All of which makes redesigning the Jetta for the 2019 model a tall order. To walk us through the changes, we sat down with Daniel Shapiro, product manager for the 2019 Jetta. Q: What鈥檚 new about this Jetta? Daniel Shapiro: Almost everything is completely new; there鈥檚 almost nothing shared between the current model and the 2019 Jetta save the basic engine. The bold, coupe-like styling announces just how different it is. The basic suspension layout is similar, but even things like the brake booster and master cylinder have been changed. It鈥檚 larger than the outgoing model; it is now 1.7 inches longer and 0.8 inches wider, with a wheelbase that is 1.3 inches longer. We鈥檝e added a host of new available features, like standard LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, 10-color ambient lighting, and ventilated seats. The Jetta is also the first North American VW vehicle to offer a Beats premium sound system. Plus, because the car is now based on the MQB platform, it enables us to bring a whole new list of available driver assistance features.
For those people who like a little more aggressive styling, this is the first Jetta to be offered in R-Line trim. Q: Why is there a new Jetta at all? Do Americans even like small cars anymore? Shapiro: The market for small cars continues to be extremely strong. Compact sedans far outsell compact hatches or coupes. For a lot of shoppers, fuel economy can be paramount, and sedans will typically outperform an SUV by that measure. There鈥檚 no reason to look away from the compact car market. If anything, we see even more competition evolving within that segment, and more differentiation from brand to brand. There鈥檚 a historical importance to the Jetta, as it has been the entry to the VW brand in America, and we don鈥檛 see that changing. Q: Who were you thinking of as the typical person who would buy this new Jetta? Shapiro: Our buyer base is very diverse.
You have your entry owner, those who are getting their first job, or are buying their first new car. There鈥檚 the young professional who aspires for something great, who wants no compromises. You also have older buyers who may be downsizing from a larger sedan or SUV who want all the features but are looking for a vehicle with better fuel economy and great driving dynamics in a smaller package. That鈥檚 the real strength of the Jetta. It鈥檚 a versatile platform that serves the gamut from drivers who want a comfortable commuter all the way to people that want to push the driving limits. It exudes a much higher quality feel and a more premium driving experience than our competitors. Q: What was the goal in redesigning the Jetta? Shapiro: The Jetta name has established itself as the affordable European sedan which offers great design, quality and driving dynamics. Our goal was to build a Jetta that delivers on that heritage while writing the next chapter in the story. We saw the all-new Jetta as an opportunity to reinvent the compact sedan.
First, we focused on building a great vehicle with respect to value, fuel economy, and reliability, using the proven 1.4-liter TSI engine and new eight-speed automatic transmission. And second, we brought Jetta further into a rapidly developing digital world with key available features like the Digital Cockpit, driver personalization, and full LED lighting. Q: How would you describe the styling changes? Shapiro: Overall, the all-new Jetta embodies the fusion of a sleek and sporty design with everyday usability. The combination of large front grille, sharper lines and LED lighting creates a sportier, coupe-like profile and that exudes a bold character with premium style. A fast sloping roof line gives a dynamic appearance. Meanwhile, the Jetta鈥檚 entire interior has been rethought and refreshed. A driver-oriented cockpit with the infotainment screen placed high in the dashboard gives the interior of the all-new Jetta a modern look and makes vehicle information easily accessible to the driver.
