New Jetta Revealed

[tgagneguam]

Arriving early next year
Volkswagen today released the first official photos of its all-new Jetta, which goes on sale this coming March in the U.S. and Canada.


The Jetta model is Volkswagen's most popular in the U.S., accounting for about 40 percent of the brand's overall volume in this market. It is perennially the number-one selling European nameplate sold in the U.S.


The photos released today show a completely redesigned Jetta sedan, and depict the fifth generation of the German automaker's sedan that first went on sale in 1980 in the U.S.


Set to make its worldwide public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on January 5, 2005 where its price will also be announced, the new Jetta will be a significant evolution of this Volkswagen model that celebrates its 25th year in the U.S. and Canada in 2005. During that time, it has generated sales of more than 2.2 million units in those markets.


Like its predecessors, the new Jetta will offer a distinct choice in the compact sedan market. The new Jetta has bold dynamic styling and larger dimensions than its predecessor. As always, the Jetta's styling, technology and European character will attract people who love to drive and desire something different. As expected, this sophisticated Jetta also offers traditional Volkswagen value for the money.


Since the Jetta's introduction in 1980, this compact, affordable German sports sedan has evolved significantly with each new design. This new Jetta is no exception: it has grown in size from the previous model, while again offering a more advanced level of German engineering and technology that is unique in its competing market segment.


Drivers of the new Jetta will enjoy the model's first fully independent suspension system that uses a multi-link rear and optimized front axle, a new powerful base engine with a larger displacement of 2.5 liters and five-cylinders generating 150 horsepower (versus a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter, 115 hp engine in the previous model), a new optional six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic including a special "sport" mode selection.


In addition, later in the year, Volkswagen will offer its revolutionary transmission called DSG (TDI only), which is essentially an automated manual transmission system offering the inherent efficiency and economy of a manual with the ease of operation of an automatic. Also among the most impressive new driving advancements are a standard high-tech electro-mechanical steering system, a new technically advanced electronic stability program (ESP), and new-generation ABS all-disc brakes.


The new Jetta's interior will be roomier than ever with a larger trunk and more legroom and occupant space. As one expects from a modern Volkswagen, the new Jetta will offer a highly refined interior treatment, with a long list of standard comfort and convenience features. Some of the safety features for the new Jetta include front side thorax airbags, Side Curtain Protection (for head) in front and rear, crash-active front headrests, crash-optimized foot pedals that descend upon serious impact, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), three-point safety belts at every position, adjustable headrests for all five occupants, front belt pre-tensioners with load limiters, and safety belts with emergency locking retractors complete this all-new Jetta sedan.


Built for worldwide distribution at Volkswagen's high-tech production facility in Puebla, Mexico, the Jetta's assembly process promises to set quality standards for this model segment. Volkswagen AG invested extensively to further advance the modern assembly sequences and technologies at its sole North American site - a facility that according to internal quality audits ranks as one of the Volkswagen Group's top factories in the world.


The new Jetta has a stronger body than its predecessor, recording double-digit improvements in its dynamic and torsional rigidity. This is achieved through the use of more high-strength body panels, world-class design and engineering, and an advanced, highly automated, laser-welding system. The result is a dramatic increase in laser-welded seams--nearly 14 times more than the previous Jetta. The net benefit of this bonding process is a class-leading fit and finish, improved body strength, crash protection, driving dynamics, and reduced interior noise.


This all-new Jetta once again documents Volkswagen's attention to detail, unique driving dynamics, high-energy looks and quality materials to match and exceed the expectations of the North American customer.

New Corolla, ur, Jetta Revealed

When you get transferred to the website, click on the photo of the new Jetta in the right-hand column for more photos. After you get transferred to the first photo, each successive one can be found by going to the upper right-hand portion of the photo and clicking on the minute words "next photo."

[tgagneguam]

I really liked the last generation Jetta when it was introduced, but somehow this generation doesn't seem as much of a bar-raiser as the last generation. That's not to say that this isn't nice; it is. But something about the rear 3/4 panel looking quite Corolla-ish (in my mind) takes away from the last generation's cachet.

[jmiller417]

It looks rather clunky to me. It looks like a Corolla or Camry. A step back from the current design.

This seems pretty stupid to me: VW's renaissance was based on providing a stylish alternative.

I'm sure the interior will look nice, though.

[Canuck]

(Quote)"Like its predecessors, the new Jetta will offer a distinct choice in the compact sedan market. The new Jetta has bold dynamic styling and larger dimensions than its predecessor. As always, the Jetta's styling, technology and European character will attract people who love to drive and desire something different. As expected, this sophisticated Jetta also offers traditional Volkswagen value for the money. "

Ok what drug is the author on "bold dynamic styling"
Where did I miss something?

[jro4566]

Looks like the size of the current Passat...

[atomicshark]

VW is trying to make the Jetta look like it's upscale Phaeton. It looks OK, but does not totally work since they are basically dropping a large car design on a compact body. I am sure it will do well as long as they don't price it like a Passat.

[gmwsag]

I really do see it as an 'okay' vehicle, but it reminds me of a sedan-version of the new Golf. I don't think that is going to go well with buyers, because the price is just overboard. VW doesn't need to focus on making the vehicle bigger or anything...they need to be stronger in the following areas: power and affordability. Then they will be in business.

[Maverick]

People might buy it just because it looks like a Corolla- depite VW's questionable reliability (how do you like them apples, VW?). For me, it brings the Toyota Echo to mind also, the I-just-got-kicked-in-the-ass look (a little bit) and I'm-about-to-fall-on-my-face hood style.

[croc]

The current Jetta looks athletic; this one looks pregnant.

[Taycron]

I saw the new Golf/Jetta interior pics in a magazine (I think it was Automobile magazine) and I wasn't impressed.. It actually looked cheap to me..

[Swahili]

Where did VW go? That really does look like a Toyota. I think I've lost all interest in VW now.

[mgescuro]

It looks OK in that photo. However, I'm not convinced VW will be able to hold prices constant. I'd expect a $2-5K price increase and a continual decline in sales.

Still... it's a nice looking car, and without a doubt, very high perceived quality.

[gmwsag]

What the new Jetta looks like is a Golf Sedan. I think that was what they were going for. The last Jetta was different, and a lot of people bought it because they liked its style rather than its quality and durability. People won't buy it especially if it doesn't have a Corolla price. It could start as low as $20K and go up as high as $30K....and that is not a Corolla price....trust me.

[atomicshark]

Originally Posted by gmwsag

What the new Jetta looks like is a Golf Sedan. I think that was what they were going for. The last Jetta was different, and a lot of people bought it because they liked its style rather than its quality and durability. People won't buy it especially if it doesn't have a Corolla price. It could start as low as $20K and go up as high as $30K....and that is not a Corolla price....trust me.

The Jetta always was a sedan version of the Golf. Just check out VW's history. The last Jetta was the only one to actually look a bit different than the Golf.

[Travis B]

the last generation jetta was awesome(although i think they looked too much like rebadged audi's) but this one looks lame, although i did notice alot of similarities between the jetta II and jetta III, yet still, its just ugly.