By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK – The new Volkswagen Jetta to be released early in 2015 will have restyled front and rear ends, and improved aerodynamics features that will reduce air drag by 10 percent.
Specifications from the manufacturers say in addition, the radiator grille has been redesigned with three cross fins, optional bi-xenon headlights with cornering, turn signal and L-shaped LED daytime driving lights as well as a new bumper.
The new front look presents a combination that is set to turn heads on the Namibian roads next year with its unmistakable light signature, not to mention the chrome element between the LED daytime running lights. The xenon module accentuates the headlights.
At closer inspection, the new visual band formed by the radiator grille and the headlights, as well as the now larger lower air inlet, give the Jetta a more impressive, wider and modern appearance.
The re-sculpted fog lights mounted in the outer areas of the bumper reinforce this effect.
The inside of the vehicle has also received a re-touch with a sporty blue look for the instrument cluster, a new generation multifunction display, and a new generation steering wheel.
The interior has been further redefined to allow the driver to rest the left hand on the softer central console, which is near the gearshift knob. Just above the gearshift knob are the centre console controls for the climate control system and the radio or optional radio-navigation system.
Safety wise, the new Jetta has up to six airbags as standard safety features across the range, with two newly designed head-thorax airbags near the upper side window that provide even greater protection in case the car is in a rollover accident.
The engine line-up, however, remains unchanged with three petrol engines of 1.2 TSI 77kW, the 1.4 TSI 90kW and the 1.4 TSI 118kW. The diesel derivative has two engines, the 1.6 TDI 77kW and the 2.0 TDI 103kW.
The Jetta was first introduced in South Africa in 1980. Since then over 273 000 Jettas have been sold in South Africa alone. The Jetta is one of the world’s most successful sedans with over 14 million units sold since 1979.
Last year alone, Volkswagen delivered 925 000 units worldwide, making it one of the top selling cars of the brand and of the entire group.
The new Jetta range will come with a standard 5-year/90 000km AutoMotion Service Plan, 3-year/120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The first service interval is 15 000km. Prices were are not yet available.