Jetta GLI Autobahn (Germany, 2011)

In 2010 Volkswagen presented the sixth generation of its Jetta at a world premiere staged at Times Square in New York. The Jetta model sold about 9.6 million units worldwide until 2010.

The Jetta, a bestseller especially in the USA, received a more dynamic design. The brand stated that the 2011 look of the sedan had been inspired by the NCC coupe concept car shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The sixth generation of the Jetta no longer shares body components with the Golf and becomes a vehicle type just as independent as a CC or a Tiguan.

In terms of dimensions the car was re-proportioned. Compared to the previous Jetta model the wheelbase grew by 7 cm and the exterior length 9 cm, which handles the vehicle enhanced performance and more space.

The design of the 2011 Jetta is dominated at the front by horizontal lines, with the black radiator grille combining with the car’s trapezoidal headlights to form a styling unit. Under this unit there is the fully painted bumper, which is designed as a cleanly sculpted surface. The side profile is a new interpretation of the Volkswagen ‘design DNA’ which can be spotted through the characteristic shoulder or ‘tornado’ line and the emphasized arches of the wheel wells. At the rear the harmonized surfaces and the sporty shoulders dominate the new Jetta, with a distinctive set of taillights which are split in two sections and extend from the fender into the tailgate.

In the USA and Canada the new Jetta is available with an engine range composed of three petrol powertrains and one turbodiesel direct-injection engine. The entry-level engine (85 kW / 115 PS) and the common rail TDI (103 kW / 140 PS) are newcomers to Volkswagen’s range. As for the 125 kW / 170 PS 2.5-liter gasoline engine and the sporty top engine, the turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI with 147 kW / 200 PS, they have been technically improved to equip the new Jetta.

In Europe the new Jetta is released with an option between six different engines. The The 1.2 TSI (77 kW / 105 PS), 1.4 TSI (118 kW / 160 PS) and two common rail turbodiesels 1.6 TDI (77 / kW 105 PS) and 2.0 TDI (103 kW / 140 PS) will be the four newcomers to the Volkswagen engine range. The Jetta is also fitted with the 1.4 TSI (90 kW / 122 PS) and the 2.0 TSI (147 kW / 200 PS).