“Introducing Lots of New” for the 2015 Jetta

The 2015 Jetta is about to make everything a little sweeter. The updates can be seen both inside and out, including new driver assistance technology and a curb appeal that is even more irresistible than before. This is the model from the mk6 generation that you've been waiting for, and we couldn't be happier that it's finally here.

Working our way inside out, we begin with our engines. The Jetta will have 5 different engine options for 2015, including the all new 1.8L TSI engine (170 hp/184 lb-ft of torque) and the new 2.0L TDI engine with 10 more horsepower and 10%-15% more fuel efficiency (150 hp/236 lb-ft of torque). The Jetta Hybrid is back with its 1.4L TSI/electric motor (combined 170 hp/ 184 lb-ft of torque) with a big update. Like its Touareg Hybrid counterpart, the Jetta Hybrid will only be available one way - FULLY LOADED. New features for the Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium trim will include:

- Auto headlights with Coming Home/Leaving Home feature

- Rain sensor

- Blind Spot Detection with Rear Traffic Alert

- HomeLink

- Park Distance Control

- Autodimming rearview camera

Man, those features sound fantastic, right? But is Hybrid not your thing? No need to fear, our gasoline and TDI fans now can get the lighting and driver assistance packages too! The 1.8L TSI, updated 2.0L TSI (210 hp/207 lb-ft of torque), and 2.0L TDI SEL trim models can get these awesome new features that weren’t available before.

The Optional Lighting Package will include:

- Interior ambient lighting

- Bi-Xenon headlights w/ AFS

- LED DRLs

- Upgraded multifunction display

- Front fog lamps with static cornering

The Optional Driver Assistance Package will include:

- Updated multifunction display

- Forward Collision Warning system

- Blind Spot Detection

- Rear Traffic Alert

The Blind Spot Detection and Rear Traffic Alert is a unique feature only available currently on the 2015 Jetta. The Rear Traffic Alert will warn you when it detects anything moving more than 3 mi/hr within the scanned radius when in reverse. No need to fear the grocery store parking lot again!

Our base Jetta S with its 2.0L (115 hp/125 lb-ft of torque) engine will also get some variety this model year. The Jetta S gets a new optional Technology Package for those who want to ball out on a smaller budget. The Technology Package for the Jetta S will include:

- Premium 8 touchscreen audio system with Sirius XM satellite radio

- KESSY “GO” featuring push-button Start/Stop only (no keyless entry system)

- Rearview camera (standard on all trim levels for 2015 Jetta except Jetta S)

And of course standard features for all trims for the 2015 Jetta now include Bluetooth, cruise control, and a multifunction steering wheel with audio and telephone controls. 

The exterior has also gotten some updates. Candy White and Tempest Blue are out. Pure White and Silk Blue Metallic are IN. These beautiful new colors are sure to catch anyone’s attention. Exterior design updates include front and rear bumpers, front and rear fascia, newly designed taillight, and new designs for wheels and wheel covers.

And because of all these new design and technology features, the 2015 Jetta has achieved a Top Safety Pick+ rating by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

To quote the latest Jetta advertising campaign, VW is seriously “introducing a whole lot of new” for the 2015 year model. Head out to Tyson’s soon to check out the 2015 Jetta, and in the meantime tweet us @stohlmanauto. Until next time!

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5

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

Happy Birthday GLI!

(@alyssa_mowery's 2013 Autobahn GLI)

The Volkswagen GLI will be turning 30 next year! In celebration, Volkswagen will be releasing the GLI Edition 30. The Edition 30 will come in two trim levels, and will be the only GLI models to be distributed in the United States beginning early 2014.

The GLI’s history starts in 1984 as a Mk1 (Mk - Mark - Generation platform name). It had the exterior of a Jetta, but a lot of the same drivetrain features as it’s hatchback sibling, the GTI. The Jetta GLI was to be the counterpart to the GTI, for those who wanted a fun and practical sports car, but still wanted a traditional trunk. The GLI would become increasingly popular for the U.S. market, who has throughout the years shared a serious love affair with sedans. 

(Mk2 turned to stock car, Southern Worthersee 2012)

The Mk2 GLI styling would become the most sold generation, ranging from 1985-1992. It was also when the 16 valve GLI was first introduced in 1987, and the Helios Special Edition in 1989. Volkswagen recently paid homage to the Helios Special Edition at SEMA, building a “tribute” mk6 concept car. 

In 1995, the GLX was introduced. The GLX would be the first to receive a VR6 in a smaller sedan, and came nicely equipped with leather seating, power windows, and luxurious features that the GLI had never received. The GLX offered a perfect balance of luxury, without straying from it’s sporty and practical GLI roots.

2002 marked the “Return of the GLI” (note Star Wars pun). The first few years, the GLI was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It had the same exterior of a normal Jetta, but was a monster on the inside, offering the 200 horsepower 24 valve VR6, or the 180 horsepower 1.8L Turbo engine.  It wasn’t until around 2004 that the GLI came with a body kit including 18” BBS wheels and Recaro seats. Finally, the GLI had an exterior to match what was underneath the hood.

(APR's Jeremy C's modified 2004.5 Special Edition GLI)

The Mk5 beginning in 2006 would be the introduction of the 2.0L Turbo FSI engine in the GLI and what would carry on to the Mk6 generation. The 2.0L Turbo had specs of 200 horsepower and 207 lb/ft of torque. 2014 models received a bump in power with it’s 3rd generation 2.0L TSI with 210 horsepower, and 207 lb/ft of torque.

Which brings us to 30 years. As mentioned in the beginning, the 30th anniversary model will come in 2 trim levels - Edition 30 and Edition 30 with Navigation. The Edition 30 will have 18-in “Laguna” aluminum-alloy wheels, red trim on the front grille, a rear spoiler, and Edition 30 badging. The Edition 30 with Navigation has red trim inside it’s Bi-Xenon headlights. Inside, the Edition 30 will offer contrasting color V-Tex leatherette seats with red accents and red contrast stitching on the steering wheel, armrests, shifter, and brake handle.

The Edition 30 will be well equipped offering standard features like front foglights, LED taillights, Premium VIII touchscreen radio, and Bluetooth. The Edition 30 with Nav comes also with the RNS 315 Touchscreen navigation system, a rearview camera, keyless access with push-button start, LED daytime running lights, and Bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System.

Pricing has not been announced yet for the Edition 30, however current 2014 GLI’s start around $24,255 to $29,595 MSRP. The beautiful GLI offers the best of both worlds, offering the sportiness of the GTI, the practicality of the Jetta, and premium features of a luxury car. Who said you can’t have it all? Tweet us what you think @StohlmanAuto. Happy holidays and until next time!



Esther Cho
Volkswagen Product Specialist
@esther_ch5

The 7th Generation.. It's Coming.

European Spec at the Los Angeles International Auto Show

The highly anticipated 7th generation GTI will finally be arriving in the States.. Next year. Although there’s much hype for how great the new GTI’s will be, let’s take a moment to compare with the current generation 2014 GTI. 

The 2014 GTI will be the last of the Wolfsburg produced models to reach this side of the Atlantic. The 7th generation Golf and GTI’s will be built in Puebla, Mexico for North and South American distribution. The 2014 GTI will keep it’s 2nd generation 2.0L T engine that pumps out 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The 7th gen. GTI will receive the new 3rd gen. 2.0L T EA888 engine that will be built in Volkswagen’s new engine facility in Silao, Mexico. However, the valve-life module that is unique for this engine will be built in Germany, then installed in the engine in Silao. This new engine for the GTI is estimated to have 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is quite a bump from it's predecessor. 

With a new engine also comes a new body. For starters, it will sit on Volkswagen’s newest MQB platform. MQB stands for Modularer Querbaukasten, and for those of you not fluent in German, it basically means that the engines are transversely mounted. This new platform will be eventually put in for all front wheel drive vehicles in the family, hopefully making production more efficient. This is just one of the big strides Volkswagen Group is taking to become the number one manufacturer in the world by 2018. The body is also bigger, has sleeker lines, and European spec weigh in at 220 lbs less than the current generation. Less weight and more power? Yes, please.

However, those of you who still love the current body style, or just cannot wait till late Spring for a 2015, the 2014 GTI Driver’s Edition and Wolfburg Edition may be the perfect 6th generation to buy. Why are these such smart values? Because both trims are as if the Volkswagen took a look at their accessories bin for the GTI, and decided to throw them into a package. With the Wolfsburg starting at $25,095 MSRP and the Driver’s Edition at $29,695 MSRP, here are some goodies you can expect to receive in these models:

Wolfsburg Edition:
In addition to standard GTI Trim..

• 18 inch “Laguna” wheels
• Retro-themed golf ball shifter knob
• Red-stitched carpeted florets

Driver’s Edition:

In addition to Sunroof & Nav Trim..

• 18 inch aluminum-alloy “Laguna” wheels
• Retro-themed golf ball shifter knob
• Red-stitched carpeted floormats
• Partial leather seat coverings
• Driver Edition Certificate of Authenticity with GTI gear including a hat, keychain, and parking sign

All 2014’s will come as 4 door models, and be available in Candy White, Carbon Steel Gray, and Deep Black. This last run is a limited production, and will only have 5,000 GTI’s total for North America. In addition, the last 475 Wolfsburg Editions will be outfitted with leather top sport seats because Volkswagen literally ran out of cloth seats. Winning!

So the choice is yours.. Buy one of the last beloved GTI’s out of Wolfsburg now, or wait till next year for the newest 7th generation. I don’t think I can even choose! Tweet us what you think @stohlmanauto. Until next time!



Esther Cho
VW Product Specialist
@esther_ch5