CAR June 2006 87 86 CAR June 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 1,6 Comfortline vs Honda CiViC i-VteC VXi vs ford foCus 2,0 trend line vs toyota Corolla 180i gsX A T the time of the new Jetta’s launch, Volkswagen was keen to promote the vehicle as being a breed apart from the other run-of-the-mill compact family saloons. And looking at the price premium of the new Jetta 1,6 Comfortline, it certainly backed up this statement in a vividly clear manner. The Jetta is the only 1,6- litre car here, in a group of rivals that are extremely closely priced around the R190 000 mark. The competitors we’ve chosen will certainly give it a good run for its money. Toyota’s Corolla is age- ing, but still the best sell- ing saloon in South Scores to settle Volkswagen’s new Jetta is said to be “from a class above.” But before we’re willing to believe that claim, the newcomer first has to see off these traditional rivals… Africa.

The Focus is doing well, too, bringing a new generation of buyers to the Ford stable. And Honda’s new Civic, the newest of the lot, looks like it has been beamed back from the future… its radical appearance, inside and out, will test the conservative buyers that many still believe dominate this segment. Let the games begin… Design ForD Focus HonDa civic ToyoTa corolla vW JeTTa NOTEBOOK SurelyVolkswagen could have offered a better engine at this price level? The Civic is the one for me - JB The Jetta’s engine is its weakness. It’s like going to war with the world’s most advanced rifle, but loading it with blanks… I’d take the Civic - HO The Jetta is a qual- ity vehicle, but such is the compe- tition that it’s hard to justify the price premium. I think the Focus is the genuine bar- gain - MM Jetta has good quality and ride but is let down by lacklustre perform- ance. I pick the Focus for its strong engine and good quality - IM The Jetta is a fair amount of car for the money, but lacks some fea- tures and could do with more power. The Civic is the slickest pack- age of the lot - JW Two cars stand out in this seg- ment, but for entirely different rea- sons. VW’s Jetta, though still clearly a Golf-based vehicle, has made a definite step towards a more unique character. That shiny chrome grille gives it considerable presence. Furthermore, it appears to be the largest car by qu