The Volkswagen Jetta is a staple for the makers of the “People’s Car.” The current sixth-generation model has begun to show its age, however, so it’s no surprise that Volkswagen just teased the all-new next-generation Jetta in a short video.
Due for a reveal at Detroit next year and set to launch as a 2019 model-year car, the next-gen edition will feature a completely new design, both inside and out, evolving the Jetta into its seventh generation. Rumors suggest the new Jetta will get a more “coupe-like” design. This leaves us anticipating a lower and stretched roofline resembling the one found on the new VW Arteon, the original Passat CC’s latest replacement.
The Jetta on sale today is built on a platform that dates back to 2010, and it will be eight years old next year, so it’s definitely due for a replacement.
Volkswagen essentially started from scratch to create the current MQB platform. It launched in 2012 and currently pins a wide variety of models in Volkswagen’s portfolio. It features a transverse-mounted front-engine placement and front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is optional). It serves cars such as the present Audi TT, to the Volkswagen Atlas crossover SUV. In fact, Volkswagen’s current lineup pretty much relies entirely on the MQB platform. So the story will be the same for the upcoming Jetta.
The current-generation Volkswagen Jetta (2013)
The Volkswagen Jetta and Golf have had a lot in common since their conception. The Golf was essentially a hatchback version of the Jetta. That means we should expect a similar interior design to the one found in the latest seventh-generation Golf. The Golf does share its 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four with the soon-to-be outgoing Jetta.
But the current Jetta’s engine choices are more diverse, with the base car featuring a 1.4-liter turbocharged four with 150 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The turbo 1.8L boasts 170hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, and the top-spec Golf GTI motor, the 2.0L turbo-four, has 210hp and 207 lb-ft of twist. Depending on the engine, Volkswagen offers both automatic and manual cog swappers.
The new Jetta should offer a similar engine option range. We’re obviously crossing our fingers for a manual, but for the most part, automatics continue to reign.
A GLI version is rumored to be in the works, along with a sporty R-Line variant.
