European spec VW Jetta

Following the unveiling of the new North American specification Jetta a few months ago, Volkswagen has now taken the wraps off the European model.

On the face of it, both versions appear almost identical. However, a big difference is that European cars will get a superior four-link rear suspension system similar to the Golf’s, instead of a simple torsion beam.



What goes under the bonnet has been changed, too. For the time being, North American buyers have a choice of two petrol engines: a four cylinder 2.0 litre with only eight valves and a single overhead camshaft that produces a miserable 115 bhp (85 kW / 116 PS), or a 2.5 litre inline five with four valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts which manages a more respectable 170 bhp (126 kW / 172 PS).



By contrast, the European engine line-up will consist of much more efficient TSI petrol engines, plus a couple of TDI diesels:

• 1.2 TSI (103 bhp / 77 kW / 105 PS)


• 1.4 TSI (120 bhp / 90 kW / 122 PS)


• 1.4 TSI (158 bhp / 118 kW / 160 PS)


• 2.0 TSI (197 bhp / 147 kW / 200 PS)


• 1.6 TDI (103 bhp / 77 kW / 105 PS)


• 2.0 TDI (138 bhp / 103 kW / 140 PS)

Volkswagen is now pitching the Jetta as a completely separate model, even though it still sits on a modified Golf platform. To further differentiate it, the new generation Jetta has grown by 90 mm and is now 4,644 mm long.



But that means it’s getting uncomfortably close the recently facelifted Passat saloon, which measures 4,769 mm. That could cannibalise sales of the (slightly) larger car, a situation that won’t be helped by the very similar appearance of the two models.

Spot the difference: 2011 Jetta...

...and the recently launched 2011 Passat

UK sales of the new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, which is to be built in Mexico, are due to start in early 2011. Prices and final specifications will be announced nearer the time, but the entry point will probably be around £17,000.





Related post:

New VW Jetta revealed