Volkswagen Jetta (A7) Explained

Volkswagen Jetta (A7)
Aka:Volkswagen Vento (Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay)
Volkswagen Sagitar (China)
Production:2018–present (Americas)
2019–present (China)
Model Years:2019–present
Assembly:Mexico: Puebla (Volkswagen de México)
China: Chengdu (FAW-VW)[1]
Designer:Klaus Bischoff and Jan Schmid[2]
Layout:Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform:Volkswagen Group MQB A1
Related:Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Lamando
Volkswagen Bora
Volkswagen Taos/Tharu
Škoda Octavia
Wheelbase:2686mm
2731mm (LWB)
Length:4702mm
4753mm (LWB)
Width:1799mm
Height:1459mm
Weight:NaNkg (-2,147,483,648lb)
Predecessor:Volkswagen Jetta (A6)
Manufacturer:Volkswagen
Body Style:4-door sedan
Class:Compact car (C)

The Volkswagen Jetta (A7) is a compact car, the seventh generation of the Volkswagen Jetta and the successor to the Volkswagen Jetta (A6). The 2018 Jetta debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, on 14 January 2018, after Volkswagen released an exterior design sketch in December 2017. The Jetta is based on Volkswagen's MQB platform, which underpins other Volkswagen vehicles including the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Atlas.[3] The A7 Jetta marked the discontinuation of the nameplate in the European market and right-hand-drive markets.

Overview

North America

The A7 is larger than its predecessor, offers more interior room and has the latest generation of Volkswagen's infotainment systems, including integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its ten-color customizable ambient interior lighting includes lighting across the dashboard and instrument panel, front and rear doors, foot wells, and the gauge "rings" of a newly available fully digital instrument cluster display, marketed as the "Digital Cockpit". Reflector LED headlamps and LED rear tail lamps are standard equipment, and a panoramic sunroof is also available. Heated and ventilated front seats are available as well, as leather-trimmed seating surfaces become available for the first time since the Mk5 Jetta. In addition, Volkswagen is the second automaker in the U.S. to offer a premium Beats Audio audio system.

The Jetta's 1.8 L turbocharged TSI inline four-cylinder gasoline engine has been discontinued, as the outgoing 1470NaN0 1.4 L turbocharged TSI inline four-cylinder is the only engine option on the Jetta. A six-speed manual is available on the S and R-Line trim levels with an optional eight-speed automatic, all other trims only offer an eight-speed automatic transmission. On higher trim levels, the Jetta also offers seventeen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and Volkswagen Driving Mode Selection. There is also Cross Differential System (XDS), but it is only available on the Jetta R-Line.[4]

Safety features on the Jetta include an Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), and a standard safety cage. An automatic post-collision braking system, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), as well as seven safety and stability-enhancing systems all come as standard equipment.

Trim levels of the all-new Jetta in the U.S. are S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium. Trim levels in Canada are Comfortline, Highline (available with optional R-Line package) and Execline, while Mexican trim levels are Trendline, Comfortline, R-Line, and Highline. All trim levels lost the multi-link rear independent suspension for a less expensive torsion-beam rear suspension.[5]

As with its predecessors, production of the all-new 2019 Jetta will continue at Volkswagen's Puebla assembly plant in Mexico. The all-new Jetta reached Volkswagen dealerships in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2018. This new seventh generation Jetta will not be sold in the European market.

In September 2020, the Mexican model introduced a budget trim level for the Jetta named Startline, which slots below the Trendline trim and is equipped with the 1.6-liter MSI engine used by the Virtus sedan, significantly reducing its price, only offered in the Tiptronic 6-speed automatic transmission option, and few units will be sold. It retains the same features from Trendline.[6]

Facelift

The facelifted Volkswagen Jetta was revealed in Chicago in August 2021 for the 2022 model year. Bearing an updated look and design, the new C-segment sedan also gains added kit and a new engine. The 1.5 litre turbo four-cylinder replaces the long-serving 1.4 TSI.[7] The facelifted model simultaneously arrived to the Mexican market a day later.[8]

All trim levels receive a higher level of standard equipment, and a new Sport trim replaces the previous R Line model, while the SEL Premium trim is discontinued, leaving the SEL as the top trim level of the standard Jetta lineup. The GLI lineup is simplified into a single "base" model, and includes all of the standard equipment from the previous top-tier Autobahn trim, along with a lower price. For the standard Jetta lineup, the base S model retains its six-speed manual transmission, which is also available on the new Sport trim. The GLI also retains its standard six-speed manual transmission.

Powertrain

ModelDisplacementSeriesPowerTorqueTransmissionNote
Petrol engines
1.4 TSI1,395 cc I4EA2111470NaN02500NaN06-speed manual, 6-speed automatic (South America) or 8-speed automatic
1.5 TSI1,498 cc I4EA211 Evo1580NaN02500NaN06-speed manual, 8-speed automatic
1.6 MSI1,598 cc I41120NaN01550NaN05-speed manual, 6-speed automaticOnly available in Mexico (limited production entry/fleet model) and Russia[9] [10]
2.0 TSI (GLI)1,984 cc I4EA8882280NaN03500NaN06-speed manual, 6-speed DSG (South America) or 7-speed DSG

Jetta GLI

The Jetta GLI was revealed at the Chicago Auto Show on 7 February 2019.[11] The GLI features a 2280NaN0 EA888 gasoline engine, the same engine from the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, although a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is available at an additional cost. In addition to the drivetrain upgrades, a multi-link rear suspension and a VAQ electronically controlled limited-slip differential are included.[12] The GLI features a few exterior upgrades from the standard Jetta, including larger 18-inch alloy wheels, a small rear spoiler, different bumpers, and a black grille with a red stripe. Projector LED headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRL) are standard. A 35th-anniversary edition was available as a trim level in 2019. It features a few exterior upgrades. The trim also includes Volkswagen's DCC active suspension which is absent on other trim levels.

Along with the standard Jetta, the GLI received a facelift for 2022 with a revised front and rear bumper. In the United States, the base "S" model was discontinued. The powertrain remains unchanged with the EA888 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo from the Golf GTI with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG.[13]

Volkswagen is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Jetta GLI with an all-new special edition called the Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition,[14] which will be offered exclusively in North America.[15]

Volkswagen Sagitar (China)

The Chinese-spec Volkswagen Sagitar long wheelbase was launched on 19 January 2019 both in Beijing and Shanghai. it is about 55mm longer than the US-spec model, and is equipped with independent suspension.[16] This is an attempt to occupy the more upscale market than the Volkswagen Lavida built by SAIC-VW, which share the similar look. Production continues in the FAW-VW Chengdu Plant.[17]

Powertrain

ModelDisplacementSeriesPowerTorqueTransmission
Petrol engines
1.2 '200 TSI'1,197 cc I4EA211 (DLS/DJN)1150NaN01750NaN05-speed manual
2000NaN07-speed DSG
1.4 '280 TSI'1,395 cc I4EA211 (DJS/CSS)1500NaN02500NaN07-speed DSG
1.5 '300 TSI'1,498 cc I4EA211 (DSV)1600NaN02500NaN07-speed DSG
† Marketed and labeled as such in China

Safety

Latin NCAP

The Mexican-built Jetta in its most basic Latin American market configuration with 6 airbags and ESC was qualified 5 stars by Latin NCAP in 2019 (obsolete protocol) in both infant and adult passengers, and is awarded two Latin NCAP Advanced Awards, one for pedestrian safety and other for AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking).[18]

IIHS

The 2022 Jetta was tested by the IIHS:[19]

IIHS scores
Small overlap front (Driver) Good
Small overlap front (Passenger) Good
Moderate overlap front Good
Side (original test) Good
Side (updated test) Acceptable
Roof strength Good
Head restraints and seats Good
Headlights
Marginal Poor
varies by trim/option
Seat belt reminders Poor
Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use Acceptable

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Market overview: Compact notchback models are one of Volkswagen's key segments in China. 2020-09-10. Volkswagen Newsroom. en.
  2. US. D826094. Motor vehicle. 2018-08-21. Bischoff. Klaus. Schmid. Jan. Volkswagen AG.
  3. Web site: Meet the all-new 2019 VW Jetta - Volkswagen. www.vw.com.
  4. News: ALL-NEW 2019 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA USES ADVANCED, AFFORDABLE TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE FUEL ECONOMY. 2018-08-10.
  5. Web site: VW.com - Build Your Own. www.vw.com.
  6. Web site: El Volkswagen Jetta Startline se estrena en México: Motor de 1.6 litros y precio de Virtus. 11 September 2020.
  7. Web site: 2022 Volkswagen Jetta facelift debuts in the US - new 1.5 litre turbo base engine; GLI returns with 228 hp - paultan.org. August 24, 2021.
  8. Web site: Miranda . Jonathan . 23 August 2021 . Volkswagen Jetta 2022 llega a México, importante actualización a un referente del segmento . https://web.archive.org/web/20210825085538/https://noticias.autocosmos.com.mx/2021/08/23/volkswagen-jetta-2022-llega-a-mexico-importante-actualizacion-a-un-referente-del-segmento . 2021-08-25 . Autocosmos México . es-MX.
  9. Web site: García. Gerardo. 2020-09-11. El Volkswagen Jetta Startline se estrena en México: motor de 1.6 litros y precio de Virtus. The Volkswagen Jetta Startline debuts in Mexico: 1.6-liter engine and Virtus price. 2020-09-23. Motorpasión México. es.
  10. Web site: 2019-09-24. Новый Volkswagen Jetta для России: моторы и оснащение. 2021-05-08. autoreview.ru. ru.
  11. Web site: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI storms into Chicago Auto Show with 228 hp. www.cnet.com.
  12. Web site: 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Five Cool Things (and an Uncool One). www.automobilemag.com. 8 February 2019.
  13. Web site: Aaron. Michael. 2021-08-23. 2022 Volkswagen Jetta, Jetta GLI Get a Subtle Update. 2021-11-16. Car and Driver. en-US.
  14. Web site: 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition Debuts For $29,235. July 24, 2023. Motor1.com.
  15. Web site: VW Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition Combines Special Touches With Affordable Pricing. Michael. Gauthier. July 24, 2023. Carscoops.
  16. Web site: FAW-VW Chinese Site: Sagitar LWB Overview.
  17. Web site: 汽车之家|2019年上市 一汽-大众新速腾白车身下线|汽车|原创|速腾|汽车报价|汽车评测|汽车试驾|买车网. www.autohome.com.cn.
  18. News: Volkswagen Jetta hecho en México consigue reconocimiento de seguridad . Las Heras . Ezequiel . 27 September 2019 . 10 October 2020 . es. Mexican-made Volkswagen Jetta obtains safety award . AutoCosmos.
  19. Web site: 2022 Volkswagen Jetta 4-door sedan. IIHS-HLDI crash testing and highway safety.