The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta we tested features their latest generation EA211 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct injected four-cylinder engine, here mated to a six-speed manual transmission. In this car, the engine is rated at 147 horsepower and has 184 pound-feet of torque.
The EPA rates the 1.4-liter powered Jetta at 30 mpg city, 41 mpg highway and 34 mpg combined running on regular unleaded gas.
The engine features and aluminum block and head with an integrated exhaust manifold a toothed rubber timing belt turning dual overhead cams and has variable intake and exhaust timing. In this Volkswagen model the engine is manufactured in Brazil.
Following the airflow, the intake charge begins behind the grill and feeds into a large air filter box at the front driver side of the engine compartment. From there it travels rearward through a duct to a compact single-scroll turbocharger with an electronically controlled waste gate.
Boosted air then travels forward through a duct and directly into the intake manifold which features an integrated air-to-water intercooler. This arrangement reduces the plumbing associated with air-to-air intercoolers and is said to reduce turbo lag as a result.
At the head you can see the four coil-packs for its spark plugs. The fuel injector system is largely hidden below the valve cover and intake apparatus. Once the air passes through the head into the combustion chambers, it then exits through the single-scroll turbocharger and out to the catalyst and exhaust system.
When it comes to maintenance, the 1.4-liter Jetta is largely straight forward. The coolant reservoir is found at the passenger side of the engine compartment near the firewall and its level can easily be seen. The oil level dipstick is located at the front of the engine with a bright yellow hook and the oil filler cap right next to it. The oil filter must be accessed from below the car.
Checking the brake fluid is done at the driver side firewall, a little tricky to get to but easily seen. Next to it is the 12-volt battery nicely wrapped in an insulation jacket.
To the right of that is the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and to its right is the main fuse box. You can access them by popping the two clips to open it up.
Windshield washer fluid is checked at the driver side front of the engine bay, easily seen with a bright blue cap. Changing the air filter does require tools, the air-box sealed tight with a number of Torx bit screws.
Other items of note include the ABS brake system controller located at the passenger side firewall, not really a service or maintenance item. Shock towers and access to the struts is hidden away under plastic covers at the base of the windshield.
