In a market saturated with trucks, SUVs, and crossovers, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta R-Line emerges as a refreshing sporty sedan that doesn’t compromise on value. This model year brought a significant restyling to the Jetta, and the R-Line trim amplifies its appeal with a racier edge and a host of desirable features, all while maintaining an attractive price point. Let’s delve into what makes the 2019 Jetta R-Line a standout option for driving enthusiasts seeking both fun and practicality.
Exterior Styling: Lean European Design
Volkswagen has long been admired for its sophisticated European design language, and the 2019 Jetta R-Line is a testament to this. It carries a lean and modern aesthetic that is both stylish and timeless. The R-Line trim enhances this with unique sporty accents, setting it apart from the standard Jetta models. The test model’s vibrant “Habanero Orange Metallic” paint, a mere $295 option, is eye-catching and perfectly embodies the energetic spirit of the R-Line.
The 2019 Jetta is not just about looks; it’s also been physically enhanced. This seventh-generation model is larger than its predecessors, reflecting Volkswagen’s commitment to continuous improvement over the Jetta’s impressive 40-year history. The wheelbase now measures 105.7 inches, a 1.3-inch increase, and the overall length extends to 185.1 inches, nearly 2 inches longer. This growth translates directly to increased rear passenger space, making it a more comfortable sedan for families and passengers alike. Despite the expanded cabin, the trunk space remains a generous 14.1 cubic feet, ensuring practicality isn’t sacrificed for style or sportiness.
Performance and Handling: Fun and Engaging Drive
The moment you ignite the engine with the conveniently placed start button, the 2019 Jetta R-Line reveals its playful character. Handling is where this sedan truly shines. It feels light, agile, and remarkably precise. Weighing in at just 2,970 pounds, the Jetta R-Line feels nimble on its 17-inch wheels and tires. It tackles corners with a crispness and enthusiasm that is often associated with vehicles in a much higher price bracket. As the original review aptly notes, “It turns into corners crisply and with an exuberance rarely found in cars starting at less than $40,000.”
Powering the Jetta R-Line is a responsive 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. While its 147 horsepower might not lead the pack in outright power, the engine’s 184 pound-feet of torque provides a significant punch, especially considering the car’s light weight. This combination results in brisk acceleration and an engaging driving experience. While a manual transmission would further amplify the fun, it’s only available on the base S model. The R-Line and other trims come equipped with a smooth and efficient 8-speed automatic transmission that perfectly complements the turbo engine’s characteristics.
Fuel Efficiency: Impressive MPG
The 8-speed automatic transmission in the 2019 Jetta R-Line is not just about performance; it also contributes to impressive fuel economy. The EPA estimates are 30 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. Real-world testing in the original review yielded 33.4 mpg in mixed driving conditions and even reached 38.2 mpg in warmer weather highway driving. These figures highlight the Jetta R-Line’s ability to balance sporty performance with excellent fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for daily driving and longer journeys.
Ride Comfort and Suspension: Balanced Sportiness
The ride quality in the 2019 Jetta R-Line is firm, aligning with its sporty intentions, but it’s noticeably more refined than previous Jetta generations. The increased wheelbase contributes to a smoother ride, making it comfortable for most passengers. It maintains a controlled and sporty feel, which enhances its handling prowess. Interestingly, Volkswagen opted for a torsion beam rear suspension instead of a multi-link setup in this model. While seemingly a step back in sophistication, the torsion beam actually performs well on typical road surfaces, particularly imperfect ones. However, rear passengers may experience bumps slightly more noticeably than those in the front.
The R-Line trim’s 17-inch wheels and tires, an upgrade from the 16-inch wheels on lower trims, along with Volkswagen’s effective four-wheel disc brakes, provide confident stopping power. Standard stability control and an electronic differential lock further enhance handling and safety. An intelligent crash response system is also included, automatically calling for help in the event of an accident.
Interior and Features: Practical and Well-Equipped
Stepping inside the 2019 Jetta R-Line reveals a cabin that is surprisingly quiet for its class. The interior layout is well-organized and equipped with essential features. The test vehicle featured off-white perforated leatherette seats, a synthetic material that mimics leather and presents well. The dashboard and door panels were finished in black, along with the headliner, creating a cohesive and modern look. Metallic herringbone trim accents added a touch of sophistication to the dash and doors. The center console features a flat black finish with gloss black trim surrounding the infotainment screen.
One notable point is the firmness of the seats, which was commonly mentioned by passengers in the original review. While the reviewer found them adequately comfortable, the firmness might become a concern on extended drives. The seats are manually adjustable, including a pump handle for height adjustment, but lack adjustable lumbar support, which could be missed on longer trips. However, front heated seats are a welcome feature, offering three levels of warmth.
The dashboard design is straightforward, and the steering wheel is a sporty D-shaped design, reflecting the R-Line’s performance focus. The 6.5-inch infotainment screen is user-friendly and easy to operate while driving, with physical channel selection buttons on the screen itself. While a larger screen might be preferred by some, the current size is functional and intuitive. The screen’s touch sensitivity may be reduced when wearing gloves. The sunroof includes a mesh shade, which, while allowing light, may not be as effective as a solid shade in blocking heat and intense sunlight.
Other interior highlights include manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel with integrated cruise control and trip computer controls. As a value-oriented model, standard cruise control is included, but it’s not an adaptive system that adjusts to traffic flow. Power mirrors and an interior trunk release add convenience. The rear seats feature a split-folding design, expanding the already generous cargo space for a compact sedan. A premium BeatsAudio system is standard on the R-Line, along with distinctive exterior elements like a unique grille and black mirror caps that differentiate it from other Jetta trims. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard across all Jetta trims, providing seamless smartphone integration for music and navigation.
Safety and Technology: Essential Safety Features
The 2019 Jetta R-Line prioritizes safety with a suite of standard and available features. These include a backup camera, blind-spot warning system, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. Notably, in keeping with its value-focused approach and perhaps a preference for driver engagement, lane departure warning is not included, which some drivers might appreciate for a less intrusive driving experience.
Value Proposition: Affordable Fun
Ultimately, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta R-Line delivers an exceptional blend of sporty driving dynamics, practical features, and impressive value. For a starting price of just over $24,000, you get a sedan that is genuinely fun to drive, offers excellent fuel economy, comfortably accommodates four adults, and provides ample trunk space for luggage. It’s a compelling package for those seeking an engaging and affordable vehicle.
Hits and Misses
Hits:
- Nimble and engaging handling
- Peppy and responsive engine
- Handsome and modern exterior design
- Quiet and well-laid-out interior
- User-friendly infotainment screen
- Standard heated seats and sunroof
- Sporty D-shaped steering wheel
- Comprehensive safety equipment
- Excellent fuel economy
Misses:
- Firm ride quality may not suit all preferences
- Firm, vinyl-like seats
- Manually adjustable seats with no lumbar support
- Mesh sunroof shade instead of solid
2019 Volkswagen Jetta R-Line Specifications:
- Made in: Puebla, Mexico
- Engine: 1.4-liter TSI turbocharged I4, 147 horsepower
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Weight: 2,970 lbs
- Length: 185.1 inches
- Wheelbase: 105.7 inches
- Fuel Economy (EPA estimated): 30 mpg city / 40 mpg highway
- Fuel Economy (Tested): 33.4 mpg combined
- Base Price: $23,845 (including delivery)
- Test Vehicle Price: $24,140 (including Habanero Orange Metallic paint option)
Conclusion
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta R-Line stands out as an underrated gem in the sedan market. It successfully combines sporty driving enjoyment with everyday practicality and affordability. If you’re in the market for a fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient, and well-equipped sedan that won’t break the bank, the 2019 Jetta R-Line deserves a test drive. It might just be one of the best car bargains available today.
