Volkswagen of America has unveiled the all new 2019 Jetta at the North American International Auto Show. 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 U.S.A. The Jetta is based on Volkswagen's Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture. Compared with the current car, the new Jetta grows outside in every direction.
Outside, the combination of large front grille and sharper lines exudes a bold character, while the addition of more chrome and standard LED lighting lend a premium feel. A fast-sloping roof line creates a sportier, coupe-like profile without compromising the usability of the rear seat.
Inside, high quality soft-touch materials throughout and new trapezoidal design elements give the vehicle an upscale, yet modern feel. The car sports new fabric colours and designs for the seats and door trim as well as optional 10-colour customisable wraparound ambient lighting. A new centre storage console is now five litres - large enough to fit a standard iPad.
The driver-oriented cockpit features an infotainment screen placed high in the dashboard, to make all vehicle information easily accessible to the driver. Every Jetta offers standard Driver Personalisation with up to four driver settings. Dependent on trim, customisable features include driver seat memory, driver assistance system preferences, temperature, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit arrangement (if equipped), ambient lighting colour, radio presets, navigation view, and more.
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 CarPlay, 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.
The new Jetta will continue to be powered by Volkswagen's 1.4-litre turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine, making 147bhp and 250Nm 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.
