The Volkswagen Jetta is one of the world’s most successful sedans, with more than 17.5 million models sold worldwide since it was introduced in 1979: more than 3.2 million of those have been sold in the United States. Now based off the award-winning MQB platform, the all-new 2019 Jetta offers bolder design, even more interior space and the newest technology from the premium class. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta will be available in S, SE, R-Line®, SEL, and SEL Premium trim levels and is expected to arrive at U.S. Volkswagen dealers in the second quarter of 2018. Every Jetta model will come with the People First Warranty, an industry-leading six-year or 72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty., which can be transferred to subsequent owners throughout its duration.
Pricing for the VW Jetta S starts at $18,545, less than the outgoing car’s starting MSRP despite more new technology and features. The SE trim starts at $22,155 and offers a host of upscale convenience and driver-assistance systems. The first ever Jetta R-Line features sporty styling and the XDS® Cross Differential System and has a starting price of $22,995. The SEL trim starts at $24,415 and offers innovative tech features like Volkswagen Digital Cockpit and 10-color ambient lighting, while the top-end SEL Premium features standard luxury touches, like navigation and leather seats with front ventilation and driver memory, and starts at $26,945.
Compared with the current car, the new car grows outside in every direction. It 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. Outside, the all-new Jetta marks an evolution in Volkswagen’s clean and timeless design DNA, with modern lines and a refined appearance. The combination of a large front grille and sharper lines exudes a bold character, while the addition of more chrome and LED lighting lend a premium feel. The front end design, with its emphasis of horizontal lines, at once identifies the new Jetta as a Volkswagen. Specific to the model is the distinctive unit formed by the radiator grille and the standard LED headlights. The trapezoidal grille is composed of four chrome bars, two of which flow into the headlight housings where the LEDs pick up the lines and connect them for a wrap-around effect.
The Jetta interior architecture is redesigned, having been engineered for increased comfort while supporting a sophisticated, upscale design. The 2019 Jetta has more headroom, knee room, and shoulder room than the previous car. The trunk space is 14.1 cubic feet and split-folding rear seats (60/40) are standard. Both the instruments and the infotainment system are arranged in an easy-to-read horizontal orientation. Both the infotainment system and the climate-control interface are located on the center console, which is angled towards the driver. Meanwhile, trapezoidal design elements from the exterior are repeated in the cabin for a touch of sportiness, and premium soft-touch materials are used. The lower instrument panel has a similar horizontal design, with a fine decorative trim strip that runs beneath the cockpit, across the entire instrument panel, and into the doors. Every 2019 Jetta comes with a multi-function steering wheel that is leather-wrapped on SE models and above.
The new Volkswagen Jetta is powered by Volkswagen’s 1.4-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine, making 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The 16-valve engine is able to generate peak torque at just 1,400 rpm, while at the same time returning EPA-estimated fuel economy of 30/40/34 mpg regardless of transmission choice.The engine, internally coded EA211, features an air-to-water heat exchanger built directly into the intake module in place of an intercooler. The exhaust manifold is integrated into the head, reducing the distance that exhaust gases must travel to reach the turbocharger, thus allowing for faster response and catalytic converter light off. Valves work to regulate coolant flow into the head, which allows for rapid engine heating, as well as efficient cooling when the engine reaches normal operating temperature. Both the intake and the exhaust valves feature variable valve timing, which results in improved low-rpm performance, as well as increased torque throughout the rev range. A relatively high 10:1 compression ratio further helps the engine’s efficiency, yet it still takes regular (87 octane) gasoline.
For the first time, the Jetta makes use of Volkswagen’s award-winning MQB modular chassis. The platform features unitary construction with two solid-mounted subframes and bolt-on front fenders. Both body and chassis boast a large percentage of ultra-high-strength, hot-formed steel, which allows much of the chassis and body to be constructed from thinner and lighter parts without loss in strength. Mounted in a lightweight, two-piece steel subframe, the Jetta’s strut-type front suspension has lower control arms and long-travel coil springs. At the back, a torsion beam rear setup with telescopic dampers offers an ideal balance of ride comfort, handling, and weight (the rear suspension alone saves 44 pounds in unsprung weight over a more complex multi-link system). The Jetta S comes standard with 16-inch “Rama” aluminum-alloy wheels and 205/55 R16 all-season tires; the SE and SEL feature “Rama Black” two-tone wheels. On Volkswagen Jetta SEL Premium models, 17-inch “Tornado Metallic” wheels have 205/55 R17 all-season tires.
The 2019 Jetta offers a combination of both passive and active safety systems that are engineered to meet or exceed current crash regulations. Another benefit of the Volkswagen Jetta adopting the MQB chassis is a much more rigid architecture than the previous car, which pays dividends in safety for both passengers and pedestrians alike. Highlights include a rigid laser-seam-welded bodyshell, crash-optimized, energy-absorbing front end, and heat-formed steel center B-pillars. Inside, front and side-thorax airbags help protect the driver and front-seat passenger, while Side Curtain Protection® head airbags help protect those in the front and rear outboard seats. Jetta is the only vehicle in its class to offer the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, which is standard on all models.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta
