Detroit 2018: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta Hopes to Right the Wrongs: Comments

[William Maley]

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While crossovers are beginning to take up more of Volkswagen's attention, the German automaker knows they have to keep their eye on their passenger cars. Around the world, that is Golf. But in North America, that honor falls to the Jetta sedan. On the eve of the Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the all-new 2019 Jetta.

One change that we're happy to see is the Volkswagen has given the all-new Jetta some style. The front end reminds us of the European-spec Passat with the hexagonal grille and sculpted hood. The side profile shows off a distinctive character line and a somewhat coupe-like roof. Volkswagen says the Jetta is bigger in all dimensions, but only mentions the number for the wheelbase increase, 1.3 inches.

The interior appears to be worlds better than the outgoing model with a similar design to the new Tiguan and higher-quality materials. All models get a touchscreen infotainment system, while the SEL and SEL Premium also get Volkswagen's digital cockpit that allows drivers to configure the layout to their liking.

The turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder is sticking around for the new Jetta. Output is rated at 147 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque. The base Jetta will get a six-speed manual as standard, while higher trims get a new eight-speed automatic. Under the skin, Volkswagen has finally moved the Jetta to their MQB platform.

Volkswagen will offer the Jetta in five different trims when it launches in the second quarter of this year - S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium. Pricing will begin at $18,545.

Source: Volkswagen
Press Release is on Page 2

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ALL-NEW 2019 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA MAKES GLOBAL DEBUT AT THE NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

Jan 14, 2018

• The all-new Jetta raises the bar in the compact sedan class, with bold design, innovative technology features, and a transferable, 6-year/72,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty
• Jetta is now based off the award-winning MQB architecture
• Sleek coupe-like exterior design features shorter overhangs and a bold new face
• Upscale driver-centric interior features premium materials and modern design
• 1.4-liter TSI engine is paired with six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions
• Aluminum-alloy wheels, App-Connect and full LED lighting are standard
• Available driver assistance technology  includes: Front Assist, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, and Light Assist
• Available premium features include: Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, 10-color ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated leather seats, and 400-watt BeatsAudio® system
• The People First Warranty, with 6-years/72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) coverage
• Pricing starts at $18,545, less than the outgoing model

Detroit, Mich. – Today, Volkswagen of America, Inc., unveiled the all-new 2019 Jetta at the North American International Auto Show. The Jetta is one of the world’s most successful sedans, with more than 17 million models sold worldwide since it was introduced in 1979: more than 3.2 million of those vehicles have been sold in the United States. Now based off the award-winning MQB platform, the 2019 Jetta offers bolder design, more interior space than the outgoing model and new technology. Despite all the additional premium features and technology, the all-new 2019 Jetta pricing starts at $18,545, less than the outgoing base model.

“The Jetta has long been Volkswagen’s best-selling vehicle in the United States,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North American Region, Volkswagen, “and we expect that this all-new car will continue to resonate with buyers in the compact sedan class. With its combination of great technology, fuel-efficient drivetrains, sporty styling, upscale interior and amenities, and fun-to-drive nature, we expect that the Jetta will make a huge splash in the compact sedan market when it goes on sale.”

The Jetta is based on Volkswagen’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture. Compared with the current car, the new Jetta grows outside in every direction. It offers a longer wheelbase—105.7 inches compared to 104.4 inches—with shorter overhangs, and is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing model. The increased exterior proportions add up to more interior space than the previous car as well.

Outside, the all-new Jetta marks an evolution in Volkswagen’s clean and timeless design DNA, with modern lines and a refined appearance. The combination of large front grille and sharper lines exudes a bold character, while the addition of more chrome and standard LED lighting lend a premium feel. A fast-sloping roof line creates a sportier, coupe-like profile without compromising the usability of the rear seat.

Inside, the Jetta’s fully redesigned interior combines high-tech features with everyday usability and refined fit and finish. High quality soft-touch materials throughout and new trapezoidal design elements give the vehicle an upscale, yet modern feel. The 2019 Jetta sports new fabric colors and designs for the seats and door trim as well as optional 10-color customizable wrap-around ambient lighting. To keep occupants comfortable, Jetta will offer available heated and ventilated front seats, power driver’s seat with memory functionality, leather seating surfaces, and dual-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control. A new center storage console is 5-liters—large enough to fit a standard iPad.

The driver-oriented cockpit features an infotainment screen placed high in the dashboard, to make all vehicle information easily accessible to the driver. Every Jetta offers standard Driver Personalization with up to four driver settings. Dependent on trim, customizable features include: driver seat memory, driver assistance system preferences, temperature, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit arrangement (if equipped), ambient lighting color, radio presets, navigation view, and more.

Jetta SEL and SEL Premium models feature a standard Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display, offering drivers a reconfigurable display of key data and the ability to position navigation data front and center for easy viewing. The available Volkswagen Car-Net® system provides a suite of connected vehicle services, including standard App-Connect technology that offers compatible smartphone integration with the three major platforms—Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®.  The new Jetta is the first Volkswagen in the U.S. to offer an available 400-watt BeatsAudio® system.

The Jetta’s technology upgrades extend beyond the cabin to include a comprehensive suite of available driver assistance technology. A rearview camera comes standard and available features include: Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), upgraded for use in stop and go traffic; High Beam Control (Light Assist); and Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), which actively helps the driver steer the car back into its lane should the vehicle start drifting into another lane without using the turn signal.

In addition, the 2019 Jetta offers a combination of both passive and active safety systems that are engineered to meet or exceed current crash regulations. These systems include the class exclusive Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.

The new Jetta will continue to be powered by Volkswagen’s 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine, making 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the highest in the compact sedan class. The power is taken to the front wheels via a new standard six-speed manual transmission, with an eight-speed automatic transmission optional on the base model and standard on higher trims. Automatic transmission models come standard with a Start/Stop system designed to improve fuel efficiency. This technology stops the engine during idle when the brake pedal is held (such as when waiting at a stop light). When the brake pedal is released, the engine restarts.

Every Jetta model will come with the People First Warranty, America’s best bumper-to-bumper new vehicle limited warranty. The warranty provides coverage for six-years or 72,000-miles (whichever occurs first), and the warranty can be transferred to subsequent owners throughout the remainder of its duration.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta will be available in S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trim levels and is expected to arrive at U.S. Volkswagen dealers in the second quarter of 2018. An R-Line trim will join the lineup at launch and features sportier styling, exclusive interior and exterior design elements, R-Line badging, and the XDS® electronic differential.

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[daves87rs]

Interior: way better.

Exterior: Zzzzzzzzzzzz  

[regfootball]

I don't really have a problem with any of this and its generally favorable but

I am getting a recent Hyundai or 1980's Ford vibe out of the greenhouse and profile.  Kind of like the Aerostar / Tempo / EXP / Blocky Mustang days.  Or maybe even a little current taurus vibe on the side.

So, this has a driver oriented center stack now, are those coming back into vogue now?

I don't think we can expect VW to lavishly trim out the inside of this, but i would expect it to be sort of like the new Tiguan inside.

VW is making smart decisions to gain back share.  Properly sizing their models and adding the SUV's.  Doesn't bother me if it takes it away from the snooze Japanese brands.

Edited January 15, 2018 by regfootball

[smk4565]

I like the interior, looks good for the class.  The outside looks sort of like an Elantra but more boring.

[Robert Hall]

The seat surfaces look like molded plastic floor mats with those grooves.  Hopefully they are softer than they look.   Not bad looking, a bit generic in profile..so many semi-fastback 6 window greenhouses out there today.

[ykX]

Man, just as you think VW can't make their cars look more boring, they manage to prove everybody wrong.  Now it is not only boring looking but also kind of ugly too.  That's of course my purely personal opinion  

[Frisky Dingo]

It doesn't really resonate as a VW with me. Which is unfortunate. It's certainly not the smaller, cheaper CC/Arteon VW would have have had us believe with those sleek sketches.

[G. David Felt]

OK, is this a German made car or Asian made? Not really sure as you could cover the VW badge and I think it would just fade into the overkill crop of 4 door based coupes.

Interior I have to say is one of the nicest I have seen in a long time from VW and really like the layout of the dash, not too simple but not overkill busy and too much like some asian brands.

Agree with Cubicle that those seats look like preformed floor mats and I wonder about the comfort level

[Robert Hall]

11 minutes ago, dfelt said:

OK, is this a German made car or Asian made? 

Murican made in Tennnesee I assume.  

[G. David Felt]

1 hour ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

Murican made in Tennnesee I assume.  

See, it is so bland that you cannot tell where it is made!  

I love a global economy, but have some passion and germanness to your products VW. Do NOT water them down to be so BLAH! 

[Robert Hall]

As far as German qualities, I wonder if the seats will be hard and it will still have the funky ratchet for the seat height adjustment.   

[G. David Felt]

45 minutes ago, Cubical-aka-Moltar said:

As far as German qualities, I wonder if the seats will be hard and it will still have the funky ratchet for the seat height adjustment.   

As if they are stuck in 1970's with mechanical crap like that.

[Robert Hall]

The last Jetta I drove had the funky seat adjuster. Can't recall if the Passat did. 

[balthazar]

Only Jetta I ever drove had it; terrible ergonomically.

[ccap41]

It doesn't look the best but that interior looks fantastic. 

[Drew Dowdell]

I'll need some further evaluation time, but my first impression of it in person is that it might be the best interior in the class.