Vehicle(s): 2007 VW Golf City with air-conditioning, ESP, side/head curtain airbags and luxury pkg
Jetta City with air-conditioning, side/head curtain airbags, automatic transmission, ESP, luxury and convenience pkgs.
Price as tested: CDN$18020 (Golf City) CDN$22300 (Jetta City)

Performance: Both Cities are powered by VW’s ancient 2.0L engine. This is a 2-valve-per-cylinder DOHC engine with 115hp and 120 lb/ft of torque. There is more than enough grunt to move this compact consider its maximum torque arrives at 2600rpm. While the refinement is more than acceptable judging by this engine’s age, which dated back to two decades ago. Its NVH is somewhat lacking. However, when compares to newer subcompact rivals. This 2.0L feels surprisingly refined and quiet. Just don’t pushed it through high rpm because its unwilling to rev and breathless on top. On the other hand, its 4-speed automatic transmission has excellent fuzzy logic program that learns driver’s right foot really well. Without this system, the 2.0L would feel even more legthegic with auto tranny. The 5-speed stick shift, however, still has VW’s typical rubbery feel and high grabbing clutch take-off.

Handling: Even though Mk4 chassis has been out in the market for close to a decade, it still feels remarkably stiff and Teutonic. Compares to its subcompact rivals, this chassis is far more solid than anything else in its class. That includes the class-leading Fit. The steering feels precise and sharp, while providing decent feedback and responsiveness. There is slight understeer when pushed hard into corners. The ride comfort, however, remains feel like a baby luxury car when going through expansion joints and rough pavements. We have been saying that 8 years ago which still hold true today. Its ESP is an uninstrusive type as it won’t step in until the last moment. Both of these Cities perform admirably under our pouring rain testing today. That really speaks something regarding how good its chassis can hold on its own in the last 8 years.

Brakes: Both Cities scored well in braking performance. The brakes feel confidence and solid under our wet weather hard braking test. The stopping distance is short while pedal modulation is superb.

Interior: Inside the Cities, its the same excellent interior we have been praising in the past. Everything from the dashboard, door panels and center console are covered in soft-touch plastic materials. It was considered as class-leading when Mk4 sold above 20 grand, its absolutely amazing when you look at the base price. The two-toned velour seats are comfortable and supportive. All the nik-pick minor issues of Mk4’s past has gone for history in these Mk4.5s. Cupholders are in the center console while build quality is more solid.

Conclusion: Just like Versa we reviewered earlier, Cities using the same strategy to tackle against subcompact competitions. While the Nissan left us completely cold and disappointed with its poor execution; these Cities gave us downright surprisingly result. Yes, its 2.0 is an ancient engine technology. Yes, Mk4 didn’t fare well in quality and reliability. However, given its lower price than before. As well as debugged its quality glitches in the last 8 years. These Cities are very capable of going against smaller subcompact rivals, especially the excellent Fit and Yaris.

As for which one to buy? A loaded City Golf comes under 19 grand is a steal with German solidty and comfort. However, City Jetta could be a problem if you are going fully loaded. That’s because a Mk5 Rabbit 2.5 with new technology and an all-new chassis is just a bit more. I personally wouldn’t opt for every boxes in the option list simply because these cars are meant to be basic transportations. Only take those active and passive safety features, use the crack window and complete the deal!

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 VW CITY GOLF and CITY JETTA
==============================================
Performance: 2.25/5 (City Golf) 2.25/5 (City Jetta)
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5 (City Golf) 4/5 (City Jetta)
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5 (City Golf) 4/5 (City Jetta)
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5 (City Golf) 4/5 (City Jetta)
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 5/5 (City Golf) 4/5 (City Jetta)
Value-for-money: 4/5 (City Golf) 2/5 (City Jetta)

Overall rating: 4/5 (City Golf) 3.75/5 (City Jetta)