The mid-range trim for the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta goes under the SE badge this year. The compact sedan has undergone a transformation for 2011, revising the exterior of the car with a more contemporary look (considered sleek by some, dull by others), and elongating the body by approximately 3 inches, to the benefit of rear passengers. Volkswagen has lowered the price on the Jetta, as well, while maintaining excellent cargo space and a ride still considered solid and quiet by most reviews. However, the revisions to the 2011 Jetta have also eliminated a number of the features that made the car feel unique. Some of the small details have vanished—gas struts to hold open the hood, a carpeted parcel shelf in the rear, an adjustable front center armrest and rear air conditioning vents, among others. Reviewers have also raised eyebrows over the cheaper feel of the interior materials, with hard, hollow-sounding, shiny plastic on the dash and door. Rear drum brakes replace former all-disc brakes, a torsion-beam rear suspension replaces the former front and rear independent suspension and hydraulic power steering replaces electric. For those new to the Volkswagen ride, these may not be deal-breaking details. For devotees, however, the loss of these elite-feeling premium touches may cause some to consider other compact sedans.
The SE carries forward last year’s engine: a 2.5-liter, 20-valve, inline DOHC five-cylinder paired with a standard five-speed manual transmission. The engine produces 170 hp at 5,700 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm, and uses regular unleaded gasoline, with fuel economy estimates of 23 mpg city/33 highway and a 0-60 time of 8.2 seconds. An optional six-speed automatic transmission (with Tiptronic and sport mode) has almost identical fuel consumption and performance numbers: 23/31 and a 0-60 time of 8.5 seconds.
The SE provides all the standard features of the S trim with a few enhancements. A 4-speaker sound system with MP3- and WMA-compatible in-dash CD player matches the system found in the base trim, as do two 12-volt power outlets, power windows and power locks, which come with two remote transmitter key fobs. Air conditioning with a pollen filter as well as an Immobilizer III theft deterrent system also mirror standard features found in the base trim. However, the SE’s wheels are slightly larger—16-inch steel wheels—and the heated power side mirrors now integrate turn signals and match the body color. Inside, the SE adds standard front reading lights, illuminated front visor mirrors, front seatback pockets and a lighted, lockable glovebox.
Other upgrades in the SE include a front center armrest with storage (although it is not the earlier, much beloved adjustable version) and standard cruise control. Seating for five is now covered with V-Tex leatherette (rather than cloth), and the material has been praised by owners for its breathability and easy clean-up. The front seats are 6-way manually adjustable, and the newly designed three-spoke steering wheel can adjust its height with a telescoping steering column. The rear seat benefits from the 2011 Jetta redesign, with the additional length creating legroom close to that of a midsize sedan. Like the S trim, the rear seat of the SE folds 60/40 for additional storage (supplementing its segment-leading 15.5 cubic feet of storage in the trunk), but the SE now adds a center armrest with integrated cup holders in the back and a pass-through to the trunk.
Safety features in the SE match those found in all Jetta sedan trims this year. Antilock brakes, hydraulic brake assist and engine braking assist—as well as electronic brake-pressure distribution, stability control, and anti-slip regulation—help to maintain traction and braking effectiveness in emergencies and uneven or treacherous road conditions. Other standard safety features include a tire pressure monitoring system, six airbags and an Intelligent Crash Response System, which unlocks the doors, turns on the hazard lights, and cuts off the fuel supply if the airbags are deployed.
The SE distinguishes itself even further from the base S trim, however, with two available options packages. The SE with the Convenience Package provides 16-inch alloy wheels in lieu of steel. A leather-wrapped steering wheel includes controls for Bluetooth and audio (now an upgraded 6-speaker system with MDI and an iPod cable in the glovebox). In addition, SIRIUS Satellite radio with a 3-month trial subscription can be enjoyed in heated front seats. The SE with Convenience and Sunroof package supplies the features of the Convenience package, but upgrades the stereo to a 6-speaker touchscreen Premium VII system with a 6-CD in-dash changer, as well as adding an SD memory card reader and a power tilt-and-slide tinted sunroof.
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