Detroit show: Volkswagen reveals all-new Jetta

VOLKSWAGEN’S all-new Jetta will be made only in left-hand drive and sold only in North America, meaning the small sedan has been discontinued in Australia.

Launched in Australia in 2006 as a replacement to the Bora, the Jetta is now in run-out after achieving 1056 sales in 2017, a drop of 45.1 per cent over 2016 and the lowest yearly tally since its arrival.

The new Jetta, shown in the flesh at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit this week, is built on Volkswagen’s prolific MQB platform and has grown in all directions, leading to greater interior space.

Visually, it has been given a comprehensive makeover that retains the reserved styling of its predecessor, with simple, clean lines throughout.

The new model gains a larger hexagonal grille with horizontal chrome slats, a split front apron and standard LED headlights, as well as more prominent creases on the bonnet and doors to give it a sleeker look.

A coupe-like rear end finishes with a subtle lip spoiler and rhomboid tailpipes, while the refreshed tail-lights bear a striking resemblance to those on the Audi A4.

Inside, the Jetta has received an overhaul that is unmistakeably Volkswagen, offering more technology than before.

Volkswagen’s virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster is standard on highly-specced variants, while soft-touch materials feature throughout.

Comfort features include heated and ventilated front seats, power driver’s seat with memory function, leather seats, 10-colour ambient lighting and dual-zone climate control.

A number of advanced safety features including forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, high beam control and lane departure warning are available as options, while a rear-view camera comes as standard.

The sole engine choice for American customers will be the carry-over 1.4-litre turbocharged TSI four-pot which, at 109kW/249Nm, is slightly down on the 111kW of the outgoing version.

Power is sent to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

Four trim levels will be offered at launch, with an R-Line trim level set to bolster the range at a later date.