2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: The GTI Of Sport Sedans

• Next-generation MIB3 infotainment system available

• Available Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist), and High Beam Control (Light Assist)

• MSRP starts at $26,345

Herndon, VA — When it first debuted in 1984, the Volkswagen GLI was dubbed a 'GTI with a trunk' and its mission was simple: to deliver an accessible German performance sedan. The car had to be undeniably fun to drive without sacrificing any of the usability and efficiency that drivers expected from the brand. While technology, efficiency, safety, and—of course—performance have come leaps and bounds in 35 years, the mission of the Volkswagen sixth-generation hot sedan remains exactly the same.

New for 2021

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is offered in two trim levels: S and Autobahn. In a modest value realignment, Autobahn models introduce new infotainment and driver-assistance systems. Autobahn models have standard Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Assist, and Light Assist. Additionally, the new MIB3 Infotainment system will be standard on Autobahn models.

Pricing for the Jetta GLI with 6-speed manual transmission starts at $26,345. The 7-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission starts at $27,145. Destination charges for all Jetta GLI models is $995.

Exterior

While the 2021 GLI features the MQB architecture, coupe-like profile of the Jetta, it adds sporty styling cues that hint at its beefed-up powertrain. Featuring a sport suspension, the GLI sits 0.6 inches lower than a regular Jetta, giving it a more planted look. The front bumper features a lower front spoiler and larger air intake than the regular Jetta. A standard compliment of full-LED lighting, including front LED projector headlights, LED DRLs and side mirror-mounted turn signals, as well as LED taillights, sets the GLI apart from its competition. Featuring a red accent stripe, the wide grille on the Jetta GLI is filled with a honeycomb pattern that gives a subtle nod to previous GLI variants as well as its spiritual sibling, the Golf GTI. Unique lower side skirts carry the line to a more aggressive rear bumper, which features LED taillights, a finned diffusor and dual chrome exhaust tips.

Above the beltline, the GLI receives black window trim (rather than chrome), a spoiler, a 'GLI' flitzer and rear badging. A panoramic power-tilt-and-slide sunroof is standard equipment on Jetta GLI Autobahn.

Befitting the aggressive appeal of the Jetta GLI, wide 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with a diamond-turned surface are mated to low-profile 225/45 R18 all-season tires. Golf R front brakes, with red-painted calipers, are standard equipment on every GLI.

The optional Black Package on Autobahn models adds 18-inch black wheels, a black roof, black mirror caps, and a black spoiler.

Interior

The sporty GLI variant mimics the driver-focused cockpit of the Jetta. The instruments and infotainment system are arranged in an easy-to-read horizontal orientation, and the center console is angled toward the driver. Meanwhile, design elements from the exterior are repeated in the cabin for a touch of sportiness, and premium soft-touch materials are used throughout.

A black interior sets the stage for sporty details to pop throughout. Red stitching is used on the steering wheel, shifter, armrest and floormats. Comfort sport seats feature red stitching both on the cloth seats on S models, as well as the leather seating surfaces on Autobahn models. Diamond flag décor trim, black headliner, stainless steel pedal caps and a leather-wrapped sport multifunction steering wheel are standard on every model. DSG-equipped cars gain paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel.

Jetta GLI offers a number of premium features as standard equipment. KESSY® keyless entry and push-button start, automatic on/off headlights, rain sensing wipers, an automatically dimming rearview mirror and dual-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control are standard. Cloth seats are standard on GLI S models, while Autobahn models feature leather seating surfaces. Heated front seats are also standard and Autobahn models add ventilated front seats. GLI S features 6-way adjustable drivers' seats, while Autobahn models add a power driver's seat with memory function and adjustable lumbar. Autobahn models also feature standard remote start and a vehicle alarm.

Every GLI features a 10-color LED ambient lighting system. Coordinated with the Jetta Driving Mode Selection feature, the system provides white light in the Normal profile, red light in the Sport profile and blue light in the Eco profile. The driver can set any of the 10 colors using Manual or Custom mode. In addition, the doorsills feature red backlit inserts.

To appeal to music lovers, the GLI Autobahn features the BeatsAudio® system. This setup showcases a 12-channel, 400-watt amplifier, digital signal processing and eight speakers and a subwoofer.

MIB Infotainment. All 2021 Jetta GLI models feature innovative Volkswagen MIB touchscreen infotainment systems. The displays utilize a capacitive-touch sensor (as in smartphone and tablet technology) rather than the more common resistive touchscreens that require pressure, enabling controls like swiping and even pinch-zooming. App-Connect smartphone integration for compatible devices is standard, and offers users the ability to run select smartphone apps directly on the vehicle's display through services such as Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®.

The Jetta GLI S is equipped with the MIB2 Composition Color unit, which features a 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display. The infotainment system includes two USB-C ports, SD Card multimedia interface, and Bluetooth® technology for compatible devices.

All other Jetta GLI models are equipped with the all-new third-generation modular infotainment matrix (MIB3). The new MIB3 infotainment system features a glass-covered 8.0-inch display, wireless App-Connect with multi-phone pairing that can switch between compatible devices, enhanced voice recognition, and two illuminated USB-C ports in the center stack.

Jetta GLI Autobahn models are equipped with the Composition Media unit. The unit features Bluetooth technology for compatible devices, HD radio, and SiriusXM® radio (three month trial period).

SiriusXM . Autobahn models will offer the newest and most advanced audio entertainment platform—SiriusXM with 360L. Available by subscription (three-month All Access trial package included), SiriusXM with 360L combines satellite and streaming content delivery into a single, cohesive in-vehicle entertainment experience and provides more options than before, including access to more than 10,000 hours of SiriusXM's recorded On Demand content, and more live channels. SiriusXM with 360L's personalized 'For You' recommendations enables listeners to discover more of what they love based on listening habits and served on screen in an easy format. Additionally, individual listener profiles allow multiple drivers and passengers to customize their own favorites and receive 'Related' recommendations similar to the currently playing channel and content.

Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. The advanced Volkswagen Digital Cockpit system, standard on Autobahn models, presents drivers with a fully-digital instrument cluster. Using a 10- inch TFT display, the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit offers a customizable presentation of important vehicle information, with 21 viewing options, including car status, navigation, driving data, phone information, driver assistance features, and more. Users can select from multiple views, including a full screen navigation view.

Volkswagen Car-Net®

Since its debut for the 2014 model year, Volkswagen Car-Net has allowed Volkswagen owners to get connected to their vehicles. Last year, Car-Net moved into the next generation of integration, with an updated mobile app, a long list of no-charge services for five years, and new subscription options. For model year 2021, Car-Net Services will be offered in three areas: Remote Access, Safe & Secure, and Hotspot. For vehicles equipped with a MIB3 system, additional online features are available with a paid subscription that provides enhanced navigation and infotainment. Next year, Volkswagen will introduce Carrier of Choice, giving our customers the option to select a data plan from either VerizonTM or T-Mobile ®. With just a few clicks in the VW Car-Net mobile app or at vw.com/carnet, owners can add their new Volkswagen vehicle to their existing mobile data plan or purchase a new one.

Car-Net Remote Access allows owners the ability to interact with their vehicle from miles away via the mobile app. It is offered at no additional charge for five years from the date of vehicle purchase. Features include remote start and stop (if equipped), remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash of lights, last parked location, and remote vehicle status display, which provides information on estimated fuel level and mileage and door and window status. Also available on MY21 vehicles equipped with MIB3: trips statistics and 'Hello Volkswagen' in-vehicle advanced voice control, which can recognize natural language input for vehicle radio, navigation, telephone, and media functions.

VW Car-Net skills for Amazon AlexaTM are now available for most new Volkswagen vehicles, is. To set up, owners should open the skills page associated with their car model in their Alexa app and link the skill to their VW Car-Net account. This will allow them to use their voice on an Alexa-enabled device to ask Alexa to send remote commands from the comfort of their own home—for instance: 'Alexa, ask Car-Net to honk my horn.'

For vehicles equipped with factory-installed navigation systems, Car-Net can make customers lives easier by locating off-street parking information and sending destinations or points of interest directly to their car from the app. Powered by ParkopediaTM, the Parking Information feature can help make owners' lives easier by locating off-street parking information. Through the Navigate tab on the app, users can click the 'P' icon to show available parking locations, either in the immediate vicinity or near a Point of Interest. Clicking on a specific location will display the address, hours of operation and pricing. Users can also send the location to their car's navigation system, if so equipped, by clicking the 'Send to My VW' button.

Vehicle Health Reports can provide owners easy access to diagnostic information. Reports generate automatically each month after enrollment and are sent directly to the email address in the owner's profile; owners can also request updated reports anytime through the mobile app. When it's time for scheduled service, Car-Net can not only notify the customer, but also provides a simple way to schedule a dealer visit.

Family Guardian services and Roadside Call Assist can provide added peace-of-mind no matter who is driving. Speed Alert notifies the owner when the pre-determined maximum speed limit is exceeded. Boundary Alert lets the owner know when the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary. Curfew Alert notifies the owner if the vehicle is driven while curfew alert is on. Valet Alert warns if the vehicle is driven more than 0.2 miles from the valet drop-off location. The Car-Net app allows users to control who receives notifications by designating primary and secondary users, with varying levels of control and functionality for each. Notifications can come in the form of text messages, emails, or push notifications from the mobile app itself. If the vehicle is disabled, Roadside Call Assist is available at the touch of the wrench button.

By enrolling in the DriveView™ program, Car-Net users may be eligible for discounted rates from some of the top automotive insurance companies in the country. This program can also help Car-Net users monitor their driving by tracking activities like night driving, hard braking, idle time, and excess speed. These factors all contribute to an overall driving score, which is visible within the mobile app.

Car-Net Safe & Secure is a paid subscription service that includes Information Assistance, Emergency Assistance, Automatic Crash Notification, Anti-Theft Alert, and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance. The subscription is $99 per year before taxes and fees, and automatically renews annually at the end of the subscription term, unless cancelled. Information Assistance—accessed through the i-call button within the vehicle—allows the driver to speak to a Car-Net agent for support needs, such as points of interest and account services. Emergency Assistance can be accessed through the SOS button in the vehicle, and, if a cellular connection can be established, puts the driver in contact with the Car-Net service center, who can direct emergency responders to the vehicle's location and notify the user's Emergency Contact. Provided a cellular connection can be established, Automatic Crash Notification can help automatically notify an operator who can quickly contact first responders in the event of a collision. Anti-Theft Alert sends a push notification to the user if the vehicle's anti-theft alarm is triggered, and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance uses Car-Net to assist law enforcement with locating the vehicle in the event that it is stolen.

Car-Net Hotspot allows passengers to access the internet with up to four connected devices simultaneously, including compatible tablets, smartphones, laptops, gaming devices, and more— at 4G LTE-enabled speed. Verizon Wireless or T-Mobile customers with an existing mobile data plan can simply add their Volkswagen vehicle as a new $20 line item to their existing monthly bill; non-Verizon or T-Mobile customers can set up an unlimited plan for $20/month, taxes and fees may apply.

Car-Net Hotspot also offers additional annual paid subscription packages to enhance the navigation and infotainment experience for MY21 VW owners with a factory-installed MIB3 infotainment system. With an active data plan, the Plus Nav package ($49/year) allows drivers to access online route updates, traffic reports, fuel prices, and parking information. The Plus Speech package ($9/year) offers advance voice controls using natural language, and the Plus Online Radio Package ($8/year) offers online internet radio with 30,000+ radio stations and podcasts. Media streaming apps can also be accessed at no additional charge, including iHeartRadioTM and TIDALTM (both require existing accounts).

Powertrain

The Jetta GLI is powered by a Volkswagen 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® 4-cylinder engine, making 228 horsepower (achieved with premium fuel) and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with the Golf GTI, features variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust sides, as well as variable exhaust valve lift.

The power is taken to the front wheels via a standard 6-speed manual transmission, with an available 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Automatic transmission models come standard with a Start/Stop system designed to help improve fuel efficiency. This technology stops the engine during idle when the brake pedal is held (such as when waiting at a stop light). When the brake pedal is released, the engine restarts. EPA-estimated fuel economy for the 2021 GLI is 24/35/28 mpg (city/highway/combined) when equipped with the automatic transmission. When equipped with the manual transmission, the EPA-estimated fuel economy is 24/33/28.

The TSI engine features innovative solutions such as water-cooled exhaust gas routing through the cylinder head to the turbocharger (to help reduce full-load fuel consumption) and a dual injection system with direct and multi-port injection. Thanks to its fully electronic coolant control system, the engine also offers efficient thermal management with a short warm-up phase; this helps reduce friction and decrease fuel consumption.

Chassis

Built on the award-winning MQB chassis, the Jetta GLI features a MacPherson strut suspension mated with a multi-link independent rear suspension, the latter of which is unique to GLI variants. Featuring dual anti-roll bars, sport-tuned gas-filled shock absorbers, along with stiffer springs and a 0.6-inch lower stance than regular Jetta models, the sport suspension delivers a performance-focused ride without sacrificing comfort.

Further underlining the high-performance capabilities of the Jetta GLI are larger brakes compared to the standard Jetta and the sophisticated VAQ electronically-controlled front limited-slip differential, both shared with other Volkswagen performance models. The front brakes are shared with the Golf GTI and Golf R, using 13.4-inch diameter vented discs. The rear brakes, using 11.8-inch diameter discs, are also larger than on standard Jetta models. While larger brakes can provide more stopping power, the VAQ differential hydraulically varies torque to each front wheel, working in tandem with the XDS® electronic differential lock (which uses individual brake-force distribution to help prevent understeer) to help create neutral handling and limit wheelspin.

From a structural standpoint, the MQB platform provides extremely high body rigidity, resulting from a combination of ultra-high-strength and ultra-high-strength hot-stamped steels. This allows for very precise steering, high vehicle responsiveness and optimal ride comfort. Ultra-high-strength steel is used in areas of the vehicle such as the side sills, as well as the side members and cross members of the body. Ultra-high-strength Hot-formed steel is used for the B-pillars, center tunnel, lower bulkhead, rear side members, and roof side members. This results in an extremely comfortable and agile car.

Driving Mode Selection. As on GTI and Golf R models, the Driving Mode Selection feature is standard equipment. This system has four modes in vehicles without Volkswagen's DCC® adaptive damping system: 'Normal,' 'Sport,' 'Eco,' and 'Custom.' Normal mode gives a balanced drive experience, while Sport is tuned for a more dynamic throttle and shift response, tighter steering, and a more spirited exhaust note. Eco mode optimizes shift points, throttle response and climate control settings for improved fuel economy compared to other drive modes. Custom allows a driver to tailor the steering, throttle, differential, engine note, and climate control settings. The Autobahn model with DCC allows the driver to adjust damping settings and adds a fifth 'Comfort' mode.

DCC. The GLI Autobahn features the DCC adaptive damping system, which gives the sport sedan the optimal balance between excellent handling and superior ride comfort. DCC achieves this by managing the suspension's rebound and compression rates individually, helping to improve vehicle dynamics.

Progressive variable-ratio steering. Variable-ratio electromechanical power steering is standard on GLI, and helps contribute to its agile nature. Requiring only 2.1 turns from lock to lock, the steering noticeably reduces effort when maneuvering and parking, while remaining direct and responsive in the center position when traveling at highway speeds.

Safety

To help protect occupants, the Jetta GLI provides a combination of both passive and active safety systems. It features six airbags as standard (front and side airbags for front passengers and side curtain airbags for outboard seating positions), along with a number of electronic safety systems, such as an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

A standard feature on the 2021 Jetta GLI is Volkswagen's Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. This builds on the premise that a collision is rarely a single, instantaneous action, but rather a series of events that follow the initial impact—the most significant of which can cause additional collisions. The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System helps address this, in certain crash scenarios, by applying the brakes when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus potentially reducing residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of additional damage.

The Jetta GLI also includes Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.

All Jetta GLI models feature a standard rearview camera.

Driver-Assistance Technology

To meet the demands of American drivers, the 2021 Jetta GLI offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technology. Standard features include Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist), and High Beam Control (Light Assist).

Front Assist, standard on all GLI models, is intended to warn drivers of potential frontal collisions (Forward Collision Warning) with vehicles, and in some cases provide automatic braking assistance (Autonomous Emergency Braking).

Within physical system limits, Forward Collision Warning warns the driver of potential critical front-end collision situations, both acoustically and visually by a warning symbol in the instrument cluster if the car is traveling above 18 mph. Furthermore, an automatic jolt of the brakes can warn the driver of the danger. If the driver fails to brake, Autonomous Emergency Braking is activated to help slow the vehicle. If the car is traveling below 18 mph and the system detects a potential front-end collision, Autonomous Emergency Braking activates without a prior acoustic and visual warning. If the brake pedal is applied but the driver brakes too lightly, the brake pressure is increased by the system (Braking Support).

Blind Spot Monitor is standard on all Jetta GLI models. Blind Spot Monitor uses two radar sensors at the rear of the vehicle to scan the approaching traffic and is intended to warn drivers of the presence of other vehicles in adjacent lanes. If the driver uses the turn signal to indicate a lane change while a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system utilizes a flashing LED symbol in the outer area of the side mirrors. Even if the driver does not use a turn signal, the LED symbol in the mirror will illuminate if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The system is designed to help alert drivers in specific situations; stationary objects or oncoming vehicles do not trigger warnings, nor do vehicles more than one lane across away from the vehicle.

If combined with Lane Assist (standard on Autobahn models, see below) the system not only warns the driver with the flashing LED symbol if a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, but within system limits, it can also countersteer to help keep the car in the lane even if the turn signal is on. If the driver still tries to steer out of the lane, the system will warn with an additional vibration of the steering wheel.

The Rear Traffic Alert system, standard on all GLI models is intended to detect vehicles approaching from the side that may be difficult for the driver to see while reversing. The system offers a 180-degree view of the back of the car with a range of 65 feet, and will present a visual and an acoustic warning, if a potential collision with a crossing vehicle is detected. If the driver does not react, the system can apply the brakes to help mitigate and, in the best case, can prevent a collision. The system is activated by putting the car in reverse.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), standard on Autobahn models, uses a forward facing radar to maintain a set speed while helping maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. The driver sets the speed and the desired spacing via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and can further use those buttons to adjust and cancel the ACC function while the accelerator can be used to override the ACC function. Pressing the brakes always cancels the ACC function. All ACC-related system messages appear in the central multifunction display.

When the roadway ahead of the vehicle is clear, the system maintains the set speed. Jetta GLI models fitted with ACC can match a vehicle in front and come to a stop if the vehicle in front does. If the car in front moves within three seconds, ACC will resume automatically to the set speed. If the car stands longer than three seconds, the driver can resume ACC control by pressing the accelerator pedal or the 'resume' button on the steering wheel.

Lane Keeping System (Lane Assist) is standard on Autobahn models. When driving above 40 mph, if the system's camera recognizes visible lane markings and, using a special algorithm, calculates that the vehicle is unintentionally straying from its lane without using a turn signal, Lane Assist actively countersteers to help keep the vehicle in the lane. If the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel for a defined period of time, the system provides an audible warning and a visual signal in the instrument cluster, asking the driver to take over.

The system will not engage if it cannot properly detect lane markings. If the turn signal has been set before crossing a lane marking, the Lane Assist system will not engage or give a warning. The driver can override the system at any time by applying minimal force to the steering wheel.

High Beam Control (Light Assist), standard on the GLI Autobahn, helps provide drivers with better visibility. High Beam Control (Light Assist) automatically switches on the headlamp high beams above 37 mph on dark or poorly lit roads, if there is no oncoming traffic detected. Below 18 mph, the high beams automatically switch off.

Warranty & Maintenance

Every 2021 Jetta GLI comes with a bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty and Carefree Maintenance Program. The warranty provides coverage for four years or 50,000-miles (whichever occurs first), and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration. The Carefree Maintenance Program provides scheduled maintenance services for 2 years or 20,000 miles (whichever occurs first) at no additional charge, and can be transferred to a subsequent owner throughout the remainder of its duration.

by Volkswagen

The Jetta was a marketing strategy by Volkswagen in 1980 as the obvious general interest was veering towards sedans rather than the hatchback shape vehicle. Appearing in the North American market in 1980, the first generation Jetta was available in both two-door coupe and four-door sedan. Reaching the elite status of becoming the best-selling European vehicle in the United States, the Jetta is also more poplar than the Golf in South Africa. The Volkswagen Fox was the South African version of this model, that continued in production until 1995. In Mexico, the A1 Jetta was known as the Volkswagen Atlantic.

The Jetta shares its mechanicals with other Volkswagen A platform vehicles. Though a station wagon idea was drawn up by Mark Stehrenberger, Californian freelance magazine artic, the production never reached fruition. Giorgetto Giugiaro was the designer behind the style of the car and penned at ItalDesign.

A standard 1.6 L four-cylinder engine that was capable of producing 78 hp (57 kW) was powering both the base and GL trims in 1980. The following year, the engine was upgraded to a 1.7 L engine that produced 74 hp (54 kW). Other additional engine choices was a 1.6 L diesel engine that produced 50 hp (37 kW). The final year of the A1, 1984, a GLI high-performance version was made availble that was powered by a 1.8 L engine and a close-ratio transmission from he Rabbit/Golf GTI. This GLI made 90 hp (67 kW) and had an incredibly 105 •lb of (142 N•m) torque.

The longest running Jetta at this point, the A2 series was introduced in Europe in 1984, and the following year in North America. A sales success for Volkswagen, this second series outnumbered the Golf sales two-to-one, and earned the title of best-selling European vehicle in North America.

The A2 was also featured as either a two-door coupe or a four-door sedan. Coupes were limited to base, diesel and Woflsburg trim levels. Following 1991, the coupe model was dropped from the North American VW lineup. Very few external updates or changes were made throughout the run of the A2 series. These included the front-quarter windows being deleted in 88, larger body-colored bumpers being added, along with the addition of lower side skirts from 90 to 92. There was also various grille and side-cladding changes made.

From 1985 to 86, A2 Jetta coupeBase and GL Jettas were powered by a 1.8 L gasoline I4 that was rated at 85 hp. This was later bumped up to 100 hp, and finally 1.5 hp. A variety of three diesel engines were made available in the A2 Jetta, a 1.6 L naturally-aspirated diesel with 52 hp, a 1.6 L 68 hp turbodiesel, and a 1.6 L ECOdiesel that made 59 hp and was featured for two years; 91 and 92.

The GLI model, which was a much sportier model was originally powered by the standard 1.8 L gasoline engne with 100 hp. The first DOHC engine was introduced in 1987 by Volkswagen. A serious performance contender, a 2.0 L DOHC 16-valve engine that was rated at 134 hp was added to the GLI in 1990. A CIS Motronic engine management system was equipped on the 2.0 L 16-valve engine.

The A2 Jetta eventually dropped into the small executive saloon car class in the UK. These were among the Vauxhall Belmont, Daihatsu Charmant, Audi 80/90, Ford Orion and Rover 213/216.

By Volkswagen's second joint venture partner First Auto Works, the A2 went on to become one of the first Volkswagen models produced in China from 91 to 97. Only two facelifts were ever done since its introduction in China, the first occuring in 1997. Known as the FAW-Volkswagen Jetta Kind, production began in 1998 and involved borrowing spare grilles that were left from the Volkswagen Passat B4. 2004 brought about another facelift that was quite similar to the first one.

A newly refined evolution of the previous generation Jetta, the Vento was the new A3 version that was introced in 1991 in Europe. Following a production delay at the Volkswagen plant in Puebla, Mexico, the Jetta debuted in 1993. The plant in Mexico had been chosen to supply American and Canadian dealerships. The A3 was designed in-house under Herbert Schafer, and was unfortunately criticized as the 'Poor Man's BMW' and insulted due to its ‘boxy' design. Offered as only a four-door sedan, consequently, more trim levels than any other Jetta line were made available. A new grille, body-colored rub strips and different wheel covers were featured on this new series.

The GLS was the luxury trim that featured power locks and windows, optional subroof and leather seats. The GL was the base trim of the A3. A special series was the Trek, and it featured a bike rack, a Trek bike, spoiler, alloy wheels, rocker panel covers, and in 97, other various accessories and options for the top-of the line GLX. A similar package was the K2 was featured a K2 snowboard or a pair of K2 skis rather than a bike.

Two models were also featured in the Canadian market that never made it to the US, and those were the Golf/Jetta CL, decontented GL models that featured 90 horsepower and 1.8L Mono Motronic engine.The CL was dropped following the 97 model year. The second model offered in Canada was a Jetta GL Turbo Diesel that was introduced in 93 and only lasted for 3 years. Rated at 74 horsepower, the 1.9L AAZ Code diesel had a range over 900km. This was a bored and stroked version of the 1.6L Turbo Diesel that the A2 Jetta featured. As the engine had not aged well and many owners experienced signifiant crankshaft failuares, the Jetta GL Diesel had drooping sales.

Introduced as the Bora in Latin America and Europe, the fourth generation of the Volkswagen Jetta was introduced in late 1998 following the Passat. The A4 shared many similar styling cues of the Passat, the rounded shape and arched roofline now served as the Volkswagen styling trademark, rather than the traditional sharp creases for curved corners.

Four different trim levels were available in this fourth generation Jetta. These included GL, GLS, GLX, and GLI, as well as the option of a wagon. The station wagon variant was marketed as a Golf in various European markets and came with a Golf grille, headlights, bumper and fenders.

The base model GL was powered by an enhanced 2.0 L 8-valve four cylinder engine that was based on models of previous years. A 1.9 L TDI diesel engine was offered as optional, and following 2001 on, a turbcharged 1.8 L engine (Wolfsburg Edition) was featured.

Many of the original production issues with the original design were completely eliminated by 2002. On the secondhand market, A4 Jettas are generally consiered more desirable. The re-release of the Wolfsburg edition that featured the updated turbocharged 1.8 L engine, now available with 180 hp was showcased in 2003. This same year was the last for the 1.9L ‘ALH' TDI turbodiesel engine design. High resale prices for cars with this engine have been the result of its reputation for both reliability and versatility. Unfortunately, the earlier models had reputations for many recalls and bugs, due to elecric or lighting malfunctions.

Considered to be quite an improvement, the GLS came with optional leather seats along with a sport package that included 17' alloy wheels and a stiffer suspension. All engine choices were featured until 2003 before the VR was eliminated. The luxury model for the A4 was the GLX, and this featured leather seats, wood grain trim, automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and much ore. The VR6 engine was transferred to a drive-by-wire 24-valve design that was rated at 200 hp in 2003. It was now available in the GLX and the new GLI model which was re-introduced in 2003. The GLI featured sport suspension, 200 hp VR6, and six-speed manual transmission. The GLX model was dropped in 2004.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the USA Jetta in 2004, a limited edition of the Jatta GLI was featured for a limited time. This elite model had an available 180 hp, 1.8 L inline-4, linked to a 6-speed manual transmisison. Available in Black Magin Pearl, Tornado Red, Blue Lagoon and Platinum gray, the interior of the Anniversary GLI was black with aluminum trim that included black upholstered Recaro bcket seats with red 'GLI' lettering embroidery. This special edition was capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in an amazing 6.7 seconds, and had a top speed of 146 mph. The Jetta GLI with V6 and options was still widely available.

An all new ‘PD' version of the 1.9L TDI diesel engine was made available in 2005. This unit produced 74 kW (100 hp DIN) and featured 177 ft•lbf (250 N•m) of torque. All Jettas equipped with 1.8T engines, regardless of trim level, now produced 180 hp at the beginning of the 2002 model year. A jump from the previous 150 hp, the 1.8T featured a slightly larger turbocharger.

The A4 Jetta continues to be sold as a 2006 model in some countries such as Mexico, due to high pricing of the A5 for the Mexican market. Sold in various countries, a high performance variant of the A4 Bora came with 4-Motion all wheel drive and a VR6 engine. Both 2.4 L VR 5 and 1.6 L I4 engines were also featured in Europe. The A4 Bora continues to be sold in China, much like its predecessor A2 Jetta.

Volkswagen re-released the A4 Jetta in Canada in 2007 as the City Jetta. This new edition was offered at a base price of $16,700 cdn. The A5 had moved upscale, versus much of the competition, and this re-release allowed Volkswagen to become more competitive with the rest of the compact class. While no diesel or 1.8 Turbo was being offered, the 2.0 L SOHC 115hp was the featured engine. Rather than being manufactured in Germany like the standard Jetta, the City Jetta is built in Pueblo, Mexico. There is also no Jetta Wagon, and the new city Jetta features more limited trim options that the standard A4 series.

In January of 2005, the fifth generation Jetta was released at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Larger than the fourth generation, and with m ore upscale styling and greater interior room, A5 is now equal to the former generation Passat. The introduction of the first independent rear suspension in a Jetta was the largest update in this series. The base engine is a 2.5L I5 that produces 110 kW and has an available 168 ft•lbf (228 N•m) of torque.

Overlapping the final model year of the A4 Jetta, the A5 went on sale in March 2005 as a 2005 ½ model in North America. In the late summer of 2005, a 2006 GLI version was released. This new model was designed by Walter de'Silva. Unfortunately sales were quite disappointing in the US due to the rapidly rising fuel prices that resulted in the heavy demand for vehicles equipped with the TDI diesel version. Many critics believed that the A5 was too high-priced for the highly competitive compact vehicle market , though they embraced the overall vehicle. The new GLI was named an Everday Hero by Car and Driver for 2006 ‘for an enthusiast who wants sports car handling without losing too much practicality'. For the 2007 model year, a station wagon of the A5 Jetta is promised.

In Mexico, the A4 continues to be sold as the Jetta, while the Bora is the A5. The A2 is sold as the Jetta in china, and the A5 is marketed as the Sagitar together with the A4 Bora. Launched in Latin America in 06, it is named the Vento. In February of 06, the Jetta was launched in Australia and production was made at the Mexico plant.

by Jessican Donaldson