The Volkswagen Jetta was a firm favourite on South African roads for many years since its introduction in 1980. As times changed and the market shifted its focus onto SUVs and Crossovers, the Jetta started losing its foothold. This resulted in Volkswagen deciding to discontinue the production of right-hand-drive Jetta models in 2017. South Africa still saw the model throughout 2018 with the last few remaining stock items driving off of the floor in 2019.
Up until its discontinuation, it remained a solid and robust car that ticked many boxes. You genuinely couldn't fault a Jetta - it did what it said on the tin. It was, and indeed still is, a fantastic all-rounder with loads of space, a comfortable, compliant ride and fuel consumption that will make you smile. We cannot blame you for wanting to get behind the wheel of one, it's the smart choice.
Related: The best official Volkswagen Jetta offers AutoTrader found advertised in 2020.
Before you do that though, here are several points worth noting and keeping in mind as you search for your next used car.
1. From several models to only three to choose from.
When the updated and facelifted Jetta was launched in 2014, there were five different engines to choose from. You could choose from three different TSI petrol engines and two different TDI diesel engines. There were also three different trim levels and two gearbox options. While not all engines got all the gearbox and trim options, there were still 8 different models to choose from.
This changed in the later years as VW cut some of the models from the lineup. At the end of the run, there were only three engines to choose from, two petrol and one diesel and these could only be had in the Comfortline trim specification.
2. Highline models are well equipped.
Although the Highline model was one of the first models to be dropped, with the last few models being sold in 2018, it was the one to have. It had a few features that were not available on the lower-spec Comfortline and Trendline versions. The Highline saw the addition of sport seats, dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloys wheels, ambient lighting and shared a 6-disc touchscreen infotainment system with the Comfortline.
It may be a little older, but it's the one you'd want.
3. Updates for the 2014 model year.
The A6 Jetta was revamped in 2014 to give it a fresh new look and additional equipment as standard. Models made on or after 2014 all got a new multifunction driver info display, a new steering wheel design, 6 airbags including thorax airbags, and the new-look headlights and taillights with supporting bumper treatments.
4. Know what options were fitted.
The Jetta was still part of the 'simplified' generation and there were nowhere near as many options available for the A6 Jetta as there are for new cars these days. This makes it easy to tell what extras have been fitted and what was left off the list. Knowing what is an optional extra can help you score a better deal when you're hunting for your next Jetta.
Options:
- Park Distance Control
- Navigation
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Keyless entry
- Leather upholstery
- Electric Sunroof
- Reverse Camera
- Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights
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