Volkswagen's new Jetta
16th June, 2010
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Overnight, Volkswagen presented – at Times Square in New York
(USA) - an entirely new Jetta design. The model series has a global presence with 9.6 million units sold. The
new model to the most successful German 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 Detroit Motor Show. Designers of the new Jetta
sedan drew their inspiration from the coupe, and this bodes well for the potential sports appeal of the new
Volkswagen 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). 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 exceed traditional class boundaries. For the first time, if the customer is
looking for a more customised ambiance it is also easy to have interior accents changed by a VW 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
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-metre class.
In addition, Volkswagen has tailored US equipment versions (S, SE, SEL and TDI) to consistently fulfill the
wishes of American car drivers, and it has developed a sedan that is one of the best in its class in terms of
quality and fuel economy. In parallel, Volkswagen has developed a second version of the safety chassis
designed especially for America.
Volkswagen of America – 800,000 cars per year by 2018
By 2018, Volkswagen of America wants to triple its annual sales volume to about 800,000 vehicles from the
East Coast to the West. The new Jetta plays a key role here. Today, the Jetta sells at a rate of 110,000 units
per year in the USA. VW want to increase this figure. One of our recipes for success: a clear focus on
customers and not just on the competition. Since the days of the Beetle built by Ferdinand Porsche, this has
made Volkswagen unique among high-volume car makers. The VW Jetta is guiding this philosophy into the future -
with its low fuel consumption, excellent vehicle dynamics and a comprehensive safety concept. ESP and tyre
pressure monitoring are standard systems aboard; based on results of independent crash testing by the US
organisation 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 comfortable interior and a design that is as stylish as it is powerful, the new Volkswagen Jetta is
taking on the automotive challenges of our times.
Exterior styling and dimensions
Never before has a Jetta been so large. The new model is 182.7 inches (4.64 metres) long, 57.1 inches (1.45
metres) tall and 70.1 inches (1.78 metres) wide. As noted, this makes the new Jetta 3.54 inches (9 cm) longer
than the previous model. The interplay of exterior dimensions leads to a powerful balance of proportions. In
parallel, the new Volkswagen ‘design DNA’ sharpens the car’s styling. This has resulted in clear, precise
lines and 'muscular' surfaces, which lend a timeless elegance and dynamic styling to the sedan.
Front-end: Here, the prominence of horizontal lines defines the design. The high-gloss black radiator
grille combines with the car’s trapezoidal headlights to form a styling unit. Under the unit formed by the
grille and headlights there is the fully painted bumper, which is designed as a cleanly sculpted surface. One
section lower, another cooling air intake and the tray-shaped front spoiler (in the style of ‘splitters’ used
in car racing) gives the car a sporty finish. The upper front end section shows a powerful transition from
the v-shaped engine bonnet to the guards on the sides; the shoulder section realised here was derived 1:1
from the NCC concept car, and it produces dynamic styling.
Side profile: In the side profile of this sedan, styling characteristics that mark all new Volkswagens
launched during the past year meld into yet another interpretation of the ‘design DNA’ conceptualised by the
Italian Head of Design for the Volkswagen Group (Walter de Silva) and the German Head of Design for the
Volkswagen Brand (Klaus Bischoff). The best example of this: the characteristic shoulder or ‘tornado’ line
and the powerfully emphasised arches of the wheel wells. Formally, they intersect the main volumes of the
large homogeneous surfaces, conveying a strong dynamic image. Thanks to wide track dimensions, the wheel
arches also form a precise transition – as though cut with a knife - to accommodate up to an 18 inch wheel.
Meanwhile, the styling of the outside mirrors with their integrated turn signal indicators emulate the larger
CC. Compared to the previous model, the new Jetta has also grown in clarity in its side profile.
Rear section: Harmonised surfaces and sporty 'shoulders' also dominate the look in back of the new
Volkswagen Jetta. Powerful in illumination and visually distinctive: the taillights. They are split into two
sections, and on each side they extend from the guard into the tailgate.
Interior and dimensions
The interior with its high-end image pushes the boundaries of the vehicle class above. The new VW Jetta
is thought to be increasing its lead over the competition here. One key benefit of the car’s wheelbase is
that it enabled a layout of the rear seating area of the five-seat Jetta that is substantially more
comfortable. Compared to the previous model, legroom is now a long 38.1 inches (96.7 cm) - a gain of 2.6
inches (6.7 cm).
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Inside, the new Volkswagen Jetta also offers unparalleled perfection in details, and – as a common
conceptual thread throughout the car – intuitive controls. The instruments are ideally arranged. The new
steering wheel designs (optionally with multifunction keys) impress both visually and to the touch. The
right hand rests ergonomically on the gear shift grip; further up on the centre console are the newly
designed controls for the climate control and radio and radio-navigation systems; this console section is
slightly inclined toward the driver. Also in view are the round instruments; the multifunction display
(trip computer) is located between them. Even in the base version, the rear bench seatback is split 40/60
and folds, increasing the car’s versatility. The boot can also be opened from inside the car by a remote
unlock switch. Up to six airbags (two front airbags, two side airbags in front, two window airbags/thorax
airbags in the area of the front side windows) are also part of the equipment package.
Fuel-efficient engines
Four engines for USA and Canada: the new Jetta is offered with three petrol engines and one turbodiesel
direct-injection engine (TDI Clean Diesel). Two of the four engines are new: the entry-level engine (85
kW/115 PS) and the common rail TDI (103 kW/140 PS). Technically perfected in the new model are the 125
kW/170 PS 2.5 litre petrol engine and the sporty top engine, the turbocharged 2.0 litre TSI with 147
kW/200 PS, which will power the top model Jetta GLI in North America starting in 2011. A technical
highlight is the new 2.0 liter TDI Clean Diesel; thanks to conversion to the direct injection diesel
system - common rail injection - the turbocharged engine is as quiet as a petrol engine and as powerful
as a sports car engine (320 Newton-meters maximum torque). A particulate filter and a NOx storage
catalytic converter ensure that this TDI meets emissions requirements in all states of the USA.
All engines are offered with a manual transmission as standard equipment. Of course, an automatic
transmission is also available with each engine version as an option. On the new 2.0 litre TDI and 2.0
litre TSI, Volkswagen is implementing the 6-speed DSG - one of the most efficient automatic transmission
systems in the world.
Six engines for Europe: In Europe, the engine strategy will conform to prevailing market conditions.
Smaller engine displacements and charging are key objectives here. This means somewhat less power in the
base engines, significantly lower engine displacements, and all engines are 'charged'. Four of the six
engines are new to the Jetta line-up and will be added in 2011: The 1.2 TSI (77 kW/105 PS), 1.4 TSI (118
kW/160 PS) and two common rail turbodiesels 1.6 TDI (77/kW/105 PS) and 2.0 TDI (103 kW/140 PS). As usual,
the 1.4 TSI (90 kW/122 PS) and the 2.0 TSI (147 kW/200 PS) offer high-tech in proven form. Except for the
1.2 TSI, all engines may be paired with a 6-speed DSG (77 kW TDI, 103 kW TDI, 147 kW TSI) or 7-speed DSG
(90 kW TSI, 118 kW TSI).
Naturally, every Jetta engine offered in Europe fulfills requirements of the EU-5 emissions standard.
The 1.2 TSI and 1.6 TDI are also equipped with the BlueMotion Technology package. This means that their
technical features include a Start-Stop system and battery regeneration. The new Jetta 1.2 TSI BlueMotion
Technology consumes just 5.3 l/100 km* (equivalent to 123 g/km* CO2) – a top value for a petrol-powered
sedan with a top speed of 190 km/h. The Jetta with 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Technology attains a sensationally
low combined fuel consumption of 4.1 l/100* km (109 g/km* CO2); with this engine, the Jetta is the most
fuel-efficient 4.6 metre sedan in the world.
Australian specifications and availability will be announced in due course. Although the Volkswagen
Jetta isn't a best-seller locally, Volkswagen will no doubt use the new model to improve their market
share in this important market segment. Stay tuned to Next Car for further details.
NOTE: * All data are forecast EPA values for the USA. All l/100 km data are forecast NEDC values for
Europe. Specifications mentioned in this news item relate to North American and European markets.
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