The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta TDI w/Navigation isn’t just another pretty 5-passenger midsize sedan. This turbodiesel-powered small midsize carries more than a few standard bells and whistles, stuff like a power sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery, leather tilting and telescoping steering wheel, heated front seats, leather-trimmed shift knob and, not to be missed, 15 cubic feet of trunk space. Add to all this standard power windows, remote power door locks, a pass-through rear center armrest, cruise control, air conditioning and front and rear floor mats and behold way more than just a pretty face. The highly regarded Fender Premium audio system, with 9 speakers, including a subwoofer, also comes standard in the TDI w/Navigation. This sound machine boasts a single-CD player and satellite radio, a USB connection and a memory card slot for some pretty musical muscle to go with standard Bluetooth hands-free communications. Finally, a standard hard-drive-based touchscreen navigation system is what distinguishes the TDI w/Navigation from its lesser siblings. Meantime, options for the Jetta TDI w/Navigation include carpeted floor mats, splash guards, a Ground Effects package, upgraded and upsized wheels, and a rear spoiler.
Let it not be said that the front-wheel-drive-only 2012 Jetta TDI w/Navigation is underpowered. A torque-laden 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) direct-injected turbodiesel powerplant combines with a standard 6-speed manual transmission for 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, as well as for a pump-passing 30 mpg city/42 highway. Now that’s pretty. But wait, there’s also a well-received DSG 6-speed shiftable auto-manual transmission available that includes a driver-selectable sport mode. Thus drivers can toy with the shifter using the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters or just put it in drive and still get that slick 30/42.
Traditionally safety conscious, VW equips the 2012 TDI w/Navigation with standard 4-wheel disc antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags, front head-restraint whiplash protection and front side-mounted airbags. Further safety equipment includes daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a post-collision safety system.
