I was running some errands and stopped by a VW dealership today. My dad actually bought his Saab from this dealer way, way back in 1985. Unfortunately they no longer sell those; I would have loved to have driven a new one.
I was looking at the 2011 VW Jetta. Specifically, the 2.5 and TDI versions - I wanted to drive one of the 2.0T's, but they aren't putting that in the Jetta until next year sometime, and it will start at around $28K - too much for me.
The 2.5 5-cylinder engine has a TON of get up and go for a non-turbo car. Floorboarding it, even with the 6-speed auto, the thing takes off like a rocket. It's quiet, too - it does have the nice exhaust note of a Volvo 5-cylinder at the top of the rev range, but absolutely none of that vibration or low-speed coarseness that I've come to associate with them.
Then it was time for the TDI in a 6-speed manual (actually a Golf). This is the best engine I have driven in a long time, and there is just gobs of torque (only 140 hp, but nearly 236 ft-lbs of torque; nearly what my S70 T5 has) EVERYWHERE. No turbo lag whatsoever. The three things that impressed me the most, though: 1) NO DIESEL smell whatsoever from the car while it was running. 2) Very, very quiet. I've always thought of diesels as the old, loud Mercedes engines - even the old VW TDIs were smoky, loud, underpowered things. As it revs, it sounds just like a gasoline engine - all the way up to 4000 RPM (I didn't go past that). 3) It's amazingly smooth, and prodding the gas pedal in the slightest, even in 4th gear, instantly takes you up 10 mph easily. I accelerated from 45-55 without even realizing it within a few seconds. It makes you feel like you're going much slower than you actually are.
The 6-speed manual was a seriously great transmission - the clutch wasn't grabby at all like a lot of newer manuals that I've driven, and the gears shifted smoothly with a finger. The 6-speed auto was very quick to shift in sport mode - it also automatically downshifts as you slow down to keep the revs up so you'll have power immediately; regular drive works like 'E' mode in the Volvo; up shifting as soon as you'll let it to conserve fuel.
The body roll on the Jetta is handled very well; it definitely leans a lot less than my Volvo in the corners while taking bumps, etc very well too. Durham has absolutely amazingly bad roads, but I felt like I was in control of it the entire time. Unfortunately, their tires weren't anywhere near as good as what I've got on the Volvo - they broke loose much sooner. It was pretty funny that the sales guy was encouraging me to drive like a maniac; power seems to be one of their selling points for both models. A good car should be fun to drive - something some manufacturers (Toyota) don't even consider.
I will say that I seriously liked them and depending on the way things turn out in my near future, may consider putting in an order for one. I did like the interior of the old Jettas a little better, but the new model is well thought out even if the dash/console materials aren't as plush as the 2010 models. And they're good-looking.
Next on my list is the 2012 Civic - they look like a promising, fun car. For now, I'm still perfectly happy with my Volvo - it still puts a big, stupid grin on my face just about every time I drive it
