VW Jetta Spied!

[2o6]

Spotted rolling around with Michigan Plates sporting a fake logo, but the corporate VW face makes it unmistakably a VW.






http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/24/spy-shots-2011-volkswagen-jetta-caught-nearly-uncovered/



This is even more disappointing than the MKVI Golf.

[MX793]

Well, it looks a little less like a Corolla.  Unfortunately, the headlights and grille shape almost resemble the current US Focus.

[2o6]

Well, it looks a little less like a Corolla.  Unfortunately, the headlights and grille shape almost resemble the current US Focus.

Not to mention that from the pics, the car looks to be nearly the same as the old model.

[the Teuton]

And the tail lights are kinda Optima-ish. I think it's a stopgap for the NA market. It has to be. VW has never been this cheap before with redesigns. Even the "Mk. VI" Golf got more of a reworking.

[2o6]

And the tail lights are kinda Optima-ish. I think it's a stopgap for the NA market. It has to be. VW has never been this cheap before with redesigns. Even the "Mk. VI" Golf got more of a reworking.

The Golf 6 was (is) just as bad.

[MX793]

Not to mention that from the pics, the car looks to be nearly the same as the old model.

Not that surprising.  The MkII and MkIII looked quite similar.  Same basic shape and same size (all dimensions were within an inch between the two).  The MkIII really just looked like they fitted more modern lights, bumpers, a new grille and did some mildly tweaked sheetmetal (eliminated a beltline crease) to a MkII.

[2o6]

Not that surprising.  The MkII and MkIII looked quite similar.  Same basic shape and same size (all dimensions were within an inch between the two).  The MkIII really just looked like they fitted more modern lights, bumpers, a new grille and did some mildly tweaked sheetmetal (eliminated a beltline crease) to a MkII.

Yeah, but it isn't as blatantly obvious as say what VW did with the MKV and MKVI Golf.

[Raza]

I'm not liking it.  I very much prefer my car.

[2o6]

I'm not liking it.  I very much prefer my car.

This new car looks noticeably cheaper.

[Raza]

This new car looks noticeably cheaper.

The rear 3/4 is probably my favorite angle on my car.  Look at it on this nearly un-camo'd model.  Completely anonymous. 

[MX793]

This new car looks noticeably cheaper.

That's because this one is supposed to be noticeably cheaper.  Word is that the next Jetta won't be a Golf with a trunk and it will be aimed at developing markets like India and China, plus the American market.

[Laconian]

That's because this one is supposed to be noticeably cheaper.  Word is that the next Jetta won't be a Golf with a trunk and it aimed at developing markets like India and China, plus the American market.

The American market is now a third world country? OBAMA!

[Colin]

The American market is now a third world country? OBAMA!

I don't think it is fair to blame your President, whatever you think of him, rather you should be pointing your frustration at the American Consumer. This car is a response to the apparent buying priorities of its target market...... at this point in the market, it seems, people want cheap. VW's current sales performance in the US is pitiful, so it is clear that what sells so stunningly well in Europe is not what appeals to the average American buyer. Maybe this is.

It might be a Sad Day for the US Auto Enthusiast.......... but it is another self inflicted goal like the way the latest Mazda 6 got bigger (not that I want to reopen that debate again).   

[r0tor]

it looks bloated...

[Raza]

I don't think it is fair to blame your President, whatever you think of him, rather you should be pointing your frustration at the American Consumer. This car is a response to the apparent buying priorities of its target market...... at this point in the market, it seems, people want cheap. VW's current sales performance in the US is pitiful, so it is clear that what sells so stunningly well in Europe is not what appeals to the average American buyer. Maybe this is.

It might be a Sad Day for the US Auto Enthusiast.......... but it is another self inflicted goal like the way the latest Mazda 6 got bigger (not that I want to reopen that debate again).   

It's a shame--turn on the loyalists to appeal to the masses.  And the fact that the MkVI GTI didn't really move the game further and that we don't get the Scirocco and that I don't have a family and don't need a car the size of a Passat, I don't think Volkswagen wants me as a repeat customer.  That is, unless the new Golf R comes with a real stick this time around.  Their new lineup is really forcing me to look elsewhere, which is a shame, since they really won me over with the B5 and A5.

[Xer0]

Will this car still have that lump of an engine up front?

[Cookie Monster]

I like it.

[Laconian]

I don't think it is fair to blame your President, whatever you think of him, rather you should be pointing your frustration at the American Consumer. This car is a response to the apparent buying priorities of its target market...... at this point in the market, it seems, people want cheap. VW's current sales performance in the US is pitiful, so it is clear that what sells so stunningly well in Europe is not what appeals to the average American buyer. Maybe this is.

It might be a Sad Day for the US Auto Enthusiast.......... but it is another self inflicted goal like the way the latest Mazda 6 got bigger (not that I want to reopen that debate again).   

Eh, small cars are for poor people. Real Americans won't notice the loss.






(I've been facetious this whole time, BTW..)

[The Pirate]

I never really cared for the front of the current Jetta, though the rear was quite good looking.  Like Raza said, the rear 3/4 view is the money shot.

[Colin]

Will this car still have that lump of an engine up front?

Well, I doubt that they would sell any at all to Merry-cans if it came with the Euro engines such as the 1.2 TSi and 1.4 TSi motors!

[BimmerM3]

I still don't get why everyone hates the 2.5 that much. I've driven my step-sisters Rabbit a pretty good amount, and I quite like the motor. The only real issue is the lackluster fuel economy.

[Laconian]

All of the drawbacks and none of the benefits of a thirstier and larger engine?

[CALL_911]

The A5 looks like a Corolla, I think this looks better.

[Raza]

All of the drawbacks and none of the benefits of a thirstier and larger engine?

While I don't mind the engine, I think moving to the 1.4 twincharge will get you more power and better mileage.  I don't think anyone would complain about the lack of displacement. 

[Hachee]

It's a shame--turn on the loyalists to appeal to the masses.  And the fact that the MkVI GTI didn't really move the game further and that we don't get the Scirocco and that I don't have a family and don't need a car the size of a Passat, I don't think Volkswagen wants me as a repeat customer.  That is, unless the new Golf R comes with a real stick this time around.  Their new lineup is really forcing me to look elsewhere, which is a shame, since they really won me over with the B5 and A5.

They already started going for mass appeal with the current Jetta by making it bigger and blander than its predecessor.  I know you like it, and it has its merits, such as certain models like the TDI and the 2.0T's.  I was hoping this new one would be a four-door version of that 2 door concept they showed a few months ago.  Maybe it's close, but it's hard to tell in these pics. 

They blew the game with the current Passat, but salvaged a bit with CC, and the Mark VI Golf will be replaced with a much better looking Mark VII, hopefully soon.  But they need the Scirocco, just as Toyota needs a Celica or F86 or whatever they call that thing.  I don't have high hope for the North America-only "NMS" which will replace the Passat and which will probably be big and bland like a Camry.

[Atomic]

it is hard to judge a car one cannot see clearly. the overall shape is pleasant enough. i love vw interiors and many of their wheels, like those on the gti and upper tiguan models. i will reserve judgement until i see it unmasked and in the flesh.

[Laconian]

it is hard to judge a car one cannot see clearly. the overall shape is pleasant enough. i love vw interiors and many of their wheels, like those on the gti and upper tiguan models. i will reserve judgement until i see it unmasked and in the flesh.

This "third world special" will probably be upholstered with burlap bags but still manage to cost $2000 more than a Civic.

[the Teuton]

Purportedly, the new models are supposed to come in at cheaper prices with more competitive packaging for the heart of the market. Whether or not they do has yet to be seen.

It's a shame--turn on the loyalists to appeal to the masses.  And the fact that the MkVI GTI didn't really move the game further and that we don't get the Scirocco and that I don't have a family and don't need a car the size of a Passat, I don't think Volkswagen wants me as a repeat customer.  That is, unless the new Golf R comes with a real stick this time around.  Their new lineup is really forcing me to look elsewhere, which is a shame, since they really won me over with the B5 and A5.

Face it, every Subaru enthusiast shares your sentiments. They got over it. Will this technically be a downgrade? Yes, probably. Will hardcore VW enthusiasts still flock to the models, as well as new consumers? Yeah.

[AltinD]

I doubt they'll use the same taillights for the EU models. Same as the A5 model that used the Passat's LED taillights in Europe but similarly designed conventional ones on the North American models. At least the first years, don't know if the later models came wioth LEDs.

[Raza]

They already started going for mass appeal with the current Jetta by making it bigger and blander than its predecessor.  I know you like it, and it has its merits, such as certain models like the TDI and the 2.0T's.  I was hoping this new one would be a four-door version of that 2 door concept they showed a few months ago.  Maybe it's close, but it's hard to tell in these pics. 

They blew the game with the current Passat, but salvaged a bit with CC, and the Mark VI Golf will be replaced with a much better looking Mark VII, hopefully soon.  But they need the Scirocco, just as Toyota needs a Celica or F86 or whatever they call that thing.  I don't have high hope for the North America-only "NMS" which will replace the Passat and which will probably be big and bland like a Camry.

Going bigger with the new Jetta wasn't that bad an idea, but my vision was that they'd slot something in below it--which they never did.  I drove the 2.5L briefly and spent a decent amount of time in the MkIV 2.0.  The newer car is definitely more refined, quicker, and sharper witted than the old car, but the old car was definitely a laugh to drive.  I think the car could be much improved with the 178bhp twincharged engine matched to a 6MT, but if I were to go back in time and the Wolfsburg didn't exist, I might have ended up with the 2.5 (I'm being a little generous here...I probably would have gotten a lower spec GTI four door).  No, it didn't put a smile on my face the way my car does (nearly 38K into it, I still love every drive), but I could have been content.

I share your skepticism with regards to the NMS, though.  Frankly, considering the volume sellers in the US, the idea of my beloved company going after those buyers is less than inspiring.  Bland, boring, and big.  My old Passat was an impressive drive despite only having 180bhp and a 5AT to drag around 3400lbs.  I haven't driven the current one, though, but I've never heard anything about about how it drives.  I know it didn't sell all that well (but if I were a family man, I'd certainly buy one...if you could get a stick and a sunroof together), but whenever I went to Manhattan, I'd see tons of them; one of the most common cars that wasn't a cabbie or copper.