Volkswagen Touareg 2019 - Car Review

The first Volkswagen Touareg built up a reputation as strong but refined 4x4 that was also genuinely capable in proper off-road situations - something which can't be said for many new 4x4s on the market. This second generation Volkswagen Touareg builds on that with considerable improvements all round, including the introduction of a hybrid engine - the first time this has even been seen on a Volkswagen. However it's the diesel engines that impress much more and make the hybrid seem a little lacklustre. Most people choose the excellent 3.0 TDI and it's the engine best suited to the Touareg with good pulling power, a smooth nature and economy of 38.1mpg. There's also a 4.2-litre V8 diesel which is thunderously fast. While on the outside this Touareg may not look radically different from the previous model, inside it's a very different story. The cabin has been given a major upgrade and feels far more upmarket with a modern luxury-car appearance plus superb fit and finish. As before, the Touareg is a great all-rounder that's as happy towing a horse box as it is cruising on the motorway. It also handles amazingly well for what is a large vehicle and feels agile on corners without too much body roll.

The dash controls are smartly arranged, but some of them might be a long reach for taller drivers. The Jetta features a decent 147-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Some class rivals have more power and provide quicker acceleration, but the Jetta's engine is adequate on both counts and moves this small sedan without any trouble. The VW Jetta gets excellent fuel economy for a nonhybrid car, earning 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The Jetta will cost you about the same amount in gas money each year as another highly efficient car, the Honda Civic. 150 per year compared to the Ford Focus. The Jetta isn't the little sports sedan it used to be, but this VW still handles winding roads with competency and doesn't roll too much around turns. It also rides more smoothly than some other compact cars. Is the Volkswagen Jetta Reliable? J.D. Power gives the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta a slightly above-average predicted reliability rating of 3.5 out of five. Volkswagen covers the Jetta with a six-year/72,000-mile limited warranty.

This is a longer warranty than many competitors provide. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2019 Jetta the highest rating of Good in six crash tests, but its headlights received the second-lowest rating of Marginal for outward visibility. The Jetta comes standard with a rearview camera. Available driver assistance features include automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Which Volkswagen Jetta Model Is Right for Me? You get five options when picking a VW Jetta trim (S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium). All models feature a 147-horsepower turbo-four engine and front-wheel drive. Most trims don't offer many optional features, so you generally have to move up in trim level to get more technology. With that in mind, the SE makes a fine choice for many buyers. It has some nice comfort and convenience features, as well as an array of driver assistance technology, yet it costs thousands less than the top trims.

2,000 more than the SE and adds several infotainment upgrades and more active safety tech. 18,745. Standard features include a six-speed manual transmission, cloth upholstery, a rearview camera, and an infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touch screen, four speakers, a USB port, VW Car-Net App-Connect, and Bluetooth. 450 you can add the Driver Assist package, which includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. 495, you can add the Cold Weather package, which includes remote start, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. 23,245. The R-Line has some styling upgrades and comes with the XDS differential, but its interior features are virtually identical to the SE's. 24,695. It comes with leather upholstery, an eight-speaker BeatsAudio sound system, HD Radio, satellite radio, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and an upgraded infotainment system with an 8-inch touch screen, additional VW Car-Net services, and an additional USB port. 27,695. This trim comes standard with just about every feature you can get in a Jetta.