Volkswagen Jetta to launch August 2011

CarToq had earlier reported that the next generation Volkswagen Jetta will be launched in India and it is now likely that Volkswagen India will launch the car in August 2011 according to Hormazd Sorabjee, Editor, Autocar India.

The demand for diesel sedans in the Indian market has grown manifold in the recent past and hence, Volkswagen will launch the new Jetta diesel powered by a 2.0 TDI motor. The diesel motor belts out 140 bhp of maximum power and will likely be the preferred model among the prospective buyers.

The new Jetta is partly constructed on the PO35 platform which is already used for Skoda Superb, Skoda Yeti models. Volkswagen has already launched the Jetta in South American markets where it is known as Vento. Also read: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta Photo Gallery

Exterior

The new Jetta will priced somewhere between Rs. 16 lakh to Rs. 19 lakh and conforms to Volkswagen’s new age design theme. It sports what seems to be a scaled up version of the Volkswagen Polo and Vento’s front grille. The Jetta’s headlamps too are similar to those on its younger siblings but have a bit more detailing.

The upcoming Jetta’s side profiles inherit simple, yet purposeful contours which are traditionally Volkswagen. It has well sculpted wheel arches and large five spoke alloy wheels as well. The side view mirrors have integrated turn indicators positioned exactly at the centre, dividing the mirror case into two equal halves.

The new Jetta’s rear gives a sporty look but the tail lamps have an uncanny resemblance to Audi’s luxury sedans such as the A4. The new Jetta’s wheelbase is now longer by 2.76 inches, while the overall length is up 3.54 inches.

Interior

The interiors too will undergo major overhauling. The German brand is known for its top notch interior quality and the upcoming Jetta too can be expected to have comfortable seats, ergonomically laid out dashboard made of high quality materials.

The upcoming Jetta will be available in both petrol and diesel variants to appease all kind of buyers and though there are no clues about the petrol engine, the diesel variant like we pointed out earlier will be powered by a 2.0 litre TDI engine.

The diesel motor will churn out 140 bhp of power and will be the volume driving model for the company backed by the fact that there is increasing demand for diesel sedans in the D segment. The engines will likely be mated to both manual and automatic transmissions (The automatic gearbox could be the 6-speed DSG gearbox).

Competition

The new Jetta will compete with the Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Cruze, Maruti Suzuki Kizashi and Skoda Laura in the D segment.

Volkswagne has been doing exceptionally well in the recent past thanks to its Polo small car and Vento sedan, the new Jetta could usher in an even more profitable financial year for the German brand.