2015 Volkswagen Jetta vs Skoda Octavia diesel comparison

If there’s one manufacturer that has woken up to the fact that updates and makeovers help keep things exciting for buyers, it’s Volkswagen. Over the past few months, it’s brought out the upgraded Polo, the revamped Vento and now this, the facelifted Jetta. But while the revisions to the Polo and Vento were born out of necessity (read: to take on superior competition), the Jetta has it much easier. All it needs to do is better its Czech cousin, the Skoda Octavia, to reclaim its former spot as the best executive sedan to buy in India. Trouble for the Jetta is, the Octavia is not an easy obstacle to get by — it’s a brilliantly rounded car, more so in fully loaded diesel automatic form, as the one we have here today. So, does the equivalent version of the revised Jetta pack in enough to take it to the top? 

Let’s first take a look at what the ‘new’ Jetta is relying on to make this ascent. On the outside, there’s little radically different on the car. The headlights, for one, are ever so slightly sharper, with more of that LED-bejewelled look that debuted on the 2013 update of the car. This apart, there’s a slightly reprofiled bonnet, a larger grille with three chrome slats instead of two, and a restyled air dam with new fog lamps. Subtle as these changes are, they do make the car look a bit wider than before and in a way, more like the now-discontinued Passat. There’s more of that connect at the rear too. The tail-lights now come with a neat-looking wedge to the lower section and the tail gate is cleaner as well. On the whole, the tweaks do help refresh what was a smart and well-balanced sedan to begin with.

Looks may be a subjective issue, but to us, the Skoda’s sharper lines look more special still. It’s understated, like the Jetta, but has that crucial bit of flash. The LED daytime-running lights, tasteful chrome detailing and contrast roof (visible on lighter colours) are partly responsible for this. It is nicely proportioned too, and neatly incorporates the practicality of a wide-opening hatchback tail gate into what is a sedan shape. A look at the boot will also tell you it’s significantly bigger — 590 litres versus the Jetta’s still large 510 litres.