Volkswagen Showcases All-New 2011 Jetta During International Driving Presentation In San Francisco

HERNDON, Va., July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. today showcased its all-new 2011 Jetta as part of a weeklong international driving presentation held in San Francisco, CA.  The all-new 2011 Jetta delivers sophisticated style, precision German engineering and Carefree Maintenance, all at an extremely accessible starting price of around $16,000.  Unveiled recently in Times Square, New York, the all-new 2011 Jetta offers best-in-class rear legroom and features clean lines, refined side architecture and premium style combined with Volkswagen's trademark precision German engineering.  The all-new 2011 Jetta sets a new standard in its class and will be available in the U.S. in October.

"The all-new 2011 Jetta delivers an exceptional driving experience at an extremely attractive price," said Michael Lohscheller, Interim-CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.  "Consumers will thoroughly enjoy its fine performance, good looks and roomier interior."

Sophisticated Style, Outside and In

Exterior

The all-new 2011 Jetta has been completely overhauled, inside and out.  Its new wheelbase and exterior length are significantly bigger than its predecessor – resulting in superior performance, more space and greater comfort.  At 182.2 inches long, 57.2 inches tall and 70 inches wide, it is more than 2.9 inches longer than previous Jettas.  

On the front end of the car, the design is defined by prominent horizontal lines.  The high-gloss black radiator grille and the car's trapezoidal headlights help create a distinct look.  Under this is the fully painted, cleanly designed bumper.  Below that, another cooling air intake and tray-shaped front spoiler help give the car a sporty finish.  The upper front end section shows a powerful transition from the v-shaped engine hood to the fenders on the sides; the shoulder section provides dynamic and muscular styling.

A great example of the unique styling characteristics of the Jetta is in the shoulder or 'tornado' line and the powerfully emphasized arches of the wheel wells.  Thanks to wide track dimensions, the wheel arches also form a precise transition up to the tires (up to 18-inches long). Harmonized surfaces and sporty shoulders dominate the rear section.  Powerful in illumination and visually distinctive, the taillights are split into two sections, extending on either side from the fender into the tailgate. The all-new Jetta also features integrated turn signal indicators.

Interior

A key benefit of the extended wheelbase is a more comfortable layout of the five-seat rear seating area.  Legroom is now a class-leading 38.1 inches, a 2.7-inch gain from the previous model.  

A common conceptual thread throughout the car is the intuitive controls and well-arranged instruments.  Along with a newly designed steering wheel, drivers will also enjoy a more comfortably and ergonomically designed gear shift grip.  Further up on the center console are the newly designed and intuitive controls for climate, radio and radio-navigation systems.  This console section is also slightly inclined toward the driver for ideal alignment of the cockpit.  Additionally, the round instruments are now in a more optimal viewing range with the multifunction display (trip computer) located between them.  

The rear bench seatback is split 60/40 and folds, increasing the car's versatility.  The trunk can also be opened from inside the car by a remote unlock switch.  Up to six airbags (driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags in front and side curtain airbags in front and rear) are also part of the equipment package.

Engine and Transmission

The North American version of the all-new 2011 Jetta features the powerful and efficient German engineering drivers have come to expect from Volkswagen.  Four engines will be available in the U.S. and Canada, including a 2.0-liter turbodiesel direct injection (TDI) Clean Diesel (140hp) featuring common rail injection with 236 lbs-ft. of torque (320 Newton-meters).  The engine runs as quietly as a gasoline engine, but yields the torque of a sports car achieving 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds.  Additional engines include the 2.0 (115hp), 2.5 (170hp), and as of 2011, the 2.0 TSI (200hp).  All Jetta engines will be offered with a manual transmission as standard equipment.  An automatic transmission will also be available with each engine version as an option.  On the new 2.0-liter TDI and 2.0-liter TSI, Volkswagen will offer the 6-speed DSG – one of the most advanced and efficient automatic transmission systems in the world. The TDI version attains a top fuel economy of 42 mpg highway, making Jetta one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market.  (All fuel economy figures are manufacturer's fuel economy estimates; EPA estimates are not currently available and actual mileage will vary).  In the U.S., trim levels and build combinations that will be available are the S, SE, SEL, TDI and GLI.

Safety

The all-new 2011 Jetta includes several features designed to enhance driver and passenger safety including electronic stability control to help prevent drivers from losing control of their cars and tire pressure monitoring.  The "Intelligent Crash Response System" (ICRS) is unique in its class.  ICRS turns off the fuel pump, activates the hazard lights and unlocks the doors in the case of an airbag deployment.  

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia.  It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany.  Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker.  Volkswagen sells the Eos, Golf, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Passat, Passat Wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers.  All 2010 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program.  This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.

SOURCE Volkswagen of America, Inc.