VW has releasedthe first pictures of the next edition of its Jetta model, and it will belarger and more sophisticated-looking than the model it succeeds when itarrives in Canada from thefactory in Mexico
More than 2.2million units of the first four generations of Jetta were bought by consumersin Canada and the U.S. since 1980, and VW America clearly hopes the fifthgeneration will help it reverse the serious sales slide the Detroit firm's beenexperiencing.
The car will debutat the Los Angeles Auto Show on January 5, 2005, at which time it's prices willbe announced. Prices for the existing Jetta sedan run from $24,520 to $31,240,and we can expect the new model to match those prices at least.
According toBernice Holman of VW America, ''this sophisticated Jetta will offer traditionalVolkswagen value for the money.''
As always,Holman says, the new Jetta will ''offer a distinct choice in the compact sedanmarket. The new Jetta has bold dynamic styling and larger dimensions than itspredecessor, and, as always, its styling, technology and European characterwill attract people who love to drive and desire something different.''
As well as beinglarger than its predecessors, Holman says, Jetta will ''again offer a moreadvanced level of German engineering and technology that is unique in itscompeting market segment.''
The new Jettawill have the model's first fully independent suspension system using amulti-link rear and optimized front axle, a new powerful base engine with alarger displacement of 2.5 liters and five cylinders generating 150 hp (versus afour-cylinder, 2.0-liter, 115-hp engine in the previous model), and a newoptional six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic that includes aspecial ''sport'' setting.
Later in 2005,Volkswagen will offer its ''revolutionary'' DSG transmission on theturbo-diesel model only. ''This is essentially an automated manual transmissionsystem offering the inherent efficiency and economy of a manual with the easeof operation of an automatic,'' Holman says.
Among other advancements,Holman says, there is a standard high-tech electro-mechanical steering system,a new electronic stability program, and new all-disc anti-lock brakes.
A biggerexterior makes for a roomier interior, and that will translate to a largertrunk and more legroom and general occupant space, Holman says.
''As one expectsfrom a modern Volkswagen,'' says Holman, ''the new Jetta will offer a highlyrefined interior treatment, with a long list of standard comfort andconvenience features.''
More than 2.2million units of the first four generations of Jetta were bought by consumersin Canada and the U.S. since 1980, and VW America clearly hopes the fifthgeneration will help it reverse the serious sales slide the Detroit firm's beenexperiencing.
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According toBernice Holman of VW America, ''this sophisticated Jetta will offer traditionalVolkswagen value for the money.''
As always,Holman says, the new Jetta will ''offer a distinct choice in the compact sedanmarket. The new Jetta has bold dynamic styling and larger dimensions than itspredecessor, and, as always, its styling, technology and European characterwill attract people who love to drive and desire something different.''
 |
The new Jettawill have the model's first fully independent suspension system using amulti-link rear and optimized front axle, a new powerful base engine with alarger displacement of 2.5 liters and five cylinders generating 150 hp (versus afour-cylinder, 2.0-liter, 115-hp engine in the previous model), and a newoptional six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic that includes aspecial ''sport'' setting.
Later in 2005,Volkswagen will offer its ''revolutionary'' DSG transmission on theturbo-diesel model only. ''This is essentially an automated manual transmissionsystem offering the inherent efficiency and economy of a manual with the easeof operation of an automatic,'' Holman says.
Among other advancements,Holman says, there is a standard high-tech electro-mechanical steering system,a new electronic stability program, and new all-disc anti-lock brakes.
A biggerexterior makes for a roomier interior, and that will translate to a largertrunk and more legroom and general occupant space, Holman says.
''As one expectsfrom a modern Volkswagen,'' says Holman, ''the new Jetta will offer a highlyrefined interior treatment, with a long list of standard comfort andconvenience features.''