LexFather

My mag just came in and every month they review a car or a bunch together. I was surprised they picked the Jetta, I thought the TSX or Volvo would win. They felt these cars were competitors and they are correct. The comparo was not great, IMO, and I really don't even recommened reading it. But the Jetta finally got some sort of good news

GFerg

What exactly did they say about each car?? I am really curious as I strongly believe that the S40 is a rediculously underrated car. After driving the entire S40 line(and the entire Volvo line for that matter), I dont think it deserves last place out of all these cars. Especially the T5 AWD model. I personally can pick it over the TSX easily. That car is awsome and sooooo much fun to drive. Maybe they tested the auto version and not the short throw 6-speed that came from the S60R. The S40 is to much fun.

But if price is a heavy factor in this test, then I can almost understand as the S40 is the most expensive. But on the other hand, the 150hp Jetta is 30K. For an extra 2-3 grand will get you into a nicely equipped 218hp S40T5 AWD. What can ya do. S40 is still selling extrememly well for the amount of competition its facing.

STIG

i would pick TSX out of those. it gives you so much for that money.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I would choose the TSX as well. You can get them for under $30K. My brother in law picked one up with factory body kit and upgraded rims for just over $30K out the door. Does the 150HP Jetta really cost $30K? The TSX seems like a bargin now. You can get 50 more HP for a few thousand less.

mmarshall

Of this specific group, go with the Mazda 3 for sharp handling ( despite the FWD layout ), the Acura TSX for build quality ( with the Mazda a close second ), and the S40 T5 AWD for power, traction, and as an all-around sports sedan.

The Jetta may have impressed the auto writers at this magazine, but IMO it is a risky buy....for several reasons.

Gojirra99

Mazda 3 ?, I would pick the Mazda 6 over all of them, with the TSX a close second.

mmarshall

The 6, though, is a somwhat larger vehicle and does not compete directly with this group. It competes more with the larger VW Passat, Acura TL, and Volvo 60-series than with this group of compacts.

Gojirra99

Well, I think the Mazda 6 is not much bigger than the TSX & are direct competitors, I would certainly cross-shop the 2.
The Mazda 3 is smaller than the TSX, & the TL has more interior room than both the Mazda 6 & the TSX.

Mazda 6 - Length 186.8, Width - 70.1, Wheelbase 105.3
Acura TSX - Length 183.3, Width - 69.4, Wheelbase 105.1