Volkswagen has yet to reveal its new Jetta that is based on the firm’s modular MQB platform though various images have been leaked online. VW North America CEO Hinrich Woebcken has confirmed that the new Jetta will make its official debut at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2018.
The previous generation Jetta was based on the PQ35 while the new Jetta’s MQB underpinnings mean that the model is expected to be lighter and stiffer while creating more space on the inside thanks to a longer wheelbase. As the platform is a modular one and is used on VW Group models such as the Passat, Tiguan and Golf, it will help keep costs in check by providing economies of scale.
As the leaked images show, the new Jetta will sport VW’s latest design theme that was recently previewed on the Arteon four-door coupe. The clamshell bonnet comes with more creases, the VW family grille is hexagonal in shape and stretches from end-to-end, merging neatly into the headlights, and also gets a multi-slat design similar to the one on the Arteon.
At its sides, the new sedan features a crease running across its length, merging with its large wrap-around tail-lamps that will get LED treatment on higher-spec trims. The silhouette of the car is similar to the outgoing model, but looks a bit longer.
At the rear, the Jetta sports the trademark VW design that merges well with the new tail-lamps, a dual-tone rear bumper with a small faux diffuser, and neatly integrated dual exhaust tips.
Globally, the new Jetta is expected to share engines with the Tiguan SUV. This will include a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol motor, a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol in various states of tune and a 2.0-litre diesel engine.
Volkswagen had launched the sixth-gen Jetta in India in August 2011 and had brought in a facelift in February 2015 as a CKD. It is currently available with prices starting at Rs 16.89 lakh (on-road, Delhi), with a 122hp, 1.4-litre, turbo-petrol and a 140hp, 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine.
Since the 2011 launch until August 2017, the model has sold a total of 14,917 units according to data from SIAM. However, the Jetta has only sold 398 units in the August 2016 to August 2017 period. In comparison, the Skoda Octavia sold 2,735 units, the Toyota Corolla Altis sold 4,410 units and the Hyundai Elantra sold 3,016 units during the same one-year period.
We had previously reported that the new seventh-gen Jetta is not expected to be produced for right-hand-drive markets like South Africa, India and the UK, which means that an India entry is unlikely.
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