European Jetta to Land in the US in 2014

After Volkswagen rolled out the new Passat at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, company executives stepped in and announced that no new models should be expected for the next years because the lineup will continue to be driven forward by the new Passat and the Jetta. Voices from within Volkswagen however hinted that other models are possible as well, but the main surprise could come for the the Jetta series.

Inside Line writes that the German manufacturer is considering bringing into the United States the European Jetta, but only if the local model performs well. In case that happens, you won't see the European Jetta on American streets sooner than 2014, so three years should be enough for the Germans to decide whether this is or is not a smart move.

A quick comparison between the two models proves that the entry-level European Jetta could arrive in the United States with a price tag of around $24,000 but would be fitted with equipment currently not available there. The European flavor features a multi-link rear suspension configuration plus update wiring harness so that more features can be offered.

On the other hand, the North American Jetta is priced at $15,995 but lacks the aforementioned features and comes with lowscale interior materials.

As said, in case Volkswagen indeed decides to launch the European Jetta in the States, it would happen in 2014, just about the time when the local range reaches its mid-life cycle. But it all depends on the way local sales evolve in the next few years, as there's no secret that Volkswagen wants to become the number one carmaker by 2018.