First Look: Volkswagen New Jetta

The model series has a global presence with 9.6 million units sold, and it has been a bestseller especially in the USA. The follow-up model to the most successful German brand sedan in America takes a gigantic leap forward – conceptually and especially in its styling. The design projects a more dynamic image than ever before. Offering a preview of the new Jetta’s styling was the NCC coupe concept car shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Designers of the new Jetta sedan drew their inspiration from the coupe, and this bodes well for the potential sports appeal of the new Jetta. This also means that the new Jetta will no longer be sharing any body components with the Golf, rather it will be a vehicle type that is just as independent as a CC or a Tiguan.

The new car’s dimensions were re-proportioned compared with those of the concept car and the previous Jetta model: Wheelbase (+ 2.76 inches / + 7 cm) and exterior length (+ 3.54 inches / + 9 cm) grew significantly. The perceptible results: superior performance, more space, greater comfort.

Designers and engineers also re-designed the interior down to the finest details; the quality and detailed perfection inside the five-seater now truly exceed traditional class boundaries. For the first time, if the customer is looking for a more customized ambiance it is also easy to have interior accents changed out at a Volkswagen dealer.

German Engineering is the key word that captures the attention of many customers in the USA. And that is not the only place where German engineering stands for the highest quality and efficient technology. The new Jetta is a prime example, and a look at its powertrain technologies illustrates this clearly. As a turbodiesel with highly advanced common rail direct injection, the Jetta sets the benchmark. The US version, equipped with a 103 kW / 140 PS TDI Clean Diesel (conforming to the BIN 5 emissions standard) attains a top value for Highway fuel economy with 42 mpg* (combined fuel economy: 34 mpg*) – making the Jetta one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. In Europe, Volkswagen will be introducing its smallest TDI – a 77 kW / 105 PS engine – in early 2011. In the BlueMotion Technology version, this Jetta’s fuel consumption is a sensational 4.1 l/100 km* – a top value for a sedan in the 4.6-meter class.

Volkswage of America wants to triple its annual sales volume to about 800,000 vehicles and the new Jetta looks set to play a key role to achieve that target. The Jetta is guiding the company into the future - with its low fuel consumption, excellent vehicle dynamics and a comprehensive safety concept. ESP and tire pressure monitoring are standard systems aboard; based on results of independent crash testing by the US organization IIHS, the previous model was already named "Top Safety Pick".

The car’s top crash safety has now been further enhanced by further perfected pedestrian protection. The quality of workmanship is pioneering. With a decidedly comfortable interior and a design that is as stylish as it is powerful, the new Jetta is taking on the automotive challenges of our times better than the vast majority of its competitors.

Credits: wilswong