VolksWagen Jetta Mk5

[Quiggs]

Stolen straight from the Vortex.

Volkswagen of America press release follows below:

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen today released the first official photos of its all-new Jetta, which goes on sale this coming March in the U.S. and Canada.

The Jetta model is Volkswagen’s most popular in the U.S., accounting for about 40 percent of the brand’s overall volume in this market. It is perennially the number-one selling European nameplate sold in the U.S.

The photos released today show a completely redesigned Jetta sedan, and depict the fifth generation of the German automaker’s sedan that first went on sale in 1980 in the U.S.

Set to make its worldwide public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on January 5, 2005 where its price will also be announced, the new Jetta will be a significant evolution of this Volkswagen model that celebrates its 25th year in the U.S. and Canada in 2005. During that time, it has generated sales of more than 2.2 million units in those markets.

Like its predecessors, the new Jetta will offer a distinct choice in the compact sedan market. The new Jetta has bold dynamic styling and larger dimensions than its predecessor. As always, the Jetta’s styling, technology and European character will attract people who love to drive and desire something different. As expected, this sophisticated Jetta also offers traditional Volkswagen value for the money.

Since the Jetta’s introduction in 1980, this compact, affordable German sports sedan has evolved significantly with each new design. This new Jetta is no exception: it has grown in size from the previous model, while again offering a more advanced level of German engineering and technology that is unique in its competing market segment.

Drivers of the new Jetta will enjoy the model’s first fully independent suspension system that uses a multi-link rear and optimized front axle, a new powerful base engine with a larger displacement of 2.5 liters and five-cylinders generating 150 horsepower (versus a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter, 115 hp engine in the previous model), a new optional six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic including a special “sport” mode selection.

In addition, later in the year, Volkswagen will offer its revolutionary transmission called DSG (TDI only), which is essentially an automated manual transmission system offering the inherent efficiency and economy of a manual with the ease of operation of an automatic. Also among the most impressive new driving advancements are a standard high-tech electro-mechanical steering system, a new technically advanced electronic stability program (ESP), and new-generation ABS all-disc brakes.

The new Jetta’s interior will be roomier than ever with a larger trunk and more legroom and occupant space. As one expects from a modern Volkswagen, the new Jetta will offer a highly refined interior treatment, with a long list of standard comfort and convenience features. Some of the safety features for the new Jetta include front side thorax airbags, Side Curtain Protection (for head) in front and rear, crash-active front headrests, crash-optimized foot pedals that descend upon serious impact, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), three-point safety belts at every position, adjustable headrests for all five occupants, front belt pre-tensioners with load limiters, and safety belts with emergency locking retractors complete this all-new Jetta sedan.

Built for worldwide distribution at Volkswagen’s high-tech production facility in Puebla, Mexico, the Jetta’s assembly process promises to set quality standards for this model segment. Volkswagen AG invested extensively to further advance the modern assembly sequences and technologies at its sole North American site—a facility that according to internal quality audits ranks as one of the Volkswagen Group’s top factories in the world.

The new Jetta has a stronger body than its predecessor, recording double-digit improvements in its dynamic and torsional rigidity. This is achieved through the use of more high-strength body panels, world-class design and engineering, and an advanced, highly automated, laser-welding system. The result is a dramatic increase in laser-welded seams--nearly 14 times more than the previous Jetta. The net benefit of this bonding process is a class-leading fit and finish, improved body strength, crash protection, driving dynamics, and reduced interior noise.

This all-new Jetta once again documents Volkswagen’s attention to detail, unique driving dynamics, high-energy looks and quality materials to match and exceed the expectations of the North American customer.

[jcp123]

Too much forward rake and plastic for my tastes (okay, so there's that much plastic on all new cars. you know me.). But on the upside it looks nice and heavy and solid.

[Sweeney921]

I like it. portrays the VW image well. Any ideas what the next passat is gonna look like?

[Quiggs]

Originally Posted by Sweeney921

I like it. portrays the VW image well. Any ideas what the next passat is gonna look like?

Passat shares the B7 platform with the Audi A4. So that, mixed with some VW Phaeton, and a pinch of Jetta. Bam, you got Passat.

[Egg Nog]

It's nice to see that at least one company isn't deciding to make the change to hideous cars.

[jcp123]

Originally Posted by Egg Nog

It's nice to see that at least one company isn't deciding to make the change to hideous cars.

True dat.

[Ferrari Tifosi]

Not a bad looking car, I like it, and it sounds like they made a good deal of improvements to the performance of the car which is always a plus.

[Quiggs]

The one thing I'm disappointed to see not on the options list is the new 2.0T FSI going in the GTI. Maybe they're planning a special model (GLI) later on that'll include it. And I'm not going to judge the styling until I see one in person. The Golf V looks a lot better in person, and I'm hoping this one does too.

[ZeTurbo]

i like the overall shape , seems very nice , except for the back... if anyone is familliar with the north american corolla you know what i mean.

do you see what i mean? maybe im just paranoid , but i still think the back is butt ugly

[jcp123]

I hadn't found the back end to be particularly good looking or bad looking. However to leave it open to comparison to that POS is pretty bad...we drove one once and it's not much of a car...

[taz_rocks_miami]

It looks better than the new Golf I have to say. A little bland but not bad.

[ZeTurbo]

Originally Posted by taz_rocks_miami

It looks better than the new Golf I have to say. A little bland but not bad.

no, i dont agree, the new golf is bad, that i agree with, but this jetta is a joke! look at that thing... take the vw badge out and i could swear its a bloody JAP. the new golf might look like a 3door minivan but this jetta is pathetic

[PerfAdv]

I'm actually quite enamoured by the MK5s. Big move up for both Golf and Jetta. Now if they can keep prices far enough away from basic 3-series, they might actually sell some Jettas.

I would consider the Golf TDI as a commuter. Anybody know if it retains the current 1.9, 90 hp TDI or is it getting the newer 130 hp unit?

[Matra et Alpine]

I've never undesrtood the sales of the Jetta.

Why take a successful design - the Golf - good handling, nice balance and then stick 100lbs of extra steel on the back. Ruins the look and the perfornance.

Dont' like this one either, bland as already stated.

Are VW trying to cash-in on the Fast&Furious appearance of a Jetta

[jcp123]

The Jetta is actually one of those cars that I've always somehow liked despite the fact I've had bad experiences with it. I've been in 3 close (VERY close) calls with Jettas, it was only luck and having practiced the limits of my car that saved me. Plus a few other minor annoyances.

Only Jetta I'd have is a VR6 Wagon though. I might consider a 1.8T.