New Volkswagen Jetta¸but not for Europe

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor

The Hague, January 15, 2018. Since European car buyers prefer hatchbacks – and more and more compact SUVs - Volkswagen has no plans to offer the new Jetta sedan on the European market.

Yesterday evening, the Germans unveiled the 2019 Jetta during a special event ahead of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit that opens its doors for the media today. The model is one of the worst selling VW models on the Old Continent, but is a bestseller in the US. With the 7th generation, VW expects to continue its success.

The new model is built on the MQB platform that is also used for other models of the Volkswagen Group, such as the Audi A3, Audi TT, VW Golf and Tiguan. With a wheelbase of 105 inches (+ 1.3in), the new Jetta is longer, and also wider and higher than the outgoing version. VW claims improved fuel efficiency, better driving dynamics, while safety and infotainment technology have been improved.

The exterior has more personality with some creases in the hood, a larger grille and new headlights, LED daytime running lights. The cockpit looks more like that of the European Golf and you can choose for the optional Car-Net infotainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink smartphone integration apps.

Standard Jetta willl get the a 150-hp 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, but will now be mated to either an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, increasing fuel efficiency. Models with automatic transmissions get standard a start-stop system to improve fuel economy.

The Jetta offers top two trim levels, SEL and SEL Premium, which will come standard with VW’s Digital Cockpit display, allowing for a reconfigurable display of data, including navigation. Other options include heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone climate controls and 10-color customizable ambient lighting. With respect to safety, the Jetta gets a standard rearview camera, as well as a slew of collision avoidance and other safety systems, including autonomous emergency braking; blind-spot monitoring with an added function that alerts the driver to a vehicle approaching the blind spot, improved adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and automated high-beam control.

VW says it will introduce an R-Line trim level closer to launch that will have sportier styling, exclusive interior and exterior design elements, special badging and an improved electronic differential.

The 2019 Jetta will reach the U.S. market in the second quarter. Prices will start at $19,395 including delivery, which is $100 less than the outgoing model.

It is a pity that European buyers will have one nice sedan less to choose from.