The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta comes with slightly refreshed styling, a 2.0 TDI engine returning a (VW-estimated) 45 mpg on the highway, new driver assistance systems, LEDs and improved aerodynamics. And with the 2014 car involved in a recall, maybe just wait for the new one?
The Jetta is pretty important for Volkswagen as they delivered 925,000 units worldwide in last year alone, making it the top-selling model of the entire VW Group.
With the 2015 facelift, the Jetta got a new front and rear, resulting in less air drag while a new set of tires improves rolling resistance. As well as the new bumper, air intakes and aerodynamically refined rain gutters on the sides, it also got new underbody panels at the rear axle and sill covers to be as sleek as possible. Cars powered by the 1.8T engine also come with modified brake ventilation channels.
The Bi-Xenon headlights and the adaptive front-lighting system remain optional, but if you go for it, you get 15 LEDs arranged in an L-shaped string as well. Still no Audi, but getting there! LED taillights are only available with the GLI and the Jetta Hybrid, just like the new front/rear spoilers and sill extensions.
To help those TDIs warm up, the Jetta TDI 1.8T and 2.0 TDI also has a close-able shutter for the radiator grille, just like on an ancient two-stroke Saab. The 2.0 has 150 horsepower and a maximum torque of 236 pound-feet from 1750 rpm up to 3000 rpm. With a manual transmission, it also delivers a manufacturer-estimated 32 city/45 highway mpg, with its combined fuel economy projected to be around 37 mpg.
VW says "updates to the Jetta's interior are subtle but significant." You tell me:
Next to those LEDs are a bunch of new safety systems on the options list, including blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and frontal collision warning.
Are these improvements going to be enough to keep this being Volkswagen's bestseller, or do you agree when we say that the refreshed Jetta is just as boring as the current one? We'll know more tomorrow at the New York Auto Show.