2019 Volkswagen Jetta revealed: bigger, faster, digital

2019 VW Jetta USA

Seventh Jetta generation debuts in the US completely revamped

The new Jetta may not look much different from the sixth generation, but it's a completely new car: new platform, new tech, and a lot of assistance systems, too.

The 2019 VW Jetta is finally based on the MQB platform, the same already used on the Golf Mk7, which means the car now has better interior space, is lighter and allows for complex assistance systems, as you would expect from a 2018 vehicle.

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Design-wise, the grille is now bigger and bolder, while the body has some coupé-like styling, without compromising head space for the rear passengers. The new Jetta has a decent Cd coefficient of 0.27 (10 percent increase in efficiency from the former generation). Better aerodynamics also means better fuel economy. Volkswagen didn't say if the new Jetta will also be available as a diesel (cue Dieselgate scandal) but indicated that the 150-hp 1.4 TSI engine is now more efficient, while also delivering a maximum torque of 250 Nm (184 lb.-ft) / 1,500 rpm. The engine can be mated either to a 6-speed manual transmission, or an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

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The US Jetta is longer (at 4,702 mm in length, it gained 43 mm), with a bigger wheelbase (+35 mm to 2,686 mm). It's almost as big as the European Passat! However, the larger wheelbase also means the wheels were pushed towards the car's extremities, which should allow for improved handling. At 1,799 mm wide (+21 mm) and 1,459 mm tall (+6 mm), the new Jetta also offers more head and knee room as well as increased shoulder room and interior height. Cargo capacity remains unchanged at 510 liters.

The new 2019 VW Jetta: features

The Jetta comes standard with LED headlights and a couple of assistance systems: Front Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Monitor (on the Jetta SE trim version). Both systems are available as options for the Jetta S as well. Depending on the trim level or options, you can also choose systems like the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Assist (lane keeping system), Rear-View Camera, Rear Traffic Alert (for backing out of parking spaces), Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, or the Light Assist system (automatic activation/deactivation of high beam headlights).

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Inside, you have the 10.2-inch Active Info Display with digital instruments like on the current Golf. You can also get a 400-watt sound system from Beats by Dre. The large tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof is standard on the Jetta SE and higher trims. VW designers also offer an indirect interior lighting system (standard from SEL), with ten different colors that can be changed by the driver, according to a customizable profile.

Connectivity comes standard with the Composition Color infotainment system, Bluetooth, USB audio interface and Volkswagen Car-Net App-Connect. The latter is used to connect to smartphones and bring their apps such as Spotify Music into the car via MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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The seats were also completely redesigned. The front seats have power adjustment in certain equipment lines and can be configured with seat heating and ventilation. The rear seats can be asymmetrically split and folded.

No words on the prices yet, but we already know that the new Jetta will arrive in Mexico in the first quarter and will launch on the US market in the second quarter.

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