That's because diesel cars are already becoming more expensive to own due to new toxicity taxes, like the London T-Charge, and motorists are worried that the Chancellor is primed to ramp-up taxes in the Budget this week. This doesn't bode well for the future of diesel in the UK, and car dealers know it. In fact, they're already offering 25 per cent bigger discounts to hard-bargaining buyers than they are on petrol alternatives, according to new report by What Car? Target Price index, which calculates the most you should pay for a new car based on average discounts, shows that the average saving being offered on diesel cars is 拢2,716. In comparison, dealers are willing to knock just 拢2,162 off the price of a 67-plate petrol model. Claire Evans, consumer editor at What Car? The dramatic rise in discounts is a direct response to a slump in demand caused by the Government's demonisation of diesels and a lack of understanding from consumers of the new cleaner 鈥楨uro 6鈥?diesels now available,' she said. It鈥檚 a perfect storm. The average discount on a new diesel car is currently 拢2,716, according to What Car? 10 cars available right now with the most significant savings - all of which, unsurprisingly, are diesel models. Topping the list is the Volkswagen Jetta 2.0-litre diesel saloon, which dealers are letting go for 25.2 per cent knocked off the retail price. That works out at a saving of 拢6,110 on a car advertised for 拢24,2245. Discounts are currently high as rumours are rife about a potential tax hit on diesel cars in the build-up to this week's Budget. According to What Car?
However, at the time of this writing, neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the federal government had crash tested this brand-new vehicle, which is why we haven鈥檛 rated it for overall safety. Unexpectedly, the Jetta鈥檚 turbocharged 1.4-liter proved both thirsty and flawed, but it has its moments. Volkswagen sure knows how to wring out the last ounce of driving pleasure from a turbocharged engine. My Jetta was equipped with the standard 1.4-liter turbo four, carried over from last year鈥檚 car. In 2019-spec, it鈥檚 capable of 147 horsepower. That鈥檚 not much, but once you鈥檙e able get past the initial turbo lag, the engine鈥檚 satisfying 184 lb.-ft. 1,400 rpm and lasts nearly until the horsepower peak at 5,000 rpm. As a result of the broad torque curve, the Jetta feels lively and quick - once you鈥檝e got it moving. Still, that鈥檚 not much help when you鈥檙e trying to turn from a side street onto a large street, or make left turns on multi-lane highways, where the turbo lag accelerates your pulse more than it does the car.
Nevertheless, you get used to the engine鈥檚 character and drive accordingly. A manual transmission might help in this regard, but VW offers one only for the base S trim level. All other Jettas have a standard 8-speed automatic, which did a good job of shifting crisply and correctly. A Sport mode helps to make the Jetta more responsive, too. Disappointingly, my Jetta yielded only 28.6 mpg during testing. That鈥檚 light years away from the EPA-stated estimates of 30 mpg in the city, 40 mpg on the highway, and 34 mpg in combined driving. Talk about fantasy vs. Comparatively, the Jetta feels alive in your hands, daring you to toss the car into corners, zip past slower moving traffic, and insert yourself into small holes in traffic. That鈥檚 not to say that the Jetta rides harshly. Far from it, as this VW is actually quite compliant over bumps yet remains solidly planted in spite of its simple torsion beam rear suspension. And that illustrates the trick that German car companies have mastered.
They expertly tune a suspension so that it doesn鈥檛 beat you up, yet delivers exceptional balance and athleticism when called upon. Furthermore, the steering is light and easy around town, but with speed proves precise and delivers a good amount of feel. It鈥檚 magic. The Jetta鈥檚 brakes are well modulated and inspire confidence, too. Though I鈥檓 looking forward to the expected GLI sport sedan version of the new Jetta, even in standard-spec this is a fun car to drive. With this redesign, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is still fun, and is more respectable. While the Jetta is an appealing vehicle from the standpoints of style, driving dynamics, and upscale features, some items of concern give me pause. With revised fuel economy expectations, a front passenger鈥檚 seat height adjuster, some rear-seat air conditioning vents, and a less murderous trunk lid, the Jetta would have scored higher than it did in this review. Generally speaking, I really liked this car. But it needs a visit to the finishing shop. This review was updated on August 31, 2018 to reflect changes to the ratings and commentary about build quality. As it turned out, the test car was a pre-production vehicle that was not representative of the quality consumers should experience. Did you find this article helpful? If so, please share it using the "Join the Conversation" buttons below, and thank you for visiting Daily News Autos.
It was not that long ago that buying a used car meant taking your chances. People would run the risk of purchasing a car with faulty equipment such as a poor engine, alternator, and transmission. Fortunately, there are now many websites and consumer reports that inform people of the best and worst used cars to buy. GMC Canyon 2004 to 2006 models: Used car dealers have been warned to keep away from the 2004 to 2006 models of the GMC Canyon primarily because of issues with the brake lights. Some reports indicate that they fail to come on when the brake is applied or they come on and do not go off even when the brake is no longer engaged. Chrysler Sebring: Problems noted include: poor reliability, poor cabin quality, poor performance, and problems with the engine, air conditioning and heating systems. Ford Explorer: Problems noted included: coolant and oil leaks, clanking timing belts, and ticking valves in the 4.6-liter engines. Volkswagen Passat: The Volkswagen Passat has had a number of issues linked to its used models. These include steering problems, engine and engine cooling issues and problems with the fuel system.
