it did not disappoint. We blasted the Turbo S version to 60 in 2.8 seconds and hustled that hefty Hoss around Roebling Road Raceway with 911-like proficiency. None of that was enough for Porsche. So, for 2025, the Taycan gets more range, more style, more tech, and of course it does it all faster than before too. And that’s before we even get to this Porsche Taycan Turbo GT which is new to the lineup.
For our return trip to Roebling Road, there was a threat of a major winter storm about to impact our track time, so we wasted none of it, hitting the track early and often. And it’s still amazing how this big battery on wheels can feel so Porsche like. No other brand has been able to accomplish a similar feat. We laud BMW for even coming close with the i4, but here you get the full capable and confident Porsche experience; even the brakes feel incredibly natural and powerful, ceramic brakes are standard with the Turbo GT.
Having said that, it remains a very heavy vehicle, so while you’re hustling it around the track it does tend to feel more like work than fun. Many EVs dial back the power as soon as you get up to speed, but here in the Turbo GT, it never seemed to let up, building to the point we reached over 170 mph on Roebling’s front straight, and the way it powers out of corners is otherworldly.
Now, while it does absolutely shred on a racetrack, it really feels best just high-speed sweeping your way through life on some scenic roads through the countryside. This Turbo GT’s 760-kW dual-motor setup cranks out 1,019 horsepower and 914 lb-ft of torque with Launch Control, which allows for sprinting to 60 in 2.2 seconds and clearing the quarter-mile in less than 10. But alas, that winter storm arrived and covered the track in snow before we got a chance to verify that.
You get the full capable and confident Porsche experience.
All Taycans get a new rear motor for ’25, along with updated software and improvements to the cooling system. And guess what? It charges faster too, now accepting up to 320 kW, getting it to 80% in as little as 18 minutes. There’s a 30% boost to the energy capture from regen braking as well, now up to 400 kW. What the Taycan desperately needed was more range, because who wants all this fun to ever stop; and it has been increased by as much as 35% throughout the lineup, now delivering as many as 318 miles; 276 for this Turbo GT.
The Turbo GT features a unique front splitter and active rear spoiler, but all Taycans get revised styling for ’25 including upgraded lighting and a revised front clip that both improves aerodynamics and accentuates the Taycan’s substantial width. All wheels have been aerodynamically optimized as well.
Things inside look mostly the same, but they have improved the functionality of their multimedia setup, moved some controls around, and provided more standard content. It’s a borderline luxury car experience as far as amenities and tech go, yet it still has a purposeful feel to it; and whether things are covered in Race-Tex or real leather everything looks and feels great. Gauges are of course all virtual now, but they can still have a traditional look if you prefer. You really have to duck down to get into the rear seats, but space is plentiful; and with a pair of trunks, there’s abundant luggage space too.
Using 41 kilowatts of electricity for every 100 miles, the Turbo GT earns a fair Efficiency Rating. There are now more options than ever across the Taycan lineup, and that’s even before you even get to Cross Turismos and Sport Turismos. So, while this Turbo GT may cost $231,995 to start, you can get largely the same experience for as little as $101,395 for a base Taycan.
The 2025 Porsche Taycan Turbo GT is more than just a fantastic EV; it’s a great car period, and even a terrific Porsche. With the recently released Macan Electric SUV and the upcoming Boxster and Cayman EVs, more than any other brand, Porsche is giving us reasons not to fear the electrified future.
Specifications
As Tested
- Motor Setup: Dual Motor
- Battery Size: 105 kWh
- EPA Range: up to 276 miles
- Horsepower: 1,019
- Torque: 914 lb-ft
- 0-60 mph (est.): 2.2 seconds