NAIAS 2018: Volkswagen flaunts bigger, more defined all-new Jetta

Volkswagen has officially uncovered the 2019 Jetta at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. The brand’s all-new compact sedan boasts a coupe-like exterior, shorter overhangs, and a bolder look.

Compared to its outgoing model, the 2019 Jetta flaunts its wider hexagonal grille, sharper lines and chrome accents that add to sedan’s modern appearance. This sedan adopts the German marque’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, which likely affects the size of the vehicle. 

Speaking of size, the new version is wider, taller, and has a 33-mm longer wheelbase than the current model, which Volkswagen claims to make a significant increase in the interior space.

Talking about the interior, the Jetta is fully restyled with luxurious soft-touch materials, new fabric colors, design, and door trims to give the occupants a modern feel. Depending on the variant, the freshly-revealed sedan also offers heated and ventilated front seats, power driver’s seat with memory functionality, leather seating surfaces, and dual-zone automatic climate control for a more relaxing ride. Drivers can also go for an optional ten-color ambient lighting system.

For enhanced driving assistance, the Jetta comes standard with a rearview camera and updated technologies such as Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), High Beam Control, and Lane Departure Warning. This compact sedan also offers a class-exclusive Automatic Post-Collision Braking System for added safety.

Powering this all-new Jetta is a 1.4L TSI engine, coupled to a new eight-speed automatic transmission (previously run by a six-speed automatic transmission) that can deliver an output of 148 hp and 249 Nm of torque.

Surprisingly, the 2019 Jetta is cheaper than the outgoing model with the U.S. price that starts at $18,545 (Php 939,860). Would this sedan have the same lower pricing if it’s marketed in the Philippines? Hopefully.

Available in S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium trim levels, the Jetta is also expected to have an R-Line trim that features a more sporty-looking elements. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is set to arrive in its U.S. dealerships in the second quarter of 2018.