Introduction
This article shows stuff to know about the new Jetta TDI that you won't find on the manufacturer's website and comes from real world TDI owners. In addition to current invoice and MSRP price, standard equipment and options, FAQ, and reviews for the 2011-15 Volkswagen Jetta TDI sedan, it also shows a comparison between the last body style 2010 and 2011 Jetta TDI sedan. For the 2011-2014 Golf TDI, see 1000q: VW Golf TDI checklist. 2011 is the first year of the new Jetta body style so please refer to the main FAQ "1000q" for the older Jetta buying guides or other models like the Audi A3 TDI buying guide. This article is regularly updated as more information comes out and please register in free forum to join our community of TDI enthusiasts!
Fuel injector recall and update: Some #2 fuel lines were leaking diesel due to a the fuel injection pulses coinciding with the natural frequency of the line at certain rpm and load conditions. This could cause the metal to weaken and leak fuel. VW is replacing the affected fuel lines and installing dampers on all the high pressure fuel lines on cars in stock before fixing cars already sold. This is because they need to build up stock before changing all the parts.
Although the last mk5 (5th generation) Jetta was about the size of the mk4 Passat, the new mk6 (a6/6th generation/mkVI) 2011 Jetta TDI is even bigger (2.9" longer , 2.5" of that is rear legroom) yet about 80 lbs lighter. The TDI engine and transmission are carryovers from last year. In the past, Jetta and Golf were almost identical except for different bumpers/headlights and a trunk. The Golf was revised in 2010 and is now a little shorter. The 2 door and 4 door Golf are actually the same overall length. The Jetta only comes in 4 door although there was a 2 door concept released.
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The Jetta sportwagen (wagon) is called the Golf wagon in Canada and the rest of the world calls it the Golf Variant. Because of the changes in the new Jetta, the wagon is no longer based off, looks like, or has similar features as the sedan. See 1000q: 2009+ Sportwagen buying guide if you're looking for the wagon. This article focuses on the sedan. All wagons/Golf/Jetta TDI and even the Audi A3 TDI use the same basic engine and transmission.
The major change is the EA888 generation TDI engine and diesel exhaust fluid. This engine fixes a few major reliability issues, has more usable power, better fuel economy/emissions and warms up faster. To meet emissions for North America, the car now uses diesel exhaust fluid (Adblue). Please refer to the DPF-Adblue FAQ article for information on this system. Despite the Adblue tank taking up a little bit of space, the Jetta keeps the independant rear suspension (IRS). There was also a minor change to the front bumper, headlights, aerodynamics, and minor changes to the packages. Below is a summary.
For model year 2015 in the USA, the TDI will start at $21,640 for a S trim. 16" steel wheels, add $1100 for DSG transmission.
TDI SE is $24,075. Adds body colored side view mirrors w/turn signal indicators, v-tex vinyl "leatherette" interior, chrome window trim, soft touch dashboard, driver lumbar, leather steering wheel and parking lever, sunroof, premium 8 radio, rear seat pass through, and KESSY.
TDI SEL is $26,410, adds 17" Lancaster alloy wheels, 6-way driver power seat, RNS 315 nav, fender audio, dual zone climate control, rear view camera, KESSY, and foglights.
For 2014, the independant rear suspension replaces the torsion bar suspension. The MDI (ipod or media adapter) moves from the glovebox to the center console. The bluetooth module has also moved from under the passenger seat and is integrated into the MDI interface. The Carnet module is under the passenger seat where the bluetooth module used to be. Premium and Premium w/nav get a backup camera. Subscription based VW Carnet available on all 2014 VWs. This is similar to Onstar.
For 2013, all TDI now have misfueling adapters on the fuel tank filler neck (the metal tab and flaps). Narrower gasoline nozzles won't move the flaps and open the tab to allow you to insert the nozzle. You can now use truck stop high flow nozzles but because they have a fast flow rate, only use them at half speed or else you'll get a lot of foam.
Late build 2013 will have trunk hinge covers, a little more chrome on the front grille, 6 way power seat on nav trim level, and soft touch dashboard (same as GLI and other higher end VW).
There was some shuffling of the packages for 2012. The biggest material change is the addition of HD radio w/tagging to the RCD510 headunit and the option of Fender premium radio system if you get the Premium trim level. It adds a subwoofer in the trunk and an amp.
Late build 2012 models will also get a phone menu and interface in the RCD 510 radio's touchscreen. This is a rolling change so if your radio doesn't have the phone button you don't have this feature.
For 2012, the base trim is almost the same except that base cars get the RCD310 base radio instead of the premium 8 RCD510. Dealer installed options like body kits or all weather floor mats will be extra and are added at the dealership.
A running change is the removal of the 9w7 bluetooth module if you have the RNS-315 GPS system. This is because the RNS315 has an internal bluetooth. Changing the headunit will require retrofitting the 9w7 if you wish to maintain bluetooth functions.
Standard TDI trim level: 4 wheel disc brakes, 16" "mambo" alloy wheels, trip computer, sunroof, RCD 310 radio, cold weather package (heated front seats and windshield nozzles), leatherette (v-tex vinyl) seats, leather multifunction steering wheel, parking brake, and shift knob, bluetooth, MDI ipod cable (in the glovebox), Sirius radio, keyless entry, and 6 speaker sound system.
Safety equipment: front, side, and head curtain airbags, ESP (stability control), ABS, TMPS (tire pressure monitor sensors), LATCH (child seat anchors).
Premium trim level adds: power tilt & sliding sunroof, RNS 510 6cd touchscreen radio, Fender
system w/subwoofer
Navigation option adds to the premium: chrome front grill & window
trim, driver seat manual lumbar, RNS 315 touch-screen navigation, KESSY keyless
access w/ push-button start
For 2011, the premium trim came with navigation.
Premium with navigation trim level: For 2011, this is the only factory installed option package on the Jetta TDI trim level. This adds: RNS 315 GPS navigation w/SD card reader, foglights, chrome trim on the grille and windows, KESSY keyless access with engine start button, and driver's seat lumbar adjustment. See 1000q: RNS 315 GPS FAQ for more info on the GPS system.
Destination fee of $770 not included in the prices below.
MSRP in US$ | invoice price | more info | |
6 speed manual VW Jetta TDI | 22,995 | 22,075 | . |
DSG (auto) VW Jetta TDI | 24,095 | 23,131 | . |
6 speed manual Jetta TDI w/nav package | 24,195 | 23,227 | . |
DSG (auto) Jetta TDI w/nav package | 25,295 | 24,283 | . |
rubber mat kit | 235 | 185 | 4 rubber mats + trunk liner |
carpet mat kit | 235 | 185 | 4 carpeted mats + trunk liner |
chrome exhaust tips | 160 | 120 | |
splash guards | 220 | 170 | mud flaps |
Comfortline trim level VW Jetta TDI have: 16" Mambo alloy wheels, sunglasses holder, center armrest, CWP (cold weather package includes heated front seats and windshield nozzles), engine coolant block heater (the plug is next to the fog light), front fog lights, leather multifunction steering wheel, parking brake, and shift knob, chrome trim on the grille and windows, and the RCD 310 CD-radio w/6 speakers.
Options are the DSG automatic transmission, sunroof or the multimedia package (MDI ipod cable, RCD 510 "Premium 8" touchscreen radio 6cd in-dash changer, sirius sat radio, MFSW w/highline instrument cluster)
The Highline VW Jetta TDI includes: everything standard on the comfortline TDI and adds the sunroof, the multimedia package, and an 8-way adjustable driver's seat, 17" "Joda" alloy wheels, KESSY keyless access, and black leatherette (v-tex vinyl) interior.
Options are the DSG automatic transmission, leather interior, and the RNS 315 GPS system. See 1000q: RNS 315 GPS FAQ for more info on the GPS system.
(prices include AC tax and freight) | MSRP in Canadian $ | invoice price | more info |
Comfortline VW Jetta TDI | 25,340 | ? | . |
Highline VW Jetta TDI | 28,120 | ? | . |
? | . | ||
DSG automatic transmission | 1,400 | ? | . |
Multimedia package | 1,300 | ? | comfortline only |
Sunroof | 1,400 | ? | comfortline only |
Leather | 895 | ? | highline only |
RNS 315 GPS | 890 | ? | highline only |
Options packages and standard equipment on 2011 VW Jetta TDI in the US. There are only 2 trim levels: TDI and TDI with the nav package (must be installed at the factory). Dealer installed options like body kits or all weather floor mats will be extra and are added at the dealership.
Standard TDI trim level: 4 wheel disc brakes, 16" "mambo" alloy wheels, trip computer, sunroof, RCD 510 touchscreen 6cd changer radio w/SD card reader, cold weather package (heated front seats and windshield nozzles), leatherette (v-tex vinyl) seats, leather multifunction steering wheel, parking brake, and shift knob, bluetooth, MDI ipod cable (in the glovebox), Sirius radio, keyless entry, and 6 speaker sound system.
Safety equipment: front, side, and head curtain airbags, ESP (stability control), ABS, TMPS (tire pressure monitor sensors), LATCH (child seat anchors).
Navigation package ($1200 MSRP): For 2011, this is the only factory installed option package on the Jetta TDI trim level. This adds: RNS 315 GPS navigation w/SD card reader, foglights, chrome trim on the grille and windows, keyless access with engine start button, and driver's seat lumbar adjustment. See 1000q: RNS 315 GPS FAQ for more info on the GPS system.
Destination fee of $770 not included in the prices below.
MSRP in US$ | invoice price | more info | |
6 speed manual VW Jetta TDI | 22,995 | 22,075 | . |
DSG (auto) VW Jetta TDI | 24,095 | 23,131 | . |
6 speed manual Jetta TDI w/nav package | 24,195 | 23,227 | . |
DSG (auto) Jetta TDI w/nav package | 25,295 | 24,283 | . |
rubber mat kit | 235 | 185 | 4 rubber mats + trunk liner |
carpet mat kit | 235 | 185 | 4 carpeted mats + trunk liner |
chrome exhaust tips | 160 | 120 | |
splash guards | 220 | 170 | mud flaps |
Comfortline trim level VW Jetta TDI have: 16" Mambo alloy wheels, sunglasses holder, center armrest, CWP (cold weather package includes heated front seats and windshield nozzles), engine coolant block heater (the plug is next to the fog light), front fog lights, leather multifunction steering wheel, parking brake, and shift knob, chrome trim on the grille and windows, and the RCD 310 CD-radio w/6 speakers.
Options are the DSG automatic transmission, sunroof or the multimedia package (MDI ipod cable, RCD 510 "Premium 8" touchscreen radio 6cd in-dash changer, sirius sat radio, MFSW w/highline instrument cluster)
The Highline VW Jetta TDI includes: everything standard on the comfortline TDI and adds the sunroof, the multimedia package, and an 8-way adjustable driver's seat, 17" "Joda" alloy wheels, KESSY keyless access, and black leatherette (v-tex vinyl) interior.
Options are the DSG automatic transmission, leather interior, and the RNS 315 GPS system. See 1000q: RNS 315 GPS FAQ for more info on the GPS system.
(prices include AC tax and freight) | MSRP in Canadian $ | more info |
Comfortline VW Jetta TDI | 25,340 | . |
Highline VW Jetta TDI | 28,120 | . |
. | ||
DSG automatic transmission | 1,400 | . |
Multimedia package | 1,300 | comfortline only |
Sunroof | 1,400 | comfortline only |
Leather | 895 | highline only |
RNS 315 GPS | 890 | highline only |
2011 is the first year of the new Jetta body style. Overall, it loses some features vs. the 2010 but also costs about $1000 less. While some people aren't happy about the loss of features on the new Jetta, VW did this to lower the price and address the complaints that the last Jetta was too expensive, which it was, especially when compared to past generations of Jetta. The high price and features of the mk5 Jetta created a sales and profit problem for VW so they made the new car cheaper to build and cheaper to sell. Some stuff like the air conditioned glove box and locks on the 40/60 rear seat (for trunk security when at the valet) were probably never used by anybody and won't be missed. Most upscale features were moved to the Passat. If you are interested in the 2012+ VW Passat TDI, see 1000q: NMS Passat TDI buying guide for information on that car.
What did they change on the mk6 vs. mk5? Aside from the obvious styling or purely cosmetic changes like headlights/bumpers/sheetmetal:
-Size: To the right is a diagram showing the new size difference vs. the 2010. Most of these won't be noticeable except for rear legroom: it's 2.4" longer which is a huge jump. The curb weight is about 63 lbs lighter with manual, 68 lbs lighter with DSG transmission which is quite significant considering that the car is bigger. (2011 weight: 3,161 manual, 3,210 DSG)
-Suspension: Some of that weight loss is from the replacement of the independent rear multilink suspension found on the current Golf, Sportwagen, and the last Jetta with a beam rear suspension. The suspension has been retuned, the wheelbase is longer, and the car lost a little weight. NOTE: The independant multilink rear suspension returned for model year 2014. It weighs a little bit more but handles better. The tire pressure monitor system for all 2011 VW Jetta, Golf, and wagons no longer use temperature/pressure sensors in the wheels but is a calculated value off the ABS sensor. If the wheel senses a decrease in rotating diameter, it assumes that the tire is deflated. This isn't as precise but it's nice because you don't need a second set of sensors for winter wheels and the sensors only last 5-8 years before needing replacement due to the sealed battery.
-Seats: removal of standard lumbar adjustment on driver/passenger seats. (The nav package adds 2 way driver lumbar.) NOTE: The premium+nav package for 2014 adds back a 6 way power seat. (The old mk5 Jetta seat was 8 way power seat + 4 way electric lumbar adjustment when equipped with the highline package 2 trim).
-Steering: while the gasoline Jetta lost the electric power steering and now use hydraulic power steering, the TDI will still use electric power steering. This saves energy vs. a hydraulic system which is pressurized all the time vs. just when you need power assist. It also eliminates the need for power steering fluid.
-Instruments: The fuel level gauges are now in a shortened multifunction display. There is no engine coolant temperature gauge.
-The engine and transmission are the same.
-Trunk: VW Jetta trunk hinges used to be more expensive articulated units that
took up less room (on left). The 2011 Jetta (on right) now uses gooseneck arm hinges that
swing inside the trunk when closed. The articulated units have a short strut on each side instead of a single long strut on the
right hinge and was considered an upmarket feature (changed to reduce
cost). The trunk volume
increased by 2 cu ft vs. the last car. The trunk also gets
plastic and painted metal instead of full carpeting lining. The mk5 had a pull-down shopping bag holder
hook (cloth loop
on the left pic) which is no longer there. If you want to add these hooks
to the mk6 Jetta they can be purchased as parts and added yourself. The release for the folding rear seats have moved from
the rear headrest area (VW style) to the inside of the trunk (BMW style). This
lets you fold the rear seats down from the trunk and it also eliminates the
locks and mechanism by the headrests. The front hood now uses a simple rod to stay up when you
open it instead of a shock support.
-The side view mirrors are a little different on 2010 Jetta vs. 2011
Jetta. The 2010 mk5 mirrors are rounder and the LED turn signal lens is larger.
The signal is extended to the edge so that it lets you see when it's blinking.
If you're curious how the turn signal works or what's inside the mirror housing,
see 1000q: turn
signal replacement on mk5 cars. The new mk6 style mirrors are sharper to reduce wind noise, have a narrower LED turn
signal lens area, and a small window to let you see when the turn signal is on.
This is not only a cosmetic change, they are quieter due to their shape. The Sportwgen continues to use the mk5 mirrors because it's based off a mk5 chassis.
-Interior general:
The dashboard is now smoother looking to
match the mk6 Golf style. However, the Golf's dash is made from soft touch
plastic - it has a little spring when you press on it and looks duller.
The Jetta's dash is made from hard plastic and is a little shinier.
The climate controls switched back to the 2005-2007 style
knobs but with chrome trim.
The MFSW no longer has buttons on the left and right
side. It only has buttons on one side.
There is no longer a little AC duct in the glovebox for keeping items cool. The glove box is now dyed plastic instead of lined with felt.
The rear deck lid (the shelf behind the rear seats) is now plastic instead
of covered with upholstery.
The seat back tilt control is now manual instead of electric.
Removal of the rear air vents and 115V
(household) outlet in the rear of the armrest center console. The center
armrest does not slide forward for an extra adjustment (It might be a little
larger but you might also be able to retrofit one from a mk5 Jetta or mk5/mk6 Golf).
The rear folding seats no longer have locks
for valet security (they still fold 40/60).
The overhead
light console and rear overhead light are different - the styles are shown below
right (2010 is on top).
The center armrest is now much bigger. The MDI is
the media device interface for ipod, etc. For 2011, it was moved to the
glovebox. See 1000q: VW iPod
adapter cables and aux inputs for more info on the MDI and aux-in
adapters. If your car has the RNS 315 GPS, it's aux-in is on the faceplate.
Comparison of other misc features | ||||
2011-12 Golf TDI | 2011-12 Jetta TDI sedan | 2011-12 sportwagen | 2011 Audi A3 TDI | |
body style | new for 2010 | new for 2011 | cosmetic refresh for 2010 | refreshed for 2008 |
interior | black cloth only in USA | leatherette (vinyl) | leatherette (vinyl) only in US | leather |
standard radio | premium 8 touchscreen RCD510 | premium 8 touchscreen RCD 510 | premium 8 touchscreen RCD-510 | Concert Bose w/sub and noise compensation |
CD player | 6cd in dash standard in USA | 6cd in dash standard | 6cd in dash standard | single, 6cd in glv box optional |
optional radio | 300w Dynaudio Light advanced, no sub | ? | / | / |
optional navigation | RNS 510 touchscreen
'10 RNS 315 touchscreen '11 |
RNS 315 touchscreen '11 | RNS 510 touchscreen
'10 RNS 315 touchscreen '11 |
Nav+, no touchscreen, uses MMI knob dial to control |
wheels | 17" in US, 16" in Canada | 16" mambo | 16" std, 17" optional | 17" std |
9w7 bluetooth: The standard OEM bluetooth on the 2011 Jetta TDI is the 9w7. The 9w7 module allows AD2P streaming bluetooth music, ringtone choice, voice control, caller ID, outgoing call capability. If you have the navigation it displays the phonebook or dial pad on the touchscreen display. It will work with the iphone. For more on bluetooth functions and differences between modules, see 1000q: mk6 bluetooth FAQ. For specifics of the 9w7 module including screenshots, see 1000q: 9w7 bluetooth module.
GPS system: The RNS 315 GPS is part of the nav package. This is the same optional GPS as the Golf. For detailed info on the RNS315, see 1000q: RNS 315 GPS system FAQ. The MSRP is only $590 but the parts cost is well over $1000 so I suggest buying it from the factory if you want it. They keep the original radio when equipped from the factory. To retrofit it, you have to add a GPS antenna, unplug the existing compass module, and change the car's computer coding to let it know that navigation is installed. If you have the RNS 315, the more expensive RNS 510 GPS found in older TDI or Passat CC/Tiguan is a direct plug-play swap. It has a bigger screen, internal HD for music and map data, and a video DVD drive. For detailed info on that system, see 1000q: RNS 510 VW GPS system FAQ.
See page 2 for more features explained, delivery checks, and other stuff to know before ordering
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