VW unveils 2019 Jetta at Detroit; MQB-based, lower price
14 January 2018
Volkswagen of America, Inc., unveiled the new 2019 Jetta at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. 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.
The new generation is now based off of Volkswagen’s MQB platform; 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.
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.
The driver-oriented cockpit features an infotainment screen placed high in the dashboard, making 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 Car Play, Android Auto and MirrorLink.
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.
Despite all the additional premium features and technology, the all-new 2019 Jetta pricing starts at $18,545—$100 less than the outgoing base model.
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta will be available in S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trim levels and is expected to arrive at US 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.
I see VW is still hawing obsolete, dirty gassers to the suckers. Wonder when or if ever, any of that BS PR vapor will actually lead to something of value.
Posted by: Lad | 14 January 2018 at 06:49 PM
Lad,
It just so happens that VW have been quite clear about when we can expect output from their MEB platform. And they even provide regular updates. I believe the expected delivery of first vehicles is early 2020 or late 2019. The first cars will, if memory serves me, by I.D. Concept, probably slated for the European market.
As many others, VW have realized that the only way to make a proper BEV is with a skateboard configuration with a rectangular battery pack at the bottom, below the cabin. However, this is totally different than all their other cars.
The way VW have set up their organisation, and is able to achieve low cost of production, is by engineering these platforms, that run through all their sub-brands as well (Audi, Seat, Skoda, mainly), a process that takes years. It's German thoroughness in its essence and in their DNA. The opposite of Tesla, if you will (fast, agile, burn the old crap down!). This platform strategy also means that they can make more than 10 different cars (not including intra-model variations) on the same production line, at the same time. This enables fast response to consumer demand, at least within their planned product line ;-). The fact that the new model is cheaper than the outgoing can likely be attributed to its use of the MQB platform.
Much to the dismay of many readers in this forum, most people still buy gas cars. It can hardly come as a surprise to anyone that VW taps into this market where they are, if I'm not mistaken, at least in the top three global suppliers.
This Jetta update can not be seen as a divestment from BEV; but more like inertia. They can only have so much talent working on the MEB platform, I.D., I.D. Buzz, I.D. Crozz, etc. at one point in time. The rest, most with different skill sets, keep updating the ICE cars.
Posted by: Thomas Pedersen | 15 January 2018 at 05:06 AM