VW has unveiled the updated 2015 Jetta ahead of the car’s official debut at the New York Auto Show this week. Subtle styling changes aside, the Jetta gets an updated diesel engine, new driver assistance systems and enhanced content for the 2015 model year.

It’s hard to tell, but VW has restyled the front and rear ends of the Jetta by applying a redesigned radiator grille with three cross fins, optional Bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), and a new bumper. The fog-lights also feature a different design.

At the rear, the trunklid, taillights, rear logos and bumper of the Jetta have been reworked. The trunklid now has an aerodynamic trailing edge, the taillights feature available LED technology (on GLI and Hybrid models only), and the bumper has been slightly modified.

VW says it has also introduced aerodynamic updates including the dynamic radiator shutter for the Jetta 1.8T and 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel. Closing the radiator shutter helps shorten the warm-up phase of the engine due to reduced air-cooling. When closed, frontal airflow is guided around the body, which helps to improve the car’s aerodynamics and thus reduces fuel consumption.

There are some minor changes on the inside as well, with mid- and high-level trims featuring chrome frames for the gauges with an available color multifunction display nestled in between. Optional features include a new multifunction steering wheel, redesigned air vent controls, piano black accents on the center console and around the gearshift lever, new chrome accents around the dual-zone Climatronic control, ambient lighting, and new fabric colors and designs for the seats.

New available driver assistance technologies include Blind Spot Detection plus rear cross-traffic alert and frontal collision warning, as well as Bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), turn signal, and LED Daytime Running Lights.

Finally, the 140hp 2.0-liter TDI engine has been replaced with the latest generation 150hp 2.0-liter EA288 diesel unit , which produces 236 lb-ft of torque (320 Nm) from just 1,750 rpm up to 3,000 rpm. The new engine already complies with the upcoming LEV3 emissions standard in the USA and is 8 percent more fuel-efficient, returning a manufacturer-estimated 32 mpg (7.35 l/100 km) city, 45 mpg (5.22 l/100 km) highway and 37 mpg (6.35 l/100 km) combined.

The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta is expected to arrive at U.S. Volkswagen dealers in the third quarter of 2014.

By Dan Mihalascu

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