With the launch of the sixth-generation Jetta in North America, Volkswagen wanted to make the car more accessible by dropping the base price to an unprecedented US$15,875.
In order to do that, the German automaker had to cut a few corners and, as a result, our Jetta isn't as technologically advanced as the one sold in Europe. Die-hard VW fans have openly criticized the move... and they may get their wish at some point.
Frank Donath, Jetta Global Technical Project Leader, recently said "there is the strong chance that the midlife Jetta [2014] for North America could get all of the European features''. However, he was quick to add that it all depends on sales performance.
Unlike the U.S. model, the European Jetta benefits from a multi-link rear axle for superior ride quality, a more sophisticated wiring harness, softer-touch plastics and better sound-deadening materials.
All these premium features come with a price, though. In Germany, the Jetta starts at 20,900 euros, or US$28,650 based on the current exchange rate – a difference of about $12,000. Of course, Canadian pricing will vary, but you get the picture.
Volkswagen Canada mentioned to us, in a recent conversation, that they were managing to deliver upwards of 1,500 units per months since the arrival of the new car. If Donath was telling the truth, that means we could get a European Jetta sooner rather than later!
Source: Inside Line
In order to do that, the German automaker had to cut a few corners and, as a result, our Jetta isn't as technologically advanced as the one sold in Europe. Die-hard VW fans have openly criticized the move... and they may get their wish at some point.
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| Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre/Auto123.com |
Frank Donath, Jetta Global Technical Project Leader, recently said "there is the strong chance that the midlife Jetta [2014] for North America could get all of the European features''. However, he was quick to add that it all depends on sales performance.
Unlike the U.S. model, the European Jetta benefits from a multi-link rear axle for superior ride quality, a more sophisticated wiring harness, softer-touch plastics and better sound-deadening materials.
All these premium features come with a price, though. In Germany, the Jetta starts at 20,900 euros, or US$28,650 based on the current exchange rate – a difference of about $12,000. Of course, Canadian pricing will vary, but you get the picture.
Volkswagen Canada mentioned to us, in a recent conversation, that they were managing to deliver upwards of 1,500 units per months since the arrival of the new car. If Donath was telling the truth, that means we could get a European Jetta sooner rather than later!
Source: Inside Line