Photo: Volkswagen
Volkswagen's compact Jetta sedan has just received a refresh for the 2015 model year in America. To be presented at the new York Auto Show later this week, the humblest US sedan sold by the automaker is not getting a radical makeover for the next model year, but the changes they've made will result in a better ownership experience.
The most obvious change is the new front bumper, which is strangely designed after the Passat, not the newer 2015 Golf that's coming later this year. Continuous strips of chrome on both upper and lower grilles make for a modern appearance.
While Korean car companies are making ever bolder new models, the Jetta looks pretty similar to what it used to. Don't be fooled by the headlights in the press photo. Bi-xenon with LED accents are indeed new, but the system isn't fitted to the basic models. There isn't even any novelty value, since the Jetta Hybrid and the GLI already came with a similar setup.
Inside, a new steering wheel with piano-black inserts is fitted on mid-to-high spec cars, while the air conditioning and infotainment surrounds get a similar
shiny trim treatment. For 2015, the Jetta should also be much safer, thanks to active safety systems like blind spot detection, frontal collision warning and rear cross-traffic alert.
Like it or not, VW is continuing to make an anti-statement with its designs, clearly focusing on the mechanical updates.
The engines for the US market will be carryovers from the 2014 model year, meaning base 2-liter, 1.8 TSI turbo, 2.0 TSI turbo for the GLI and the Hybrid based on a 1.4 TSI. The only change to the range is a second generation (for the US market) 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel. It's supposed to be reworked from the ground up, promises 150-hp and should be much more economical.
Jetta TDI 1.8T and 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel models will get a closeable shutter for the radiator grille, which helps warm up the engine and reduce drag.
While not as competitive as the midsize segment, the Jetta will face stiff competition from Japanese and Korean models that battle for the compact nice. Both Toyota's Camry and Honda's Civic are newer than the Jetta, though arguably the turbocharged Jetta with a twin-clutch gearbox has the technological upper hand over its rivals.
While Korean car companies are making ever bolder new models, the Jetta looks pretty similar to what it used to. Don't be fooled by the headlights in the press photo. Bi-xenon with LED accents are indeed new, but the system isn't fitted to the basic models. There isn't even any novelty value, since the Jetta Hybrid and the GLI already came with a similar setup.
Inside, a new steering wheel with piano-black inserts is fitted on mid-to-high spec cars, while the air conditioning and infotainment surrounds get a similar
Like it or not, VW is continuing to make an anti-statement with its designs, clearly focusing on the mechanical updates.
The engines for the US market will be carryovers from the 2014 model year, meaning base 2-liter, 1.8 TSI turbo, 2.0 TSI turbo for the GLI and the Hybrid based on a 1.4 TSI. The only change to the range is a second generation (for the US market) 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel. It's supposed to be reworked from the ground up, promises 150-hp and should be much more economical.
Jetta TDI 1.8T and 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel models will get a closeable shutter for the radiator grille, which helps warm up the engine and reduce drag.
While not as competitive as the midsize segment, the Jetta will face stiff competition from Japanese and Korean models that battle for the compact nice. Both Toyota's Camry and Honda's Civic are newer than the Jetta, though arguably the turbocharged Jetta with a twin-clutch gearbox has the technological upper hand over its rivals.
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