VW Jetta

The Volkswagen Jetta is essentially a sedan version of the Volkswagen Golf. The name is now only used in North America and South Africa, as it was dropped in Europe in 1992, when it was replaced by the Vento, which was in turn replaced by the Bora in 1998. The model was developed due in part of the Volkswagen marketing group's observation that the North American market leaned more towards the three-box shape as opposed to the Golf's hatchback configuration. Similarly, in South Africa, the Jetta remains more popular than the Golf. This proved to be a wise move on VW's part because the Jetta was destined to earn the title of best-selling European car in the US. The mechanicals are shared with the other Volkswagen A platform cars.

A1

The first-generation Jetta appeared in the North American market in 1980, available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan. Styling was penned at ItalDesign, by the great Giorgetto Giugiaro. A version of this model, known as the VW Fox, continued in production in South Africa until the late 1990s.

Powering the base A1 Jetta and GL trim was a standard 1.6 L four-cylinder producing 78 hp (58 kW), and in 1984, the engine was upgraded to a 1.8 L also producing 78 hp (58 kW). Additional engine choices were a diesel 1.5 L four making 50 hp (37 kW) and, in 1984 (the final year of the A1), a "GLI" high-performance version was offered, powered by the 1.8 L from the Scirocco which made 90 hp (67 kW).

A2

The longest reigning Jetta of all time, the second-generation A2 proved to be a sales success for VW, outnumbering Golf sales two-to-one, and securing the title of best-selling European car in the US. It was also one of the first VW models produced in China. With classic lines (this time penned by VW's own styling department) and great handling characteristics, it's no wonder A2 Jetta's still roam the modern automotive scene as stylish, handsome, European cars. Like the A1 series, the A2's were offered as two-door coupes or four-door sedans; unfortunately, coupes were limited to the base and diesel trim levels. Major exterior changes throughout the series run include the elimination of the front-quarter windows in 1989, the addition of larger, body-colored bumper covers in 1990, and several grille and side-cladding changes.

The base and GL trim levels were powered by a 1.8 L four rated at 85 hp (63 kW) and later 90 hp (67 kW). There were two diesel engines offered, a 1.6 L diesel with 52 hp (39 kW) and 68 hp (51 kW) for the turbo diesel. The Carat was essentially a luxury trim without the performance upgrade of the GLI. For the A2 series, the GLI was powered by a 1.8 L four with 100 hp (75 kW), then a 1.8 L DOHC 16-valve that made 123 hp (92 kW) in 1987. But the GLI soon became a serious performance contender with the addition of the 2.0 L DOHC 16-valve four in 1990.

A3

Known in Europe as the Vento, the A3 was a refined evolution of the previous-generation Jetta. Hailed as the "Poor Man's BMW", it was designed in-house under Herbert Schafer, the third-generation series was criticized for their "boxy" design. Though only offered as a four-door sedan, the A3 spawned more trim levels than any other Jetta line. Exterior changes to the A3 through its production run were subtle, such as a new grille, body-colored rub strips, and different wheel covers.

The GL is the base trim while the GLS is the luxury trim with leather and power locks, windows, sunroof, etc. The Trek was a special trim that included a bike rack, a Trek bike, spoiler, rocker panel covers, alloy wheels, and in 1997, other accessories and options available for the top-of-the-line GLX, save for the VR6 engine. The K2 was a similar package, but in place of the bike was a K2 snowboard or a pair of K2 skiis. The City was a utilitarian Jetta without radio or a/c, while the 1994 Limited Edition and 1995 Celebration packages were value-priced GL's costing some $600 less than standard. The Jazz Edition was a GL with a 6-disc CD player standard. All were powered by VW's tried and true 2.0 L four making 115 hp (86 kW). The diesel engine once again made its comeback with VW's revolutionary 1.9 L TDI (Turbo Direct Injection) 90 hp (67 kW) diesel engine and was offered as a separate trim level. By far, the most exciting trim level was the GLX, replacing the GLI designation. Motivated by the renowned VR6 SOHC six-cylinder, the 172 hp (128 kW) powerplant was able to catapult the Jetta to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, the fastest Jetta to date. For those who prefer the GLX's boy-racer looks (spoiler, side-skirts, whip antenna), the GT and Wolfsburg Edition offered GLX accessories without the venerable VR6.

A4

Known as the Bora in Europe, the fourth-generation Jetta debuted in late 1998 after its larger sibling, the Passat, with which it shares many styling cues. The rounded shape and arched roofline serves as the new Volkswagen styling trademark, abandoning traditional sharp creases for curved corners. The A4 comes in three different trim levels, and is also offered as a wagon.

The GL is the base model, powered by the previous generation's 2.0 L four, a 1.9 L TDI (Turbo Direct Injection turbo diesel), and from 2003 on by the 1.8T (turbo gasoline) engine. The GLS is a step up, with options for leather and a sport package. This line offered all engine choices until 2003, when the VR6 choice was dropped. The GLX is the luxury model, with leather seats, wood grain, automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and other amenities. In 2003 the VR6 engine moved to a drive-by-wire 24-valve design rated for 200 hp (150 kW). It was available in the GLX and the new-for-2003 GLI model. The GLI offered sport suspension, six-speed gearbox, and the 200 hp (150 kW) VR6. In 2004 the GLX model was dropped, and halfway through the model year the GLI switched to using a 1.8T engine, stiffer suspension, new body kit, model specific paint, larger brakes, smoked headlights and tail lights, model specific interior bits, and 18" BBS wheels equipped with summer tires.

A5

The fifth-generation Jetta debuted at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show in January. It is larger than the fourth-generation, with more upscale styling and greater interior room. One major change is the introduction of the first independent rear suspension in a Jetta. The base engine will be a 2.5 L Inline 5 producing 150 hp (112 kW) and 168 ft.lbf (228 Nm) of torque. Replacing the venerable 1.8 T will be a 2.0 L 16v 4-cylinder turbo with around 200 hp (149 kW). A DSG gearbox, stability control, and electro-mechanical steering are also new innovations. In North America, it will debut in calendar year 2005 for the 2006 model year.