The evolution of the Volkswagen Jetta
With the launch of the sixth generation Volkswagen Jetta, it seems appropriate to review the history of this influential model and the impact it has had on the market. Like the Golf, the Jetta has been extremely popular, with great success in the United States and other parts of the world, and since its first incarnation in 1980, the car has progressively grown in size and power with each generation.
The first generation was launched in 1980, available as a 2- or 4-door saloon/sedan as a way of meeting the demand for a traditional three-seater saloon design. Notable for its angular Giorgetto Giugiaro design, superior safety measures, and upscale interiors, the Jetta quickly became a popular choice for the United States, eventually establishing its place as the best-selling European car in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The second generation would follow in 1984, with a similar design but allowing seating for more people, as well as a larger and heavier body. Thanks to innovations like the optional trip computer, transmission mounts and silicone-damped engine, all of which helped reduce noise levels and vibrations. This was further developed in 1988 with the creation of an electronic fuel injection system, known as the Digifant engine management system.
The third generation, launched in 1992, was renamed the Volkswagen Vento in European businesses, but kept the Jetta name in North America. The styling of the car was different this time, introducing aerodynamic measures and refinements over the second generation. It was also at this time that North American sales began to decline, but thanks to this generation, they rebounded significantly and remained the best-selling Volkswagen in the United States.
The fourth generation that saw the light in 1998 was known throughout the world as Volkswagen Bora. Still popular by comparison, this generation played a little safer than others, despite offering a number of extras. This model was also released just after the Volkswagen Passat, with which it shares some similarities in appearance. The Bora was highly appreciated for the security measures and anti-theft facilities, which bolstered the reviews. This particular model is still manufactured and marketed in China, as well as being sold in countries like Canada, Argentina, and Brazil.
The fifth generation, which appeared in 2005 and went on sale in the US before any other, was a milestone for Volkswagen, which had just spent more than £500,000 on upgrading the production plant. This particular model goes by a variety of names, such as Vento and Bora, as well as Sagitar and GLI. Greater attention was also paid to the styling of the new model, with a chrome front grille.
The sixth generation, announced in North America in June 2010, is larger but cheaper to produce than the fifth generation. With this generation, Volkswagen hopes to target the American mass market and create an affordable yet reliable car. Already proving popular in the market, the Jetta is expected to reach the same lease levels as the Golf lease in the UK.
The new Jetta went on sale on July 22 and has already received rave reviews. It will go on sale in European markets in 2011, with a hybrid model and a sedan version also planned for the year.