All-New 2019 Volkswagen Jetta SEL Premium is Bolder But Refined

The Volkswagen Jetta is a sedan manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen. It was first introduced at the 1979 Frankfurt Auto Show and was known back then as the Volkswagen Atlantic. It was an immediate hit and became the best-selling European car in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Since that time the, Jetta has had nine different name changes; and since it was designed to be a family car to fill the slot above the Golf Hatchback, it has been a 2-door sedan, a 4-door sedan and a 5-door wagon. Through all the name changes and body configurations, Volkswagen was able to sell 17 million Jettas worldwide with 3.2 million of those selling in the United States. It is still Volkswagen's top-selling vehicle.

What's New Today

The seventh-generation Jetta debuted at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit with a larger, bolder, and more refined look than previous generations. This new Jetta will be underpinned on the new MQB platform that Volkswagen roughly spent $60 billion developing. This platform is Volkswagen's new shared modular design construction concept. It allows multiple vehicles to use the same platform with minimal changes to the platform itself. The Jetta shares this platform with the compact Golf, the midsize crossover Tiguan, and the full-size SUV Atlas. The Jetta will be available in five different trim levels from the entry level S up to the SEL Premium to meet the needs of any diehard Jetta fanboys or new buyer. I had the SEL Premium for my weekly press loan, I would have to say the upgrades to the size and technology were welcomed improvements that just seemed like it was time.

Technology

The all-new interior concept of the Jetta offers a driver-oriented cockpit that features an infotainment screen placed in such a manner that allows the driver easier access to vehicle information like the new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Other new technology upgrades that have been added are driver assistance technologies. For instance, a rearview camera now comes standard, and other available features are Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), High Beam Control (Light Assist), and Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist).

Interior

To keep up with the new fully redesigned driver cockpit, The Jetta will combine new the high-tech features with a refined fit and finish by utilizing high-quality soft-touch materials throughout. This will give the Jetta an upscale, yet modern feel.

Exterior

Just like the new larger interior design as a result of utilizing the MQB Platform, the exterior design engineers were given new a fresh palette to work with as well. This seventh-generation Jetta marks an evolution in its clean and timeless design DNA with fresh modern lines and a more refined adult appearance from bumper to bumper. There is a larger front grille with sharper body lines that exudes a bold character. There is also more chrome and the standard LED lighting gives the Jetta a premium feel. It also has a fast-sloping roof line that reveals a sportier, coupe-like profile without compromising the ability for the adults in the second row to sit comfortably.

Power Plant

Pretty much the only thing that stays the same on the 2019 is the old reliable powertrain of the past, and If it ain't broke, why fix it? The Jetta will continue to be powered by the 1.4-liter turbocharged TSI® engine. This turbocharged fun will produce 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, the highest in the compact sedan class. The power is moved via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

This all-new Jetta was well thought out with a specific purpose in mind per Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Derrick Hatami who said, "Jetta was redesigned with the American consumer in mind, It offers a host of available technology and driver assistance features designed to make people's lives easier." I think they did their homework and can be proud of what this new Jetta became. Now we shall see if they tinkered with a winner or they made a sure bet even better. Proof will be in the pudding, aka the sales. Here is why I think the Jetta is a great option for someone looking for a reliable vehicle that is comfortable to drive and has some really nice refinements along with updated technology. Where can you get a compact SUV that acts like a mid-size for compact car price? For a base model 2019, Jetta pricing starts at $18,545. That base has a lot of standard options that make it a buy at that price. Heck, the fully-loaded SEL Premium has an MSRP of 28,590, so go visit a dealer today.

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