The 2014 model year marks the end of the 2.5 liter five cylinder engine in the VW’s lineup. Enter the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T as the new mid grade Jetta offering. What is there to be excited about?
Well, lets start with the EA888 generation 1.8 turbo four cylinder. It’s more compact and lighter weight than the 2.5 liter five ever dreamed of being. It’s said to produce 170 hp and 180 ft-lb, although final North American power rating is not available yet. Of course, it also more efficient. So it looks like Volkswagen addressed the power unit. They did not stop there.
The 1.8T Jetta will also be available with a 6-speed manual transmission and independent rear suspension. Obviously, VW has the driver in mind with this setup! Final pricing has not been announced yet, but this configuration is expected to come in right around $20,000. So what you have here is basically a younger and more affordable sibling to the GLI.
The 2014 Jetta 1.8T will be able to share many parts and accessories with the current GLI, so owners will have many options to upgrade their 1.8T. There will also be a plethora of aftermarket tuner support for the engine. Note: Volkswagen itself unveiled a Passat Performance concept at the 2013 NAIAS with a 1.8T motor pushing 250 horses. Of course, the more basic 170 hp version will also be available in the upcoming Mk7 Golf and potentially other VAG vehicles.
This is very good news for automotive enthusiasts everywhere, and especially VW fans. The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T is said to go on sale this summer. While we wait, please check out this fun TFLcar insider video of the 2013 Jetta Hybrid.
Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, software engineer, writer, and reporter. He has been writing and reporting at TFLcar since 2011. When not working or spending time with the family – you can find him tinkering in the garage or scouring the internet and other media for various automotive, mechanical, and computer related information.
