The Jetta was first introduced in South Africa in 1980. Since then over 273 000 units of Jettas have been sold locally. The Jetta is one of the world’s most successful sedans with over 14 million units sold since 1979. Last year alone, Volkswagen delivered 925 000 units worldwide – this makes the Jetta one of the top selling cars of the brand and of the entire Group.
Designers have redesigned the front and rear ends to make the new Jetta sportier and modern. The aerodynamics have been improved resulting in 10% reduction of the air drag. The interior design has been refreshed to ensure that the new Jetta is more sophisticated than before. The instrument cluster, steering wheel, upholstery materials (Trendline derivatives only) and accents are all new.
The engine line-up remains unchanged with three petrol engines (1.2 TSI 77kW, 1.4 TSI 90kW and 1.4 TSI 118kW) and two diesel engines (1.6 TDI 77kW and 2.0 TDI 103kW).
Volkswagen has restyled the front and rear ends of the Jetta while improving its aerodynamic properties by reducing air drag by 10%. At the front, the new sporty sedan can be immediately recognised by its redesigned radiator grille with three cross fins, optional bi-xenon headlights with cornering, turn signal and LED daytime driving lights as well as a new bumper.
The bi-xenon headlights add distinctive design to the new Jetta. The daytime running light is formed by 15 LEDs arranged in an L-shaped string alongside and beneath the xenon module. They generate an unmistakable light signature, day and night. A chrome element between the LED daytime running lights and the xenon module accentuates the headlights. The new visual band formed by the radiator grille and the headlights, as well as the now larger lower air inlet, give the Jetta a more impressive, wider and modern appearance. The re-sculpted fog lights mounted in the outer areas of the bumper reinforce this effect.
Sporty rear end. As at the front, designers also redesigned the rear body. Here it is the boot lid, tail lights, VW logo and the bumper that identify this as a new Jetta. The contemporary Volkswagen design DNA can be noticed in the uncompromising horizontal orientation of the rear lines. The boot lid has an aerodynamic trailing edge, and on the sides the lines of this integrated spoiler extend into the rear fenders and then into the precise contour of the car’s silhouette near the character line. Beneath this are the new tail lights (LED available with optional Bi-Xenon headlights), which feature a bright stripe, as well as the also redesigned VW logo.
One level lower, the side lines of the boot lid (with optimised load width) now run downward, which dominates the design. Beneath this, the new and very precisely designed bumper completes the impressive look of the rear of the Jetta.
Optimal aerodynamics. Volkswagen has introduced numerous innovative aerodynamic modifications into the design and equipment of the Jetta. These modifications have reduced the air drag by 10%. The new Jetta is 4,659 mm long, 1,778 mm wide (without door mirrors) and 1,482 mm tall. Some of the modifications can be recognised at first glance, while others are subtle. In the front end, the air drag was reduced by the new bumper, perfected air inlets and aerodynamically optimised rain gutters on the sides near the A-pillars. Only a closer look reveals such modifications as underbody panels at the rear axle and sill covers with wheel spoilers.
One of the many attributes of the Jetta is its interior, which bridges over to the next higher class with its ample space, sophisticated look and good ergonomics with intuitive controls. All of these attributes have been further perfected in the new Jetta. The new Jetta is characterised by new instruments in a sporty tube look, multifunction display in the instruments, a new generation steering wheel, new accents for the centre console, elegant high-gloss black trim around the gear shift lever, new chrome accents (varies by derivative), redesigned controls for the air nozzles, ambient lighting (only available as an option with Highline derivatives) as well as designs for the seats and door trim.
Regardless of derivative, the interior offers maximum detailed perfection and intuitive operation. The instrument layout is intuitive. The left hand ergonomically rests on the gear shift knob, and just above it are the centre console controls for the climate control system and the radio or optional radio-navigation system. Up to six airbags are offered as standard safety features across the range (two newly designed head-thorax airbags near the upper side window provide even greater protection in case the car is in a rollover accident, two front airbags and two side airbags in front).
The engine line-up is unchanged. The new Jetta is available with a choice of five engines: three petrol units – 1.2 TSI 77kW, 1.4 TSI 90kW and 1.4 TSI 118kW plus two diesel units: 1.6 TDI 77kW and a 2.0 TDI 103kW.
The Jetta is offered in three different trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.
A number of factory-fitted options are offered with the new Jetta, allowing customer to personalise their vehicles for their tastes and needs.
Optional features include: 17-inch “Lancaster” alloy wheels, Electric Sunroof, Vienna Leather Seats, Parking distance control (front and rear), Bluetooth phone preparation, RNS 510 Satellite navigation system, Rear Assist (Rear View Camera), Towbar (unavailable for 1.2 TSI), Bi- Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights and Keyless Access (Locking and starting system).
Retail Prices (VAT and emissions tax included):
- 1.2 TSI 77kW Trendline – R258 000
- 1.4 TSI 90kW Trendline – R272 500
- 1.4 TSI 90kW Comfortline – R286 700
- 1.4 TSI 90kW Comfortline DSG – R302 700
- 1.6 TDI 77kW Comfortline – R302 900
- 1.6 TDI 77kW Comfortline DSG – R318 900
- 1.4 TSI 118kW Highline DSG – R331 900
- 2.0 TDI 103kW Highline DSG – R358 000
The new Jetta range comes standard with a 5 year/90 000km AutoMotion Service Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.
Service Interval is 15 000km.
Alan Straton
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