2011 Jetta Sedan. Its here!!!!!

glitdi

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Dec 28, 2009
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West Coast Canada
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Tdi asv motor in a mk3 golf, om642 in a wk jeep
Its here!!!!!

Just landed 5 mins ago 3 2011 Jetta's and "Yes its a Diesel!"
I figured you all would be excited, you can definitely see the difference in size. Looks great in person.
If you are in the Grvd area and would like to take a look pm me and I will let you know when they will be available for viewing!
Please note still needs unwrapping, fresh off the boat.
Enjoy! Joe. :D




Time for a mark VI Jetta Tdi Specific Discussion Area!!!
 

wainair

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Erin,ON
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Yes, Canada gets the TDI from launch. A little nod to how popular the TDI has been up here for years. It's nice that VW is recognizing that. We usually are considered a secondary market.
 

vw4life

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2014 Touareg TDI
mmmmm, I want to like it but it still looks plastic-icky and the styling just doesn't POP enough. Maybe it has to be seen in person... I do like the Audi nod on the rear treatment, but again, too subtle I think.
 

firedwg1

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CA
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I was part of the marketing evaluation for this car in 2008... I am going to look at the 2012 next week. I am glad to see some of the design features we voted on are now a part of the car.
 

Mr. Timewise

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Apr 28, 2010
Location
Hawthorn Woods, ILLINOIS, USA
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2010 Jetta SE 2.5L Tip (gasser)
I sat in the 2011 Jetta for a few minutes today. Some personal observations...

The dash is just slightly shinier than the previous generation. To me, the feel and texture is the same as before, just the surface is slightly more reflective. I'm not sure that I'd have noticed the difference at first glance if this hadn't been discussed in so many threads (by people who, it seems, have never seen the car in person).

On the other hand the carbon fiber trim at the belt line inside the doors and on the dash is no longer shiny. Instead, it is very matt. I like it.

I do not like the lopsided look of the steering wheel because one side only has muti-function controls. This, to me, just looks ridiculous. Of course, some would argue that any controls on the right spoke would have no function unless you have an on-board trip computer. Without the right spoke control buttons I'm not sure how you control the MFD when using the BT phone book, etc. Regardless, the controls should be there. Of course, you can buy the control button module and install it in seconds...I'd do that just as a finishing touch...even it it was non-functional.

Speaking of the steering wheel... The texture, feel, and reflective nature of the air bag cover in the center of the steering wheel is the same as that on the earlier Jetta generation. And this matches the new dash surface just fine.

I hate that the instrument cluster doesn't have separate gauges for the water temperature and fuel level. This shows a "cheapness" on VW's part. The fact that those parameters can show - one at a time - in an "analog looking" display in the MFD is not acceptable to me. (Edit...I'm not sure if the MFD can even show a Coolant Temperature gauge.)

The front nose styling is rather nice. The lower lip adds a nice agressive look. I do like the previous generation's nose a bit more (which looks a little "audi-like"), but the new style is fine, too.

The trunk outer shape is very nice. I like the high stance. And the tail lights are really nice. The trunk space is long front-to-back, but as you look downward into the trunk entranceway the opening is rather short. Many long narrow profile items can fit in the trunk, but one larger profile item could never be put through the opening.

The rear seat leg room is amazing. For some potential buyers, the 2011 Jetta's usable rear seats will allow the car to fit in the niche previously filled by the now retired Passat.

I do like the trunk location of the release levers for tilting the rear seats forward. This is something to which I am not accustomed, but is extremely logical. And it makes limiting a valet's access to the trunk easier to activate...you no longer are required to lock the two release levers at the top of the rear seats. This was a smart cost savings change by VW.

There is no longer a swing down hook in the trunk for hanging plastic shopping bags. This was a nice standard feature on the previous generation.

What is really nice in regard to the trunk is that VW has once again placed a rubber covered trunk release switch within the grab handle at the rear lip of the trunk. This was sorely needed as a standard feature again as VW had removed the external trunk open switch in the sedans a couple years ago.

The design of the rubber accordion boot which covers the electrical wiring between the A pillar and the doors had been a serious problem for years. The wires in the boot would flex with each opening and closing of the doors. The flexing will invariably break the heavier gauge copper wires and/or their insulation. Many, many Jetta owners suddenly experience electrical problems because the ground wire breaks and/or another wire shorts out. The 2011 Jetta has a different boot design which doesn't flex the wires longitudinally over a short span. Instead the wires twist axially over a longer span. This will significantly reduce, if not completely eliminate, wire breakage problems within the "A pillar to door" wiring. This is BIG!

Overall, the impression I got from the car is that it is much bigger. Yes, it is only 3" longer, but the raised profile of the trunk gives the car more substance.

I like the outer appearance. I am mostly disappointed with the steering wheel and instrument cluster. I guess the good news is that the car seems to be designed to allow adding features for each year's introduction.
 
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wainair

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Erin,ON
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2000 golf mkiv/ 2006 smart CDI
Great insights Mr.Timewise. Thanks!!

I was by our Dealer today to have a look and I really do think The Media are over reacting about the interior. It's not bad at all. It may not be quite as good as the 2010 but it is still heads and shoulders above most, if not all, of it's competition. I finally found out that the Joda rims are the multi spoke rims, the Mambo are the 5 spoke rims and the Wellington are the 10 spoke rims( Joda's pictured below). I got to see the brown paint which I took a pic of. I was surprised, I hate brown cars, but it the direct sunlight it looked quite nice. I might even be concidering it as a colour choice...:eek:, maybe. I think this will be my next ride. Haters be damned! LOL;)

The pics don't do the colour justice but it was very metalic in the sun. Very Bronze-y...:rolleyes:




 

wainair

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"There are three kinds of people in this world. Those who can count, and those who can't."
Sooooo.... 1 + 2 = 11 Right?
:)
I thought it was 12... LOL! Yes that's my favorite quote. I can't remember where I originally heard it or who said it but it has made it into my signature. The quote was memorable, the source wasn't.:rolleyes:
 

cfm56

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97068
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2014 Jetta TDI SportWagen
interior materials suck...first time i have seen vw use hard plastic for dash's, door panels...etc..
 

wainair

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interior materials suck...first time i have seen vw use hard plastic for dash's, door panels...etc..
If it bothers you that much take the 2 grand that VW dropped the price by and go to a Custom shop and get them to leather clad the dash and door panels. Then your sensitive hands won't be bothered when you are fondling your dash...door panels...ect...:rolleyes:
 

FowVay

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Georgia
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2009 Jetta returned to der Führer
interior materials suck...first time i have seen vw use hard plastic for dash's, door panels...etc..
haha,, I guess you missed the A1's and A2's and A3's and the B2's and B3's. Looking back, Volkswagen and Audi has had some of the absolutely cheapest dashboard materials I've seen in my driving life. It wasn't until the late '90's and the intro of the B5 and A4 platforms that they started becoming famous for their interiors.

I was cruising down the road the other night in my '09 and just took a moment to appreciate how absolutely fantastic these new cars are. We've become quite a spoiled lot when we complain about something that improves our life in such a fashion that a new car does.
 

ubercam

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Oct 23, 2007
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Hertfordshire
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2007 Golf Match TDI 1.9L (BXE) M5
Those look fairly similar to the new Audi A4's, especially the tail lights.

I rented a large family car (Passat/Mondeo sized) about 2-3 weeks ago and ended up with a brand new Audi A4 SE with 2.0 TDI, 6 spd and 57 miles on the clock (UK spec, 60 reg, so possibly the 2011 model?). It was quite nice to drive.

My thoughts on this new Jetta is that just looking at the exterior, it looks like they've gone down market from the A5. Doesn't look as fancy to me. I really like the look of the A5's and this new look isn't going in the right direction for me.
 

Oberkanone

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Feb 16, 2001
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NW Indiana
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13 Jetta TDI Premium manual "gone"
Price is higher in USA

If it bothers you that much take the 2 grand that VW dropped the price by and go to a Custom shop and get them to leather clad the dash and door panels. Then your sensitive hands won't be bothered when you are fondling your dash...door panels...ect...:rolleyes:
Hey you sarcastic wise guy:rolleyes:

TDI is more expensive for 2011 than 2010 in USA, VW did not drop the price a penny, if it was $2,000 less then VW would be partially forgiven.
 

wainair

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Hey you sarcastic wise guy:rolleyes:

TDI is more expensive for 2011 than 2010 in USA, VW did not drop the price a penny, if it was $2,000 less then VW would be partially forgiven.
Well that sucks doesn't it. Even the TDI is cheaper up here.Though I don't think we ever could get a TDI in base trim.

I am a very sarcastic person...:rolleyes: LOL
 

Oberkanone

Top Post Dawg
Joined
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Location
NW Indiana
TDI
13 Jetta TDI Premium manual "gone"
’11 Jetta Loses European Flair [less German - more "American"]

http://wardsauto.com/testdrive/jetta_european_flair_101001/

The most obvious target is the Jetta’s interior. For years, the interiors of VW and its upscale sister brand Audi set the standard for the industry, with painstaking attention to detail and high-quality materials.
But after market research indicated U.S. consumers were more concerned about space than a finely crafted interior, product planners unsheathed their machetes.
Gone are the rich, soft-touch materials of previous Jettas, replaced by noticeably cheaper plastics and trim. Heck, even the seat leather, in vehicles so equipped, is artificial.
Rather than genuine cowhide, VW opted for “V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces,” which company officials maintain is not just as good as the real thing, but better.
We’ll agree to disagree. While nice enough, the seats have a sheen that screams “leatherette.”
The dash is another focal point for decidedly cheap plastic. Why skimp on dashboard material?
“Americans told us, ‘Yes, it’s a nice dash but I’m not willing to pay an additional $1,000’” for it, says Michael Grobe, Jetta’s technical project manager. “That’s the kind of thinking we used in configuring this car.”
Perhaps the average American consumer is as oblivious to subtle touches as VW maintains they are.
Are you oblivious?:(
 

CDubber

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Jun 25, 2010
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Utah
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Jetta SportWagen TDI
I finally got to check out the 2011 model at the dealership while picking up some touchup paint for my 2010 SportWagen. I was disappointed with the 2011 to say the least. At first glance I thought "Hmm, looks a lot like my Jetta." Then I started touching it. The plastics were a real turnoff. And the doors didn't close with that vault-like thunk that characterizes German cars. The doors had a very lightweight, Japanese feel to them. Ugh.

But here's the rub: this car stickered at $23,000. :eek: Not much less than my TDI SportWagen I bought a few months ago. So much for cost savings.

So if you want a cheap, no-frills base model, I guess the cost cutting does you some good. Otherwise you're hosed. Start adding some options and suddenly you're at the same price point as previous models, but with cheaper build quality. :(

Bad move, VW.
 

Mr. Timewise

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Hawthorn Woods, ILLINOIS, USA
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2010 Jetta SE 2.5L Tip (gasser)
I looked at the 2011 Jetta again today. My wife came along, too.

She likes the backside appearance but dislikes the front. She commented that the dash is fine, but the doors have no padded surface. When your arm is resting on the arm rest, the side of your elbow is against hard plastic.

I noted that on the $25,430 delivery price of the 2.5L SEL that the hood is still held up with a post...not an air piston. This is a big disappointment to me...and to anyone working in the engine compartment.

I also saw the RNS-315. It has a very small display compared to the RNS-510.
 
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09R/T

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Edmonton, Canada
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2006 Jetta 5M
2010 Jetta TDi at my local dealer are going for CDN$31,000

2011 Jetta TDi, going for CDN$26,000

Both are top of the line models.

Hmmm....which one will be the hot seller?? LOL. The 2010 uses real leather, and is more Camry/Accord Focused....2011 uses leatherette, and is more aimed at the Corrola/Civic. Hence the downgrade, and subsequent complaints from media/publications etc.
 

wainair

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2000 golf mkiv/ 2006 smart CDI
sadly if it were not for the badges it could pass for one of these..
Seeing as KIA has an ex Audi designer/stylist doing thier cars, and the Jettas similar looks to the A4, that doesn't surprise me at all. It's nice to see that KIA has upped their game design wise and look more German. But honestly, do you think that the Kia will be worth anything in 6-7 years... ah no, a TDI Jetta on the other hand, Ah yes.
 

diezlpwr

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colonia, nj
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Seeing as KIA has an ex Audi designer/stylist doing thier cars, and the Jettas similar looks to the A4, that doesn't surprise me at all. It's nice to see that KIA has upped their game design wise and look more German. But honestly, do you think that the Kia will be worth anything in 6-7 years... ah no, a TDI Jetta on the other hand, Ah yes.
i know the Kia won't be worth anything and I would never buy one over a VW. All i'm saying is the styling of the new Jetta looks like a Kia. It doesn't have its "own" look. I can't really think of any other cars that look like a MKV Jetta.
 

IdontownaVW

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Wilmington DE
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I actually went to look at the 2011 Jettas and was interested in getting the 2.5L SEL. I was going to order a manual one with the same trim levels until I actually drove it, the salesman was a friend of a friend so he was straight up with me and even said they went a little TOO cheap on the interior..

It showed, it's a shame though, I LOVE the way the 2011s look on the exterior much more than I do on the MK5 chassis cars...After the drive in the MK5 I ended up driving off of the lot in that car. It just goes to show all the small stuff and neat options is what makes a sale for an enthusiast. Maybe they'll have a mid MY change of heart haha
 

MyAvocation

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Hoffman Estates, IL
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2017 Passat SEL TSI
they went a little TOO cheap on the interior..
It just goes to show all the small stuff and neat options is what makes a sale for an enthusiast. Maybe they'll have a mid MY change of heart haha
Agreed... I'm betting 2012+ will begin a recontenting program. Makes one wonder if the focus group had any VW owners. Interiors on domestics have a reputation for boring and cheap look/feel. Jap cars are known for flimsy container-like bodies. Both have lackluster handling. Why does VW want to be more like them? Personally, I desire these extras that are othewise found on more expensive name plates.
 

mo_focus

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i dont know what the fuss is about the Jetta. I have 2010 Golf TDI and getting my 2011 Jetta TDI this tuesday. The feel is the same as the Golf. Ppl crying for the fact that doors feel different when you close them and bunch of other stupid minor things. Guess what! Its the same as the Golf. how come no one complained about the golf, how come they all said it was a great car and now everyone is picking on the Jetta!

Either way, you are all wrong! reglardless of what the minority think, this is going to be a best seller of all VW's. I bet VWoC will even increase the price by next yr as well! :) You should have seen the dealership today, standing room only! They had atleast 40 ppl looking at the Jetta, freaking sales ppl didnt know what to do with all the people. I bet this is not the only dealership, wonder when we are going to get the sales numbers of the jetta! I think VW hit it right on the spot with this car!

BTW, both cars are Highlines.
 

PoliPino

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Oakland Township, Michigan
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2010 Jetta Sportwagen
Agreed... I'm betting 2012+ will begin a recontenting program. Makes one wonder if the focus group had any VW owners. Interiors on domestics have a reputation for boring and cheap look/feel. Jap cars are known for flimsy container-like bodies. Both have lackluster handling. Why does VW want to be more like them? Personally, I desire these extras that are othewise found on more expensive name plates.
Because they're the best selling cars in America.

I think it's pretty clear that VW didn't design the Jetta for "us" - us being VW/Euro car owners or car enthusiasts in general. VW emulated the best selling cars here, and the result was the 11 Jetta. The problem is that the cars they're emulating, Honda and Toyota, have almost bulletproof reputations for reliability. VW certainly doesn't have that reputation. I'm not sure American buyers will be willing to drop their Hondas for a VW that looks and feels just like it.

Personally, I really think that VW's plan is to push "us" towards Audis and make the VWs very basic, inexpensive cars.
 

dr_p

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mo_focus; or cars must have been on the same train, my highline just got in, picking it up wednesday
 

2011TDIowner

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Location
Ottawa Canada
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2011 TDI Highline DSG
Just got back from a weekend tour in my 2011 Jetta TDI Highline. Drove from Ottawa to London Ont (~660 Kms each way). Gas tank was still showing 1/2 full when I got to London. Filled up before the return and still have a half tank when I got home - Fantastic. Car handled beautifully, seats were amazingly comfortable for a 6+hr trip. We really enjoyed the Sirius satellite radio and sound system was great. Road noise was neglible and quite acceptable even with the sunroof open at 110 km/hr. It had more than enough trunk space and when we took relatives out for dinner and they sat in the back seat, they commented on how much room there was and how nice the ride was.

Surprisingly I was not distracted by the quality of the dash and didn't notice any ride difference due to the lack of a multilink rear suspension or the tone of the thunk of the door closing. What I did notice that people were looking at the car when we had it parked in the rest station.

I've had my car for just over three weeks and already put on more than 2400 kms - on 2.5 tanks of fuel. When I stopped back into my dealer last week, the place was full of people checking out the Jettas. Looks like all the print and TV advertising is paying off for VW.

For the VW purists, they may not like the decontenting, but as a newbie to VWs and diesels, I am absolutely thrilled with this car and expect the VW will sell plenty of them.

2011TDIowner
 
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