The Jetta has grown in size with the fifth generation model to an overall length of 179.3 inches, a width of 69.3 inches and a wheelbase stretched to 101.5 inches. That brings the overall length up 7.1 inches, width up 1 inch and the wheelbase a healthy 2.6 inches longer over the outgoing Jetta IV. We were given a sneak peak at the new Jetta V several months ago and first impressions are that it looks big but well proportioned. The longer wheelbase translates into significantly more rear seat room (nearly all of that 2.6 inches is in the back seat) and gone are the days that you have to worry about putting friends and family in the back seat - lots of room even for my 6 foot tall frame. Compared to other similar products, the Jetta V is 3.4 inches longer than the Volvo S40 and the same width as an Acura TSX.

The Jetta V will initially be offered early next year with an all-new 2.5l inline-5 cylinder derived from the V10 Lamborghini Gallardo engine. This engine will essentially be replacing the exising 2.0l 4-cylinder as the new base engine. Volkswagen says the new 2.5l inline-5 will make 150hp and 168 lb-ft. of torque and will be mated to either the MQ250 five-speed transmission or the butter smooth Aisin built six-speed tiptronic automatic. Volkswagen tells us the 2.5l inline-5 has been "detuned" to 150hp for a base engine configuration but is capable of a bit more horsepower, so there is plenty of room to grow with this new engine. There will also be a 100hp 1.9l TDI diesel option available with a five-speed manual or Volkswagen's trick six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and finally the venerable 2.0l FSI 4-cylinder turbo with 200hp and a MQ350 six-speed manual or six-speed DSG (no tiptronic with the 2.0T) will be available in both higher trim level Jetta V models and in the forthcoming Jetta GLI model. There are no current plans to offer a VR6 model at this point although Volkswagen points out that it is still a possibility. So engine choices and particularly transmission choices look promising and we'll keep our fingers crossed for a 3.2l VR6 model with 4motion AWD.

The new Jetta V is also a recipient of the Golf V's vastly improved revised Macpherson strut front suspension and all-new full indepenent rear suspension. Coupled with a claimed 80% increase in overall chassis rigidity, the new Golf V both rides and handles wonderfully with virtually no dive, no squat and no roll even on base configurations. We expect the Jetta V will likewise handle and ride far better than the outgoing Jetta IV model.

For the full article: http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publi...cle_1062.shtml

For spy pics see here: https://www.honda-acura.net/forums/s...d.php?t=162113

 

I would never have thought I would see the day when the Germans are copying style cues from the Japanese. :eek3:

 

:chuckles:
so the golf/gti looks like a civic si, and the jetta looks like a corolla
all IMO of course
don't get butthurt if you don't like my comments

 

No. I don't like it. What happened to the Jetta? They used to look gorgeous. Assholes.

 

the first pic sort of reminded me of the corolla/civic/tl

(ignoring the front end)

 

it only grew about seven inches, but it looks a LOT longer

the tail lights really remind me of the upcoming BMW 1 or 2 series.

 

what do you guys think will burn out first: the headlights or the knockoff tail lights?

 

It got uglier...:eh:

 

VW styling used to be pretty classy and elegant, I know the last gen Passat and Jetta received generally good reviews. Now, even VW diehards are ripping the styling of the Golf and Jetta as being complete knock-offs of everything from a Corolla and Civic to the Mazda 3. I'm not sure how well its going to sell, especially since the base models have moved to a 5-cylinder and it seems as if its going upmarket. I'm guessing a base GL will probably top $18k.

 

maybe they're planning on bringing a smaller, cheaper car (like the polo) over to america. they'll need to fill the space they're opening by making the jetta bigger and more expensive, unless VW is attempting to move the whole company up market (eg, phaeton).