VW Jetta 2011 grown up

The new Jetta is bigger than the current car and the styling has matured in an effort to further differentiate it from the Golf hatch.  Volkswagen Australia spokesman, Karl Gehling, says the new sedan will join the local lineup early next year.

Visually, the car draws inspiration from the New Compact Coupe concept car, which made its debut at January's Detroit Motor Show.  However, when production starts there will be some subtle styling differences between the North American car and the Australian version.

"It's a global car but there are some minor differences between markets," Gehling says.  Gehling says prices and specifications are yet to be determined for local cars but engines and specifications are expected to closely mirror the Golf.

Prices should be close to the $30,990 starter for the current 1.4-litre 118 TSI.  It was styled under the leadership of Volkswagen head of design, Klaus Bischoff.  "It's a complete new design language for us," he says. "It's roomier than before."

At 4644mm long, the sedan is 90mm longer than the current car making it 13mm longer than the just-launched Golf wagon.  The wheelbase has also grown 70mm to 2648mm. This adds 67mm greater legroom for rear seat passengers.

Inside, the Jetta gets an new dashboard with aluminium highlights and leather-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel.  Luggage space is 510 litres and standard safety features including six airbags, anti-skid brakes and electronic stability control.

In North America the car will get a range of petrol engines ranging in size from a 1.2-litre turbo up to a 2.0-litre turbo as well as BlueMotion technology with stop/start and battery regeneration.  In some markets the car will be available with a 78kW 1.6-litre TDI and a 103kW 2.0-litre TDI engine.

The original Jetta was launched in Germany in 1979. More than 9.6 million have been sold globally and it is the best-selling Volkswagen in the United States.  Like the current car, Australian Jettas will be sourced out of Mexico.