2019 Volkswagen Jetta Looks Promising

Volkswagen has been gradually transitioning to its MQB modular platform and the latest addition to that bandwagon is the 2019 Jetta. Unveiled globally at the North American International Auto Show, the all-new Volkswagen Jetta packs not just new looks but is a totally revamped car. At first glance, it instantly harks back to the all-new Passat, which is also based on the new design language of the company. And, even with all the changes, the Jetta retains its sophisticated character and kind of plays it safe in the design department. 

Though there is the new long horizontal grille, it is nowhere as radical as the one on the Arteon. And along with this sleek grille, which merges into the headlamps, there is a sleek and sporty looking bumper with some sharp creases. And of course, since it’s 2018 the headlamps are an all LED affair, outlined by LED DRLs. The new platform has also made the new Jetta grow in size. The wheelbase is now longer by 33mm allowing for more room inside the cabin. 

From the side, the roof now slants back more seamlessly into the boot to give it a hint of a fastback. The strong shoulder line, now starts from the front doors, unlike the one on the current model which connected the headlamps to the taillamps.

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Inside, the all-new cabin is tech-laden. The driver now gets Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display, optional 10-colour ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, power driver’s seat with memory function and dual-zone climate control. Furthermore, you can have up to four driver settings which adjust driver seat memory, driver assistance system preferences, temperature, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit arrangement, ambient lighting colour, radio presets, navigation view, and more. 

The infotainment unit, called the Volkswagen Car-Net system, comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink connectivity options. This is connected to a 400-watt Beats Audio system in the American models.

A sporty R-Line variant is also in the works and will be revealed later this year. It will have sportier styling, interior and exterior elements and will feature an XDS electronic differential.

It seems like special attention has been paid to the tech employed for safety. The all-new Jetta comes with 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). It even packs an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.

Under the hood, the 2019 Jetta in America will pack the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol motor. This engine produces 147PS of power and 250Nm of torque. This will be paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission. If it comes to India, it will most likely continue to offer the 2.0-litre diesel option. 

The 2019 Jetta will go on sale in international markets in the first quarter of 2017. In India, we might have to wait until the end of this year, possibly the festive season. It has been priced at around Rs 11.8 lakh in America, but expect a starting price of around Rs 14 lakh for our market.