On petrol duty

One might be tempted to think that launching a petrol car at a time when the price of petrol is skyrocketing is sheer madness. But manufacturers, perhaps, anticipating additional taxes on diesels seem to think that adding a petrol to their portfolio is the best way to hedge their bets. That’s why Volkswagen have decided to offer the Jetta with a 1.4-litre TSI engine.

Externally, little has changed apart from the TSI badging at the rear. The Jetta still sports the common Veedub design language and looks sporty. Alloy wheels are part of the package and the interiors too retain their finesse. However, the lack of an automatic climate control is a glaring omission in a car in this segment.

The TSI is offered in Trendline and Comfortline interior trims, but not in the top-spec Highline trim. For more on the Jetta's interiors, click here.

Under the bonnet is a new 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which offers 120bhp and 200Nm of torque. Start up the Jetta and you will be hard-pressed to feel that the engine is ticking over. It’s that smooth. The clutch is light and progressive and the 6-speed manual gearbox is a slick operator, slotting into the cogs precisely. In the city, especially where speeds are generally limited to 80kmph, you won’t notice the lack of power. It actually climbs to 100kmph easily, but as the speedo reaches the 120kmph mark, things begin to slow down. It’s from here that one starts feeling the results of a small engine lugging around 1403kg of metal and fuel. On the upside, though, the company claims that this engine makes the Jetta a fuel efficient car. Not surprisingly the trip computer held on to the 10kmpl mark despite us pushing the car to its limits during the drive.

The Jetta TSI retains the good ride and handling package. It absorbs undulations easily and doesn't compromise on the handling front. The steering too feels light and offers good feedback. In all, the TSI is a good package, especially for those looking for a big petrol sedan.

Volkswagen is looking at the future. If additional tax is levied on diesel cars, the Jetta TSI could be the saviour. The new engine offers sufficient power for city use and also promises fuel economy (a must these days). It comes loaded and is smartly priced at Rs 15.07 lakh (ex-Delhi).