Volkswagen Jetta 2011 grows and bores

Volkswagen has announced the world debut of its all-new 2011 VW Jetta, apparently as a unique design just for sale in North America, and complete with 1990s styling. The words “German engineering” are being thrown around a lot by marketing types, almost as if trying to hard to hide the fact that it will be built in Mexico. Reports suggest the new model underwent strict cost-cutting measures to make it more competitive price-wise.

The new 2011 Jetta is said to be completely overhauled inside and out, even if the interior looks untouched and the exterior looks like a facelift. Its new wheelbase and exterior length are significantly bigger than its predecessor, resulting in it being about 10 cm longer than the outgoing model.

Four engines will be available in the U.S. and Canada, including a 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 320 Nm of torque. The engine runs as quietly as a gasoline engine, but “yields the power of a sports car” achieving 0-100 kph in 9 seconds. Additional engines include the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder and the turbocharged 2.0-litre TSI. All Jetta engines will be offered with a manual transmission as standard equipment. An automatic transmission will also be available with each engine version as an option. On the new 2.0-litre TDI and 2.0-litre TSI, Volkswagen will offer the 6-speed DSG automanual transmission. In the States, a turbocharged 2.0-litre GLI will also be available.

European versions will get a 104 hp 1.2-litre TSI, a 121 hp 1.4-litre TSI and a 200 hp 2.0-litre TSI, as well as a 104 hp 1.6 TDI and a 138 hp 2.0-litre TDI, the latter two being turbodiesel engines, and all 4-cylinder units.

The 2011 Jetta will reach U.S. showrooms by October this year, so an early 2011 debut can be expected in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries.

Keep track of local prices, updates and reliability problems in the Volkswagen Jetta buyer guide.