New VW Jetta unveiled

Here are the first images of the all new Volkswagen Jetta saloon. VW has re-engineered its Jetta saloon and the new model takes a gigantic leap forward – conceptually and in the style department.

The new car model has undergone considerable amount of changes and according to VW, it now warrants status as a standalone model like the VW Tiguan. The saloon’s styling is based on the lines of the NCC coupe concept car that was shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Still based on the Golf platform, the Jetta sits on a wheelbase stretched by 70mm and is clothed in crisp new sheetmetal inspired by the NCC concept revealed in January. At 4644mm, the new Jetta is 90mm longer than before. The extended wheelbase will result in added comfort and improved overall legroom, helping the Jetta take on the fight with its competitors, the Skoda Laura and the Chevrolet Cruze.

At the time of the unveiling the company has shared that ‘the new Jetta will no longer share any body components with the Golf and it will be a vehicle type that is just as independent as a CC or Tiguan.’

See official images of the new Jetta

In Europe, the new Jetta will be launched with a wide range of engine options. However, in India, the saloon is more likely to be offered with a 1.4 TSI petrol and 1.6 TDI diesel engine options. 

The new longer and wider Jetta is has VW’s ‘design DNA’ helping it sharpen the car’s styling. At the front, the prominence of horizontal lines defines the design. The black radiator grille combines with the car’s trapezoidal headlights to form a styling unit. It also gets an added cooling air intake and a tray-shaped front spoiler that gives the car a sporty finish.

From the sides, you can notice that the styling characteristics that mark all new VWs launched in the past one year gets moulded into yet another interpretation of the ‘design DNA’. Compared to the outgoing model, the new Jetta has also grown in clarity and pre-eminence in its side profile.

At the rear, harmonized surfaces and sporty shoulders dominate the look. The visually distinctive taillights are split into two sections, each side extending from the fender into the tailgate.

The interior has its own high-quality identity, but distinct from that of Golf’s. The rounded instruments are ideally arranged and the Jetta gets new steering wheel design with optional multi-functional keys on offer. The rear seats split 40/60 and folds, increasing the car’s versatility. The US spec model also gets six airbags, improving its safety quotient.

VW plans to launch the new Jetta in India by March 2011.