Tuners have taken to Volkswagen鈥檚 next-generation compact sedan, creating three modified Jettas for this year鈥檚 SEMA event. H&R Springs, Air Design and Volkswagen enthusiast Jamie Orr have all taken to the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, creating three distinctive builds for this year鈥檚 SEMA show. Each takes a bit of a different approach, which aims to build on the latest model鈥檚 all-around appeal. For those of you who like the their cars slammed, Jamie Orr鈥檚 build ought to win some admirers. The Air Design Jetta SEL wins brownie points with its throwback to Volkswagens from the 1980s and 90s. Finally, the H&R Special Springs Jetta R-Line gives enthusiasts a subtle, sporty look for the Jetta. Let鈥檚 start with what鈥檚 likely to be the most controversial contender among the modified Jettas - enthusiast Jamie Orr鈥檚 build. He took a base model Jetta S with a six-speed manual transmission. From there, this Jetta鈥檚 been lowered on KW Clubsport 3-way adjustable coilovers.
That aggressive stance highlights 20-inch Work Emotion T5R 2P wheels wrapped in Delinte DS8 tires. What鈥檚 more, this car sports a 3D-printed ECS Tuning body kit, punctuated by that high-rise spoiler on the back. It鈥檚 not all about looks, however. While there鈥檚 no mention of any upgrades under the hood, there are a few performance pieces. Orr fitted a cool-looking Borla exhaust system, as well as Brembo six-piston front brake calipers and ECS 2-piece rotors. Around the back, there are Golf R rear calipers, also with ECS 2-piece brake rotors. Inside, the Jetta S caps off its aftermarket look with Recaro A8, retrimmed in houndstooth fabric. There鈥檚 also an aluminum pedal set and a Golf R flat-bottom steering wheel. Next up is the H&R Special Springs Jetta R-Line. Those who know H&R know what to expect here. Naturally, this Jetta gets performance coilovers that drop the car onto its 19-inch Rotiform BUC wheels. While there鈥檚 little wheel gap here, it鈥檚 much more conservative than Jamie Orr鈥檚 creation. Also on offer are Pirelli P Zero tires and 13.4-inch front brake rotors (1.9 inches larger than stock). Aesthetically, H&R went also went with a high-rsie rear spoiler, as well as contrasting graphics to the Habanero Orange paint. Other than the suspension and brakes, no other significant performance upgrades are on offer here. H&R鈥檚 build takes the Jetta in a sportier direction. It鈥檚 still a 2019 Jetta, but this SEL model by Air Design harkens back to a bygone age. Inside, Air Design went with a two-tone brown-on-black color scheme. Since this is the top-spec SEL version, leather makes its appearance throughout the interior. There鈥檚 also Volkswagen鈥檚 digital cockpit and an 8.0-inch infotainment display, as comes standard. Which of these three modified Jettas would you choose? Let us know in the comments below!
The front passenger鈥檚 seat does not offer height adjustment, so the person there feels like he or she is sitting too low and close to the floor. Rear seat passengers enjoy plenty of room and seat support, but Volkswagen offers no air conditioning vents to help them keep cool. FOLLOW DAILY NEWS AUTOS ON FACEBOOK. Jetta R-Line trim includes the car鈥檚 standard infotainment system, which supplies Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Given the R-Line鈥檚 unique position in the lineup and potential appeal to younger buyers, VW really ought to offer an upgrade package to the Composition Media infotainment system that comes in SEL and Limited trim. That way, the R-Line would get a proximity sensing 8-inch display, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a Beats Audio premium sound system. That infotainment system also provides Car-Net Security and Service, an important consideration for parents who might choose to get a Jetta for their child to drive.
Free for the first six months of ownership, Car-Net Security and Service offers remote car locking and unlocking, a find-my-car function, SOS emergency calling, quick access to roadside assistance, and automatic collision notification services, among other functions. The Family Guardian service allows parents to monitor how the car is used through speed, curfew, and geographic boundary alerts. Alas, none of this good stuff is offered for the Jetta R-Line. You do, however, benefit from a standard automatic post-collision braking system, which is a relatively rare feature designed to bring the Jetta to a full stop as soon as is possible after a crash. Why is this important? Once the airbags blow and deflate, and after the Jetta鈥檚 underlying vehicle architecture has absorbed the first impact, you don鈥檛 want the car to hit anything else because occupants won鈥檛 be as well protected. A basic reversing camera, a forward collision warning system, an automatic emergency braking system, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert all come standard with R-Line trim. That鈥檚 terrific. And the systems work, too. When I looked back at the road, realized my closing rate was unsafe, and got on the brakes, the Jetta had already initiated forward collision warning and, possibly, some automatic braking. In a moment like this one, you鈥檙e not focused on what the car is doing. You鈥檙e focused on avoiding a collision.
