Double Whammy: Jetta vs Passat

Why would VW create two cars so similar? I fail to think that the Passat will get much attention as the Jetta is built on the same platform and shares so much mechanically. Does VW think we will purchase the Passat because it has better engine selections? Who knows. VW realized the base 2.5 cars interior touches were not up to the previous model and upgrades them in the GLI version. Other GLI upgrades include the addition of sport suspension, larger tires and wheels to name a few.

My pet peeve with this car is the failure of the rear seats to fold flat (this is an issue with the New Golf/A3 as well). This severely limits your carrying capacity and the types of things that can be stuck into the larger trunk. The little peeve is the availability of vinyl seats. It felt cheap, smelled cheap and looks like it will crack up in 5 years. Go for the fabric or get leather.

I am also impressed with the cars safety features. The crash test results speak for themselves.

This is not a cheap car and it remains to be seen if VW will offer discounts as I have seen nothing so far other than a leasing program.