Short review of 2008 VW City Jetta
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Price as tested: CDN$19925

A year after the reintroduction of Mk4 platform, as an entry-level model, for VW’s Canadian model range. VW Canada decided to have a minor revision for this proven model. Other than the cosmetic front and rear end changes, the single biggest improvement has to be its 6-speed Tiptronic as a replacement for the 4-speed automatic.

This 6-speed Tiptronic has low 1st and 2nd gear for better acceleration. The gear ratios have chosen for VW’s ancient 2.0’s narrow powerband. As we have said before, this engine felt aged a decade ago and just feel antique right now. With 115hp and 122 lb/ft of torque, it better serves as a daily commuter. The Tiptronic does help improve the acceleration and responsiveness of this stone-age powertrain.

Steering remains a precise and light unit, which generate plenty of feedback. It has a luxurious ride with the usual Germanic supple rebound damping that we always love from VW. Although City’s suspension setting is softer than all the Mk4 we have driven before, it remains a very forgiving and composed handler that generate lots of confidence through its well-damped chassis.

When it comes the interior materials and fit-and-finish, Mk4 chassis remains at the forefront of its price class. Plenty of soft-touch plastic materials. It never felt low-rent as some of its peers. Other than some aluminum trim and a new 3-spoke steering, rest of the interior is something we have used to for the last couple of years.

What we have said about City Jetta applies to the equivalent City Golf, which received the same treatment as its sedan silibings. It really comes as a surprise 1/3 of Canadian VW sales are City series. Its interesting to see when will VW Canada bring in a Polo as a proper entry to rivalled the smaller Japanese and Korean competitions.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2008 VW City Jetta
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Overall rating: 3.5/5