Volkswagen Jetta
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Volkswagen Jetta Mk5 2.5 (US) | |
Manufacturer | Volkswagen Passenger Cars |
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Production | 1979–present |
Predecessor | Volkswagen Beetle |
Class | Small family car |
Platform | Volkswagen Group A platform series |
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car, produced by German automaker Volkswagen Group for the Volkswagen Passenger Cars marque since 1979. Positioned to fill asaloon/sedan niche above the firm's Golf hatchback offering, it has been marketed over six generations variously as the Atlantic, Fox, Vento, Bora, City Jetta, Jetta City,GLI, Jetta, and Sagitar.
The Jetta was originally adapted by adding a conventional trunk to the Golf hatchback, and some distinctive styling (usually the front end, and sometimes slight interior changes). It has been offered in two- and four-door saloon (sedan), and five-door estate (station wagon) versions - all as five-seaters. As of 2005, over 6.6 million cars have been sold worldwide, over one-third in the United States alone. Since the original version in 1980, the car has grown in size and power with each successive generation.[1] By mid 2011, almost 10 million Jettas have been produced and sold all over the world.
The Jetta nameplate is a reference to the Atlantic 'jet stream', reflecting the period in Volkswagen's history when it named its vehicles after prominent winds. These also included the Volkswagen Passat (after the German word for trade wind), Volkswagen Bora (after bora), and Volkswagen Scirocco (after sirocco).[2]
[edit]First generation (A1, Typ 16)
1982 Volkswagen Jetta Mk1 | |
Also called | Volkswagen Atlantic Volkswagen Fox |
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Production | August 1979–February 1984[5] 571,030 built[6] |
Assembly | Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Wolfsburg, Germany Uitenhage, South Africa Puebla, México |
Body style | 2-door saloon/sedan 4-door saloon/sedan |
Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
Platform | Volkswagen Group A1 |
Engine |
Europe and RoW:
North America/Japan:I4 petrol engines 1.1L 50 PS (37 kW; 49 hp) 1.3L 60 PS (44 kW; 59 hp) 1.5L 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) 1.6L 85 PS (63 kW; 84 hp) 1.6L 110 PS (81 kW; 110 hp) 1.8L 112 PS (82 kW; 110 hp) I4 diesel engines 1.6L 54 PS (40 kW; 53 hp) 1.6L 70 PS (51 kW; 69 hp) TD I4 petrol engines 1.6L 76 hp (57 kW) (MY 1980) 1.7L 74 hp (55 kW) (MY 1981–1984) I4 diesel engines 1.6L 52 hp (39 kW) (MY 1982–1984) 1.6L 68 hp (51 kW) (MY 1983–1984) |
Transmission | 4-speed manual 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
Wheelbase | 2,400 mm (94.5 in) |
Length | 4,270 mm (168.1 in) |
Width | 1,600 mm (63.0 in) |
Height | 1,300 mm (51.2 in) |
Related | Volkswagen Golf Mk1/Rabbit |
Designer | Giorgetto Giugiaro |
Although the Golf had reached considerable success, in the North American markets, Volkswagen observed that the hatchback body style lacked some of the appeal to those who preferred the traditional three-box configuration. The styling of the 1970 AMC Gremlin was controversial for truncating the Hornet sedan, but Volkswagen stylists reversed the process by essentially grafting a new trunk onto the tail of the Golf to produce a larger Jetta saloon (sedan).[7] The Jetta became the best-selling European car in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.[8][9] The car is also popular in Europe, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Turkey.[10]
The Jetta was introduced to the world at the 1979 Frankfurt Auto Show.[11] Production of the first generation began in August 1979[5] at the Wolfsburg plant.[12] In Mexico, the Mark 1 was known as the "Volkswagen Atlantic".
The car was available as a two-door saloon/sedan (replacing the aging rear-engined, rear-wheel drive Volkswagen Beetle 2-door sedan in the United States and Canada) and four-door saloon/sedan body styles, both of which shared a traditional three-box design. Like the Volkswagen Golf Mk1, its angular styling was penned at ItalDesign, byGiorgetto Giugiaro. Styling differences could be found depending on the market. In most of the world, the car was available with composite headlights, while in the USA, it was only available with rectangular sealed beam lamps due to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 (FMVSS 108). The suspension setup was identical to the Golf and consisted of a MacPherson strut setup in front and a twist-beam rear suspension in the rear. It shared its 2.4 metre (94.5 in) wheelbase with its hatchback counterpart, although overall length was up by 380 millimetres (15 in). The capacity of the luggage compartment was 377 litres (13.3 ft3), making the Jetta reasonably practical.[13] To distinguish the car from the Golf, interiors were made more upscale in all markets.[14]This included velour seating and color coordinated sill to sill carpeting.
Engine choices varied considerably depending on the local market. Most were based on827 engines of the era. Choices in petrol engines ranged from a 1.1 litre four-cylinderengine producing 37 kilowatts (50 PS; 50 bhp), to a 1.8-litre I4 which made 82 kilowatts (111 PS; 110 bhp) and 150 newton metres (111 lbf·ft) of torque. Some cars were equipped with carburetors, while others were fuel-injected using K or KE Jetronicsupplied by Robert Bosch GmbH. Diesel engine choices included a 1.6-litre making 37 kilowatts (50 PS; 50 bhp) and a turbocharged version of the same engine which produced 51 kilowatts (69 PS; 68 bhp) and 130 newton metres (96 lbf·ft) of torque.
In 1984 Volkswagen offered the Jetta GLI in the US, adding many of the drivetrain features and improvements of the 1983–1984 US GTI, including the fuel-injected 90 hp engine, close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission, sport suspension, front and rear anti-sway bars, and ventilated front disc brakes. Externally, the Jetta GLI was distinguished by wide body-side moldings, a black airfoil on the driver's-side windshield wiper, black plastic trim panel between the rear taillights and GLI badging. The interior of the car sported leather 4-spoke steering wheel and shift knob, three additional gauges in the center console, sport seats similar to those in the GTI, and distinctive upholstery and interior trim. The Jetta GLI was offered in 5 colors, black, Atlas grey and red (with black interior) and white and Diamond silver (with blue interior).[citation needed]
Volkswagen briefly considered producing the Jetta in a plant located in Sterling Heights, Michigan in the USA.[15] However, due to declining sales in North America, the decision was postponed and finally abandoned in 1982.[16] The site was subsequently sold toChrysler in 1983 and is still in operation as of 2009.[17] This generation was also produced in Bosnia under the joint venture Tvornica Automobila Sarajevo (TAS) for the Balkan area.[18]
[edit]Safety
Volkswagen was an early adopter of passive restraint systems. The first generation cars could be equipped with an "automatic" shoulder belt mounted to the door. The idea was to always have the belt buckled thereby doing away with the requirement that the driver and passenger remember to buckle up. Instead of a lap belt, the dashboard was designed with an integrated knee bar to prevent submarining underneath the shoulder belt.
In crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Mark 1 received five out of five stars in a 56 km/h (35 mph) frontal crash test for both driver and passenger protection.[19]
[edit]Testing and review
The first generation was met with generally positive reviews. Testers found the car handled precisely, although the lack of power steering contributed to heavy steering when parking.[20]The brakes worked well for a car of the day, but some brake fade was evident. The ride was taut but firm in the typical style of German cars, with large bumps being well absorbed by the suspension but smaller undulations coming through. Reviews differed on noise levels, some found the car fairly quiet, while others thought the engine contributed to higher noise levels.[21]Critics found the seating comfortable, but noted that the rear seat lacked sufficient head room. Most major controls and displays such as the speedometer and climate controls were well liked, but some secondary switches were not well placed or intuitive. The aforementioned automatic seat belts in some markets that were attached to the door frame made it impossible to forget to buckle the belt, but it was difficult to enter the car with a package in hand. Writers liked that the luggage space was generous, especially for a car of its size. Additionally, numerous storage areas also gave practicality to the sedan. In one test, the car scored nearly as high as the more expensiveVolkswagen Passat/Dasher and the Audi 80/4000.[22]
The Volkswagen Atlantic was introduced in the Mexican market in February 1981. The sole competition for the Atlantic in the Mexican market was the Renault 18. The Mark 1 continued to be manufactured and marketed in South Africa after the introduction of the Mark 2, badged as the "Fox".[23]
[edit]Second generation (A2, Typ 16; 1G)
1985 Volkswagen Jetta Mk2 | |
Production | 1984–1992 1991-present (China) 1,708,390 built[24][25] |
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Assembly | Changchun, China Chengdu, China Lagos, Nigeria Puebla, Mexico Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Uitenhage, South Africa Westmoreland, USA Wolfsburg, Germany |
Body style | 2-door saloon/sedan 4-door saloon/sedan |
Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
Platform | Volkswagen Group A2 |
Engine |
Europe and RoW:
I4 petrol engines 1.3L I4 40 kW (54 PS; 54 hp) 1.3L cat I4 40 kW (54 PS; 54 hp) 1.6L I4 55 kW (75 PS; 74 hp) 1.6L cat I4 51 kW (69 PS; 68 hp) 1.6L cat I4 53 kW (72 PS; 71 hp) 1.8L I4 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) 1.8L cat I4 62 kW (84 PS; 83 hp) 1.8L cat I4 66 kW (90 PS; 89 hp) 1.8L I4 82 kW (111 PS; 110 hp) 1.8L cat I4 79 kW (107 PS; 106 hp) 1.8L cat 4x4 I4 72 kW (98 PS; 97 hp) 1.8L 16-valve I4 102 kW (139 PS; 137 hp) 1.8L cat 16-valve I4 95 kW (129 PS; 127 hp)
I4 diesel engines
1.6L I4 40 kW (54 PS; 54 hp) 1.6L cat I4 44 kW (60 PS; 59 hp) ECOdiesel 1.6L I4 51 kW (69 PS; 68 hp)Turbodiesel 1.6L I4 59 kW (80 PS; 79 hp)Turbodiesel
North America:
1.8L 85 hp (63 kW) (MY 1985–1987)
1.8L non-cat, Canada only95 hp (71 kW) (MY 1985–1987) 1.8L GLI 102 hp (76 kW) (MY 1985–1987) 1.8L 100 hp (75 kW) (MY 1988–1992) 1.8L 105 hp (78 kW) (MY 1988–1992) 1.8L 16V 123 hp (92 kW) (MY 1987–1989) 2.0L 16V 134 hp (100 kW) (MY 1990–1992)
I4 diesel engine (EA827)
1.6L Diesel 59 hp (44 kW) (MY 1985–1992)
1.6L ECODiesel 62 hp (46 kW) (MY 1991–1992)1.6L Turbo Diesel 68 hp (51 kW) (MY 1985–1992) |
Transmission | 4-speed manual 5-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
Wheelbase | 2,470 mm (97.2 in) |
Length | 1985-88: 4,346 mm (171.1 in) 1989-92: 4,385 mm (172.6 in) |
Width | 1,680 mm (66.1 in) 1985-88 base models: 1,665 mm (65.6 in) |
Height | 1,410 mm (55.5 in) |
Related | SEAT Toledo Mk1 Volkswagen Golf Mk2 Volkswagen Scirocco Mk2 Volkswagen Corrado |
The Mark 2 series is the longest running Jetta so far. Introduced to Europe in early 1984 and to North America in 1985, the second generation Jetta proved to be a sales success for Volkswagen. The car secured the title of best-selling European car in North America, Farmers Journal COTY 1991 and outsold the similar Golf by two-to-one in that market.[26] Based on the all new second generation Golf platform, the car was larger, heavier, and could seat five people instead of four as in the Mark 1. Exterior dimensions increased in all directions. Overall length was up by 100 millimetres (3.9 in), the wheelbase grew 66 millimetres (2.6 in), and the width went up 53 millimetres (2.1 in). The suspension setup was basically unchanged from the first generation, although refined slightly, for example by the inclusion of a separate subframe for mounting the front control arms to help noise isolation, as well as improved rubber mountings for all components. Aerodynamics improved considerably, with a drag coefficient of 0.36.[27]With a 470-litre (16.6 ft3) luggage compartment, the trunk had grown nearly as large as some full-sized American sedans.[28] Interior room was also increased 14%, which changed the EPA class from sub-compact to compact.
Cars built in Germany were assembled in a brand new (at the time) plant at Wolfsburg in Assembly Hall 54. The plant was heavily robotised in an effort to make build quality more consistent.[29] New innovations on the second generation included an optional trip computer (referred to as the MFA, German Multi-Funktions-Anzeige), as well as silicone dampened engine and transmission mounts to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness levels. In 1988, a more advanced fully electronic fuel injection system became available. This arrangement is known as the Digifant Engine Management system.
Like the Mark 1, the second generation was offered as a two-door or four-door saloon/sedan. External changes throughout the series' run were few: the front-quarter windows were eliminated in 1988 (along with a grille and door trim change), and larger body-colored bumpers and lower side skirts were added from 1990.
In 2007, Volkswagen of America held a contest to find the diesel powered Volkswagen with the highest distance traveled on the original engine.[30] The winning car was a 1986 Jetta Turbodiesel found in Blue Rock, Ohio which had 562,000 miles (904,000 km).[31] A local dealer verified theodometer reading. Notable on this particular car was that it also had the original mufflerdespite being located in an area subject to road salt in the winter.
[edit]Safety
In a crash test conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Jetta received three out of five stars for both driver and passenger protection in a 56 km/h (35 mph) frontal crash test. The Highway Loss Data Institute (part of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) found the injury and collision losses for the Jetta to be among the best of the small 4-door sedan category.[32] It was topped only by the Golf. Earlier models had the dubious distinction of having an especially high rate of radio theft.[33] Apparently, the mounting of the radio made it especially easy to remove quickly. To correct the problem, Volkswagen introduced a theft protection system to all cars. When the power supply to the radio was removed, it automatically went into "safe" mode. When plugged back in, it would not work unless a secret code was entered. This made it essentially useless to thieves, although provided a hassle to customers who misplaced their code card. The dealership maintains a database of codes, and can replace a lost code if the radio serial number is provided.
[edit]North America
The Jetta did not differ greatly from its European twin (at least as much as the Golf did), besides requirements such as bumpers, glass, etc. Also, North American models in general have a narrower range of specification available. For example, most models had things like a bigger engine, full console, door panel pockets, velour seating, and, later on, power steering, height adjustable steering column, and tachometer, standard. They also lacked some higher level options of European variants. The Jetta was perceived as slightly upmarket from the Golf. The level of features always was a step above (standard passive restraint in 1988, standard power steering in 1990, 14-inch wheels available for most years, etc.).
Canadian spec models were even better equipped. Generally, the Canadian base models received the same level of options as an American GL, and the same with the GL and Carat. Other Canadian specification differences were diesel engines (both naturally aspirated and Turbo) available for all years (in the US, there was no diesel for 1988, and only the n/a for 1989 and 1990), a 2-door model for 1992 (it was dropped in the US), the early Carat model (which had heated velour sport seats, a GLi engine, and optional automatic), and color and trim differences.
[edit]Testing and review
The car received generally positive reviews, with critics praising the car's excellent handling, as well as a roomier interior compared to the last generation.[27] Stiff shifting manual transmissions were a downside, and braking worked reasonably well although some brake fade was evident in the lower trim lines equipped with solid discs in front and drums in back. A number of reviews noted that the ride was stiff and busy, even though it did have good control typical of German cars. Despite additional sound insulation, road noise was evident especially on coarse pavement.[34] In top sport trim (sometimes called the GLI or GTX), some reviewers noted the car was a less expensive alternative to a BMW or Audi.[35] The sport trim added larger wheels, a stiffer suspension, and closer ratios on the manual transmission. Later models of the Mark 2 GLI had a 16 valve dual cam engine, originally a 1.8-litre engine first was used in the mid 1987 GLI and beginning in 1990 with the newer Mark 2 body style an upgrade to a 2.0-litre 16 valve (in North America).
[edit]Worldwide production
Besides the Volkswagen production base in Germany, this generation was produced in a number of other countries, including China, Nigeria, Mexico, South Africa, USA, and the former Yugoslavia. The Mark 2 Jetta went on to become the first Volkswagen model produced in China by Volkswagen Group China's second joint venture partner FAW-Volkswagen. Production began on 5 December 1991. Initially sold as complete knock down (CKD) kits, local manufacturing has gradually taken over in the form of Semi-Knocked Down kits in 1992, and full local production in 1995.[36]
The car has had three revisions since its inception in China, the first facelift borrowed front-end styling from the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat in 1997. Production started in August 1998, and its name was changed to the Jetta King. The second facelift was revealed in March 2004 (taking influences from Volkswagen's most expensive model, the Phaeton). On 29 July 2007, it was announced that First Automotive Works expanded its production of the Mark 2 Jetta by building a new assembly plant in Chengdu, Sichuan Province in Southwest China.[37] The expansion was driven by the high demand for the car, a desire to expand in the western part of the country, as well as the long term goal of FAW to develop new derivatives from the car's platform independently of Volkswagen.
The third facelift was released in March 2010, which took some inspirations from stylings of Volkswagen models of the newest generation.[38] A diesel version of the Jetta is also on sale, but a large proportion are in service as taxis in many cities in China, rather than as private cars.
[edit]Engines
[show]Model | Years | Engine and code | Displ. | Power | Torque |
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[edit]Third generation (A3, Typ 1H)
1996–1998 Volkswagen Jetta (US) | |
Also called | Volkswagen Jetta III |
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Production | January 1992–February 1999[5] |
Assembly | Osnabrück, Germany[5][need quotation to verify] Wolfsburg, Germany[5] Puebla, Mexico[5] |
Body style | 4-door saloon/sedan |
Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive |
Platform | Volkswagen Group A3 |
Engine |
Petrol engines:[5]
1.9L 81 kW (110 PS) I4 TDI (AFN)1.6L 55 kW (75 PS) I4 (ABU/AEA/AEE) 1.6L 74 kW (101 PS) I4 (AEK/AFT) 1.8L 55 kW (75 PS) I4 (AAM) 1.8L 66 kW (90 PS) I4 (ABS/ADZ/ADD) 2.0L 85 kW (116 PS) I4 (2E/ADY/AGG/ABA) 2.8L 128 kW (174 PS) VR6 12v (AAA) Diesel engines:[5] 1.9L 47 kW (64 PS) I4 (1Y) 1.9L 47 kW (64 PS) I4 SDI (AEY) 1.9L 55 kW (75 PS) I4 Turbo (AAZ) 1.9L 66 kW (90 PS) I4 TDI (1Z/AHU) |
Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic |
Wheelbase | 2,470 mm (97.2 in) |
Length | 4,400 mm (173.2 in) |
Width | 1,690 mm (66.5 in) |
Height | 1,430 mm (56.3 in) |
Related | Volkswagen Golf Mk3 |
Designer | Herbert Schafer |
For the third generation, the Jetta name was discontinued, and it was officially renamed the Volkswagen Vento in European countries, following the precedent of naming cars for winds debuted in 1992, while the Jetta 3 debuted in North America in 1993 after production delays and quality problems at the Volkswagen plant in Puebla, Mexico.[39]The name "Vento" means "wind" in both Portuguese and Italian. It went on sale in most of Europe in the first quarter of the year, though it did not arrive on the British market until September 1992.
Because of the success of the second generation in North America, Volkswagen decided to keep the Jetta nameplate. However, in Europe the car was given its new name to appeal to a younger market.[40]
Styling was penned by a design team led by Herbert Schafer, and again the car became more aerodynamic than the previous generation. Although visually similar to the Mark 2, there were many refinements underneath. The two-door model was dropped, aerodynamics were improved, with the car now having a drag coefficient of 0.32.[41] This included a new structure which now met worldwide crash standards.[42]Suspensions were an evolutionary rather than revolutionary refinement of the setup on previous editions, and mainly consisted of a wider track, and even maintaining backwards compatibility with older models. In addition, the car became more environmentally friendly with the use of recycled plastics, CFC-free air conditioning systems, and paint that did not contain heavy metals.[43]
This generation of the car is widely credited for keeping Volkswagen from pulling out of the North American market.[39][44] At the time of its introduction in 1993, Volkswagen of America's sales hit a low not seen since the 1950s. The division sold only 43,902 cars in that year. Sales began slowly due to the aforementioned issues at the Puebla plant.[45] However, sales rebounded dramatically in the following years, mostly based on the strength of the Jetta, which continued to be the best-selling Volkswagen in the USA.[46]
[edit]Safety
When equipped with dual airbags, the Mark 3 received three out of five stars in a 56 km/h (35 mph) frontal crash test carried out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.[47] In a 64 km/h (40 mph) frontal offset crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the car received a score of "Marginal".[48]
[edit]Testing and review
Newly available on the third generation was Volkswagen Group's 1.9 litre Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) 67 kilowatts (91 PS; 90 bhp)diesel engine. Fuel economy was a strong point with ratings of 5.7 L/100 km (50 mpg-imp; 41 mpg-US) urban cycle and 4.8 L/100 km (59 mpg-imp; 49 mpg-US) extra urban. In top trim lines, the 2.8-litre VR6 DOHC six-cylinder engine was available. In one car magazine's test, the 128 kilowatts (174 PS; 172 bhp) power plant was able to accelerate the car from 0 to 97 km/h (60 mph) in 6.9 seconds.[46]
Reviews were generally positive, with testers praising the crisp handling and comfortable ride, as well as a greater level of refinement compared with the previous generation.[49] However, some reviews noted that the more sporty suspension tuning found in some trims made the car bouncy, especially on the expressway.[50] The manual transmission shifted crisply; however, the automatic transmission reduced acceleration noticeably. Some critics complained that the controls had some quirks, including a cryptic windshield wiper control, where the "off" position was unfittingly placed between the "intermittent" and "continuous" modes. If equipped, power window controls had the unusual arrangement of the front buttons located on the door, while the rear buttons were located on the center console. As with previous generations, the luggage compartment provided generous space. However, unlike previous cars, the rear seat was able to fold forward in order to expand luggage space further. In earlier build cars, the glove compartment was deleted if the car was equipped with dual airbags, and in the later models (when airbags became standard equipment), the glove compartment was small and could barely hold the owner's manual and a folding paper map. There were also some complaints about the lack of cup holders in the earlier cars, as well as the lack of a safety interlock which would require the driver to press the clutch pedal prior to starting the car. The 1994 through 1996 models of the Jetta had some electrical issues causing the car not to start and shorting to occur in some of the electrical devices due to a non existent plastic V underneath the windshield, which was added in later models to divert rain water flowing to the electrical box.[51] The catastrophe of this glitch can be avoided by removing leaves and debris that have accumulated below the windshield and by installing adhesive weather sealant linings underneath the plastic cover directly onto the windshield.[citation needed]
Another major complaint was that the North American TDI model was not rated to tow a trailer, which, according to the owner's manual, is "for technical reasons." Contrary to the American market, The European TDI model, which has an identical power train and chassis, was rated to tow a trailer according to the owner's manual. Many North American TDI owners speculated that Volkswagen decided not to risk liability issues on the American market, and some owners disregarded the owner's manual and installed hitches on their vehicles. Owners argue that the diesel engine delivers superior towing performance compared to a gasoline engine.
[edit]Specifications [52][53]
[show]Model | Years | Engine and code | Displ. | Power | Torque |
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[edit]Vento (India)
Main article: Volkswagen Polo Mk5
An unrelated Volkswagen Vento model was launched in India in 2010. A sedan version of the Polo Mk5, it has a length of about 4.4m and has several engine options which are based on petrol and diesel.[54]
[edit]Fourth generation (A4, Typ 1J)
1999–2004.5 Volkswagen Jetta (U.S.) | |
Also called | Volkswagen Jetta Volkswagen City Jetta (Jetta City in 2009) Volkswagen Bora Classic Edition (China) Volkswagen Clásico (2010 onwards in Mexico) Volkswagen Bora (Argentina) |
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Production | 1999–2005 - Europe 1999–present - China, Mexico & Argentina |
Model years | 1999–2005 Canada,US,Europe |
Assembly | Bratislava,[5] Slovakia Changchun,[5] China Poznań,[5] Poland Puebla,[5] Mexico Solomonovo, Ukraine Uitenhage,[5] South Africa Wolfsburg,[5] Germany |
Body style | 4-door saloon/sedan 4-door estate/wagon |
Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive /four-wheel drive |
Platform | Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) |
Engine |
Petrol engines:
1.9L 110 kW I4 TDI1.4L 55 kW I4 1.6L 74 kW I4 1.6L 77 kW I4 16v 1.8L 110 kW I4 Turbo 1.8L 132 kW I4 Turbo 2.0L 85 kW I4 2.3L 110 kW VR5 2.3L 125 kW VR5 2.8L 128 kW VR6 12v 2.8L 130 kW VR6 12v 2.8L 150 kW VR6 24v Diesel engines: 1.9L 50 kW I4 SDI 1.9L 66 kW I4 TDI 1.9L 75 kW I4 TDI 1.9L 81 kW I4 TDI 1.9L 85 kW I4 TDI 1.9L 96 kW I4 TDI |
Transmission | 5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed 01M automatic 5-speed automatic 6-speed automatic 09G |
Wheelbase | saloon/sedan: 2,510 mm (98.8 in) estate: 2,520 mm (99.2 in) |
Length | saloon/sedan: 4,380 mm (172.4 in) estate: 4,410 mm (173.6 in) |
Width | 1,730 mm (68.1 in) |
Height | saloon/sedan: 1,440 mm (56.7 in) estate: 1,490 mm (58.7 in) '08 City Jetta sedan: 1,445 mm (56.9 in) |
Related | Volkswagen Golf Mk4 Audi A3 Mk1 SEAT León Mk1 SEAT Toledo Mk2 Škoda Octavia Mk1 |
Production of the fourth generation car began in July 1999.[55] Carrying on the wind nomenclature, the car was known as theVolkswagen Bora in much of the world.Bora is a winter wind which blows intermittently over the coast of the Adriatic Sea, as well as in parts of Greece, Russia, Turkey, and in the Sliven region of Bulgaria. In North America and South Africa, the Jetta moniker was again kept on due to the continued popularity of the car in those markets.
The Mk4 debuted shortly after its larger sibling, the Passat, with which it shared many styling cues. The rounded shape and arched roofline served as the new Volkswagen styling trademark, abandoning traditional sharp creases for more curved corners. A distinguishing feature of the Mk4 is its Whiptenna, a trademark for the antenna on the rear end of the roof, which claims to incur less drag than traditional antennas due to its short length and leeward position. For the first time, the rear passenger doors differed from those of a 5-door Golf. The car was also offered as anestate/wagon (whose rear doors are also non-interchangeable with the others). New on this generation were some advanced options such as rain sensor controlled windshield wipers and automatic climate control. However, these were expensive extras and many buyers did not specify them on their cars; as a result the used market is full of sparsely equipped models.
Although slightly shorter overall than the Mark 3, the fourth generation saw the wheelbase extended slightly. Some powertrain options were carried over. Nevertheless, two new internal combustion engines were offered, the 1.8-litre turbo 4-cylinder (often referred to as the 1.8 20vT), and the VR5 (a 5-cylinder derivative of the VR6 engine). The suspension setup remained much as before. However, it was softened considerably in most models to give a comfortable ride, which was met with some criticism as it was still quite hard in comparison with rivals such from French makers.[56]
[edit]Diesel
In 2004, a new range of "Pumpe-Düse" Unit Injector diesel engines were offered. This new design employed advanced unit injectors, along with additional electronics and emissions equipment to meet new air emissions standards in Europe and North America, and is considerably more complex than the older diesel engines previously offered. To accomplish the task of producing sufficient power while meeting emissions standards, the "PD" technology injects fuel directly into the combustion chamber at pressures up to an incredibly high 2,050 bar (30,000 psi).[57] The purpose of the high pressure is to promote fine atomisation of the fuel which supports more complete combustion. To reduce noise, the engine employs a "pilot injection" system which injects a small amount of fuel prior to the main injection. All of the new generation of diesel engines require a special motor oil which meets Volkswagen oil specification 505.01 (or newer). Serious damage to the engine, particularly the camshaft and injectors will result if oil not meeting this standard is used.
[edit]Safety
Safety on the fourth generation cars was a high priority for Volkswagen.[58] The car was built using such advanced processes as highly mechanised presses, improved measuring techniques, and laser welding of the roof. In crash tests, the fourth generation car received very good marks. In the New Car Assessment Program tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the car received five out of five stars for both driver and passenger protection in a 56 km/h (35 mph) frontal impact.[59] New side impact tests at 62 km/h (38.5 mph) awarded the car four out of five stars for both driver and rear seat passenger protection. Side curtain airbags became standard in the 2001 model year. In the more severe 64 km/h (40 mph) offset test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Mark 4 was awarded the highest score of "Good".[60] Injury, collision, and theft losses were low for a car of its class.[61]
[edit]Testing and review
Critics usually found the fourth generation acceptable. The car was praised for its adequate handling as well as a moderately comfortable ride.[62] Other reviewers noted the car to be an ugly and somewhat expensive choice in the compact car segment, some simply referred to it as a Golf with a boot (trunk) on the back added as a last minute addition.[63] Some complaints were made that the back seats lacked adequate room for two adults.[64] Some found the seat cushioning too firm. The interior was praised for the high level of fit, but is quite bland, sparsely equipped, and uninspiring.[65] New in this generation was Volkswagen's signature blue and red instrument lighting which became standard in all models in 1999. The climate controls were placed low on the console. The recirculation mode cannot be turned on when air is vented to the windshield, and if the driver changes the climate control to vent air to the windshield, an internal mechanism would turn off the recirculation mode. The power outlet is recessed next to the ash tray and is covered with two flaps, one of which is shared with the ash tray. Retractable cup holders were placed directly above the stereo, obscuring vision of the stereo display and allowing beverages to spill on the stereo, gear selector, and other sensitive components during erratic vehicle movements. The flimsy plastic construction of the retractable cup holder is likely to fail with normal use[citation needed]. Rear passengers have a pair of retractable cup holders located under the cylindrical ash tray on the center console. These problems were rectified in 2003 for the US market by placing two recessed cup holders in tandem in the center console and another behind the arm rest pedestal for rear passengers. The driver must raise the arm rest to access the center cup holder, and a large beverage occupying the front cup holder obstructs the driver's ability to pull the hand brake. European cars were given a redesigned retractable cup holder in front.
Drivers complained that the front bumper cover does not have adequate ground clearance to clear a curb in a parking space. In addition to scratching the cover, if the driver drives the Jetta too far forward into a parking space, the bumper cover would have a tendency to hook onto the curb like a barb, and as the driver backs out of the parking space, the entire front bumper cover would be torn off the vehicle.[citation needed]
The earlier models have a few quality control issues, as a number of owners reported windows falling into the doors, electrical problems, and emissions system defects.[66][67] The fourth generation takes approximately 52 hours per vehicle to assemble in the Puebla factory.[68]
[edit]Engines
[show]Model | Years | Engine and code | Displ. | Power | Torque |
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[edit]Estate (station wagon)
Volkswagen introduced an estate/station wagon version of the fourth generation car in January 2001 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.[69] This was the first time an "A" platform Volkswagen was available in North America with that body style. Although the saloon/sedan was built in a number of locations, all Jetta estate models were built in the Wolfsburg plant.[70] In back, 963 litres (34 ft3) of space was available in the cargo compartment. When the rear seats were folded, the car could hold 1473 litres (52 ft3). Like the saloon/sedan, the estate/wagon received high marks from most reviewers.[71][72] They noted that the cargo area was large and useful. Additionally, the interior kept its top quality fit and finish, although the rear seat was still a bit small.
In Europe, the estate version was sometimes sold as part of the Golf line, either in addition to or instead of the Bora. Other than different front bumpers, fenders, headlights, and hood, the cars were identical. In some countries were sold both Golf and Bora Variant.
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