America's German Sweetheart Gets A Refresh - 2015 Jetta

(Photo Credit @VW)

It's very unlikely, especially in the Northern Virginia area, that you can drive anywhere and not see a Jetta. Whether it may be one of the boxy mk4 Jettas, or our modern day mk6 Jetta, you probably know someone who's owned a Jetta at one point in their lives. Heck, my old roommate and I both rocked Jettas at one point, and my mk5 Laser Blue Jetta is still running like a champ in sunny Columbus, Ohio. A recent press release stated that America's favorite VW model delivered 925,000 units worldwide last year alone, making the popular sedan the top-selling car for both Volkswagen and the entire Group. Big achievements come with some big changes. The 2015 Jetta was unveiled at the 2014 New York International Auto Show, and the news is exciting.

(Photo Credit @VW)

(Photo Credit @VW)

The 2015 Jetta receives a small facelift, a few exterior aesthetic changes to compliment its current design. The radiator grille is redesigned in the front with three cross fins, a new bumper, and optional Bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). Each daytime running light for the Bi-Xenon headlights are formed by 15 LEDs that are arranged in an L-shaped string around the xenon modules, creating a distinctive look. Between the LED daytime running lights and the xenons, a chrome element is also placed. A new visual band is created by the radiator grille and the headlights, and with a larger lower air inlet, the Jetta now has a bigger look. In the back, an integrated spoiler extends to the rear fenders, continuing into the contour of the Jetta’s silhouette. New LED taillights for certain models are available which feature a bright stripe and a redesigned VW logo.

The updated Jetta also gets some properties to improve its aerodynamics.  Air drag has been reduced by the redesigned bumper and air intakes, and defined rain gutters near the A-pillars on the sides. Underbody panels at the rear axle and sill covers with wheel spoilers are also equipped. The new 1.8T engine equipped in the new Jetta models also have modified brake ventilation channels, while the GLI and Hybrid models will have special elements such as new front/rear spoilers and sill extensions. The 1.8T and 2.0 TDI will also receive a new aerodynamic feature that is a closable shutter for the radiator grille. This will help shorten the warm-up process of the engine due to reduced air cooling. 

(Photo Credit @VW)

The new 2.0L 150 hp EA288 TDI Clean Diesel engine will be offered in the 2015 Jetta. This new TDI is the most fuel efficient yet, estimated to deliver 32 city/45 highway mpg with a manual transmission. The Jetta will also be introduced with a SCR catalytic converter - a complex exhaust gas recirculation system. This system not only meets current emissions standards in the US, but is designed to meet future anticipated regulations. Located newer the engine, the new layout enables faster responses by the oxidation catalytic converter and the SCR catalytic converter. Using the AdBlue additive, the SCR catalytic converter reduces oxides of nitrogen, furthering the reduction of emissions, and also helping to improve the fuel efficiency of the new Jetta.

(Photo Credit @VW)

Inside this new Jetta gets a subtle but big update. A new multifunction steering wheel, redesigned air vent controls, chrome accents around the dual-zone Climatronic control, ambient lighting, piano black accents on the center console and around the gear shift lever, and new fabric colors and seat designs are available. For mid to high trim levels, the dash gauges are framed in chrome-edged tubes, with an available color multifunction display in between. Technology like Blind Spot Detection plus rear cross-traffic alert and frontal collision warning are also now available for this updated Jetta. 

The 2015 Jetta is anticipated to hit dealerships closer to the end of summer. With updates on the inside and outside, America’s VW sweetheart will be hard not to love. Let us know what you think about the refreshed Jetta @stohlmanauto. Until next time!

Esther Cho
VW Product Specialist
@esther_ch5