2023 VW Jetta SEL Review | More POWER, MORE Fun!
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- Опубликовано: 1 июн 2024
- We review the 2023 VW Jetta SEL with more power than last year's model.
Volkswagen’s Jetta's hatchback counterpart, the VW Golf, has graduated to the Mk 8 generation, however, VW's compact sedan continues to ride on the Mk 7 platform but that doesn't mean it’s been neglected so today I’m going to review it and see how it stacks up.
The standard Jetta comes in four trim levels: S, Sport (replacing last year's R-Line), SE, and SEL. This tester I have today is the most expensive model but the base model S starts at a very inexpensive $20,665 and you can still get a manual transmission.
Under the hood
All models get the same engine, a new turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four borrowed from the Taos crossover, replacing the previous 1.4-liter turbo-four. The swap brings a horsepower increase from 147 to 158, while torque remains at 184 pound-feet. It’s mated to an excellent 8-speed automatic.
With a curb weight of just 3,016 lbs. versus the Taos’s 3,181 lbs. it's no wonder the Jetta scoots to 60 in 7.1 seconds. It’s worth noting that the Honda Civic with the more powerful 180-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, takes 7.5 seconds to 60 which could be down to the fact that it has a CVT.
The Jetta is very fuel efficient with highway mileage estimates of 40 mpg.
2023 VW Jetta SEL Numbers
BASE PRICE: $28,385
AS TESTED PRICE: $29,280
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ENGINE: Turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4
POWER: 158 hp @ 5,500 rpm
TORQUE: 184 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 3,016 lb
0-60 MPH: 7.1 sec
EPA COMB/ CITY/HWY: 33/29/40 mpg
OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY: 24.2 MPG
PROS: Quicker than expected, smooth ride, very fuel efficient
CONS: Some cheaper cabin materials, no cooled seats on this highest trim 
Авто/Мото
Agree 100% that that open mesh sunroof screen is crap. I do not like sunroofs but if it has to be there give me a full light block screen. Driving all day with all that extra light gives me a headache, even with sunglasses and a visored hat.
agree on the tires, my 2020RLine came with the nexen's switched over to Bridgestone ride and gas mileage improved considerably
Nice review
The Nexens are actually pretty decent handling, and provide that cushy ride I enjoy on my 2023 Jetta Sport.
I like the review. Informative comments about the impression that many reviewers don't add. FYI. in July 2023 in Texas, all the SEL have heated AND ventilated seats. I am assuming that is what you mean by 'cooling' seats.
How do you make the steering feel heavier????….
And what I heard about the cool seats is there short on chips so you get a credit for them missing.
That was also my complaint with the sunroof u can feel the heat of the sun because it is like a curtain mesh ..
How is the 8 speed auto in stop and go? Any clunking, hard shifts, etc?
Nah pretty smooth but the ecu does kind of react based on previous driving habits for sure.
This car for what it is is pretty hard to swallow at 28k especially when a gli with everything the sel comes with in addition to better brakes, drivetrain, wheel/tires etc for only 3 grand more. this standard jetta model makes more sense the less trim you buy. the sport seems like a killer deal for 22k. if your willing to spend 28k on a jetta you should stretch to a gli. it will probably hold its value better anyway making up or maybe exceeding the 3 grand cost difference to a sel
Isn't there also a Jetta GLI so technically 5 trims?
Yes you are correct although I was only referring to the non GLI trims.
You did know these have cooled seats...they just had a parts shortage so your car proably got a $200 discount for the removal.
Yeah being a press car they were probably deleted.