Volkswagen has been gradually transitioning to its MQB modular platform and the latest addition to that bandwagon is the 2019 Jetta. Unveiled globally at the North American International Auto Show, the all-new Volkswagen Jetta packs not just new looks but is a totally revamped car. At first glance, it instantly harks back to the all-new Passat, which is also based on the new design language of the company. And, even with all the changes, the Jetta retains its sophisticated character and kind of plays it safe in the design department. Though there is the new long horizontal grille, it is nowhere as radical as the one on the Arteon. And along with this sleek grille, which merges into the headlamps, there is a sleek and sporty looking bumper with some sharp creases. And of course, since it鈥檚 2018 the headlamps are an all LED affair, outlined by LED DRLs. The new platform has also made the new Jetta grow in size. The wheelbase is now longer by 33mm allowing for more room inside the cabin.
From the side, the roof now slants back more seamlessly into the boot to give it a hint of a fastback. The strong shoulder line, now starts from the front doors, unlike the one on the current model which connected the headlamps to the taillamps. Inside, the all-new cabin is tech-laden. The driver now gets Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display, optional 10-colour ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, power driver鈥檚 seat with memory function and dual-zone climate control. Furthermore, you can have up to four driver settings which adjust driver seat memory, driver assistance system preferences, temperature, Volkswagen Digital Cockpit arrangement, ambient lighting colour, radio presets, navigation view, and more. The infotainment unit, called the Volkswagen Car-Net system, comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink connectivity options. This is connected to a 400-watt Beats Audio system in the American models. A sporty R-Line variant is also in the works and will be revealed later this year. It will have sportier styling, interior and exterior elements and will feature an XDS electronic differential. It seems like special attention has been paid to the tech employed for safety. Under the hood, the 2019 Jetta in America will pack the 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol motor. This engine produces 147PS of power and 250Nm of torque. This will be paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission. If it comes to India, it will most likely continue to offer the 2.0-litre diesel option. The 2019 Jetta will go on sale in international markets in the first quarter of 2017. In India, we might have to wait until the end of this year, possibly the festive season. It has been priced at around Rs 11.8 lakh in America, but expect a starting price of around Rs 14 lakh for our market.
Safer and more efficient: the Sportsvan Highline comes with bi-xenon headlamps that swivel as the steering wheel is turned, helping to illuminate the road ahead through corners. These headlamps also consume less power than conventional halogen lamps. Daytime running lamps - with U-shaped LEDs on the Highline - are standard on all Sportsvan models. When viewed side on, the vehicle cuts a sporty minivan silhouette: elongated and flowing, with large doors and a dynamic side line. Defining design traits of the Sportsvan include its very long side window look with two additional windows (in the area of A and D pillars), and the sharply drawn character line that integrates the door handles. The expansive use of glass at the rear further emphasises the consistently elegant lines of the Sportsvan and ensures an optimum all-round view. The top of the window is framed by the roof spoiler, which has air guide elements worked into its sides. Under the window are the two-part rear lights, whose shapes form aerodynamic trailing edges. From powerful styling to sleek sportiness: the wheels for the Sportsvan are specially designed to suit the car's striking lines. Shown here, the Highline comes with the 'Durban' 18-inch alloy wheel with five double spokes, finished in sterling silver. For the Sportsvan Comfortline, it will be the 'Dijon' 17-inch alloy wheel with 10 spokes. Wanna get a Sportsvan? I personally feel that this is a very good family car.. 1.4L engine capacity under the hood, this car roars like it can't wait to speed. It has the extra-large Panoramic Sunroof and all the features that you need for a family car! Poise and power: the Sportsvan with its sharply contoured styling has an independent and sophisticated look. With its taut body shape and precisely drawn lines, it truly stands out among other compact MPVs. More information on the Volkswagen Sportsvan..
It鈥檚 magic. The Jetta鈥檚 brakes are well modulated and inspire confidence, too. Though I鈥檓 looking forward to the expected GLI sport sedan version of the new Jetta, even in standard-spec this is a fun car to drive. With this redesign, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is still fun, and is more respectable. While the Jetta is an appealing vehicle from the standpoints of style, driving dynamics, and upscale features, some items of concern give me pause. With revised fuel economy expectations, a front passenger鈥檚 seat height adjuster, some rear-seat air conditioning vents, and a less murderous trunk lid, the Jetta would have scored higher than it did in this review. Generally speaking, I really liked this car. But it needs a visit to the finishing shop. This review was updated on August 31, 2018 to reflect changes to the ratings and commentary about build quality. As it turned out, the test car was a pre-production vehicle that was not representative of the quality consumers should experience. Did you find this article helpful? If so, please share it using the "Join the Conversation" buttons below, and thank you for visiting Daily News Autos.
