The latest generation Jetta has made its European debut at an event held at the home of FC Bayern Munich, the Allianz Arena.
The new Jetta has a fresh look, but is instantly recognisable as a Volkswagen. Drawing inspiration from the NCC concept shown at the Detroit Motor Show in January, the new Jetta features clean, simple lines and adopts the latest corporate styling seen recently on the new Polo, and on the new Passat and Sharan MPV.
Volkswagen says every panel you can touch, both inside and out, is new to the Jetta. At the front, a grille similar to the new executive/luxury Phaeton saloon features strong horizontal fins creating the impression the vehicle is lower and wider than it actually is.
Styling changes continue inside the cabin, bringing the design in line with the Golf with a new centre console, entertainment and climate control systems, and steering wheel design among the updates. In addition, the new Jetta has grown in length by 90mm with its wheelbase extended by 70mm. The result is a 67mm increase in rear legroom over the outgoing car.
In contrast to the US-specification Jetta unveiled earlier this year, all new Jetta models in Europe feature the sophisticated four-link suspension system similar to that fitted to the Golf. This differs from the setup of the outgoing model with the new Jetta featuring a wider track at the rear as well as revised springs and dampers.
The sixth generation of the Jetta offers greater efficiency and fewer emissions with a range of advanced petrol and diesel forced induction engines. The range includes a pair of 1.4-litre TSI engines, developing 122bhp and 160bhp, and two diesel engines with a 1.6-litre TDI 105bhp and a 2.0-litre TDI developing 140bhp. The 1.6-litre TDI unit will feature Blue Motion Technology modifications including stop/start and battery regeneration.
As with the outgoing Jetta, Volkswagen says the new car combines the practicality of being able to seat five adults with a large, 510 litre loadspace, and a comprehensive range of standard safety features including six airbags, ABS and electronic stabilisation programme.
