The Volkswagen Jetta has been the class-leading four-door sedan and it just got better, and be ready for this, cheaper than the model it replaces.
VW is well known for long-lasting models with designs that improve over time. Almost every model in VW’s line up has a long history of dependability and roadworthiness. The 2019 Jetta is no different, while the exterior design of the new may not grab your attention, we saw it displayed at the Washington Auto Show in January and barely took notice of it. It is worth taking a look at it if you are looking for a four-door sedan in the mid-level model market segment.
The Jetta is an icon that began back when it morphed from what was the staple of the 1970’s modern Volkswagen, the Rabbit, also known as the Golf. The Jetta became the version with four doors and an actual trunk, though there were two-door and wagon versions. The Rabbit/Golf was a two or four-door hatchback. Since that time, the Jetta has been considered a solid choice for an economical while not extravagant sedan. Very much in the Volkswagen mantra of “The Peoples Car,” a dependable and economical vehicle for every person.
Turn the clock ahead forty years to 2019 and the seventh-generation model comes to market with all of that plus safety and technology that was unheard of at the beginning of the model run.
For 2019, the Volkswagen Jetta comes in S, SE, R-Line®, SEL and SEL Premium trim levels. Jetta continues to be powered by VW’s 1.4-Litre turbocharged direct-injection TSI® engine, making 147 Horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque with front-wheel drive. Jetta has either a new standard six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic, all Jetta’s (as do so many other models,) come with Start/Stop system designed to improve fuel efficiency by turning off the engine at idle when the brake is held, staring up again upon pedal release.
All Jetta models offer standard Driver Personalization for up to four drivers. Depending on the trim, the features will include: driver seat, drive mode, driver assistance preferences as well as climate control, Volkswagens Digital Cockpit arrangement, ambient lighting color, radio presets, navigation view and more. Safety is key with the combination of passive and active safety systems that meet or exceed crash regulations, including class exclusive automatic Post-Collision Braking system.
Jetta S – Basic and everything a VW is known to be.
The Jetta S is the entry level at $18.545 with standard features including a six-speed transmission, 16-inch silver “Rama” aluminum-alloy wheels; standard LED headlights, daytime driving lights (DRL) and taillights; chrome grille; multi-function steering wheel; rearview camera; automatic headlights; electric parking brake; cloth seats; Eco driving mode selection; and 6.5-inch Composition Color touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth® connectivity for compatible devices, one USB port, four speakers, and Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect for compatible devices, enabling integration with the three major smartphone platforms—Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®. For an additional $800 you can upgrade to the Automatic Transmission.
Jetta SE – Stepping up the model to the next level
Jetta SE starts at $22,155 with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, 16-inch two-tone “Rama Black” aluminum-alloy wheels; panoramic sunroof; dual-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control; leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; KESSY keyless access and push-button start; leatherette seating surfaces; and heated front seats. Standard driver assist features to include Front Assist; and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert.
Jetta R-Line® – Putting some sportiness into a sedan
Jetta R-Line® starts at $22,995 and is the sportier version. Adding to the SE trim with standard 17-inch dark gray “Trenton” aluminum-alloy wheels; a gloss-black front grille; R-Line rear bumper with dual exhaust; foglights; black mirror caps; R-Line badging inside and out; black roof liner; R-Line multi-function steering wheel with contrast stitching; two-tone black and grey seating surfaces with contrast stitching; and the XDS® electronic differential.
Jetta SEL – Luxury in a great package
Jetta SEL starts at $24,415 and brings luxury into the model line up. With all the features of the SE trim it include LED Projector headlights with signature LED DRLs; rain-sensing wipers; Auto-dimming rearview mirror; Drive Mode Selection; 10-color customizable wrap-around ambient lighting; 10.25-inch Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display, allowing drivers to reconfigure how they view vehicle information; Volkswagen Car-Net® connected vehicle services; 400 Watt BeatsAudio® system with eight speakers plus a subwoofer; and 8.0-inch Composition Media touchscreen infotainment system with SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with three-month trial subscription, voice control, and two USB ports. Standard driver assist features to include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); High Beam Control (Light Assist); and Active Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist).
Jetta SEL Premium – Top Of The Line Luxury
The top-of-the-line Jetta SEL Premium has a starting price of $26,945. With all that comes with the SEL trim, add on 17-inch two-tone “Tornado Metallic” aluminum-alloy wheels; R-Line rear bumper; fog lights; side mirrors with integrated turn signals; sport comfort seats; leather seating surfaces; ventilated front seats; power driver’s seat with memory functionality and power lumbar; 8-inch Discover Media infotainment system with navigation and alarm system. The Cold Weather Package, including a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, heated windshield wiper park and washer nozzles, and remote start, will be added as standard equipment during the upcoming year.
2019 Jetta Options – Simple and to the point.
Driver Assistance Package. Available on S trims. Includes Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert and heated side mirrors for $450.
Cold Weather Package. Available mid-model year on SE, R-Line and SEL trims. Includes heated steering wheel; heated rear seats; heated windshield wiper park and washer nozzles; and remote start for $495.
Destination Fee for all models is $850.
People First Warranty, America’s Best Bumper-To-Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Volkswagen offers a 6 years/72,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty on MY2018 and newer VW vehicles, excluding e-Golf. Claim based on manufacturers’ published data on length and transferability of the car and SUV Bumper-to-bumper/Basic warranty only. Not based on other separate warranties. The remainder of warranty coverage transfers to the subsequent vehicle owner. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty exclusions and limitations.
The 2019 Jetta is built on VW’s MQB platform offering bolder design, more interior space than the outgoing model and new technology. Look for the new Jetta to arrive at U.S. Volkswagen dealers in the second quarter of 2018.
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