November 19, 2004

New VW Jetta to debut at Los Angeles auto show in January

Auburn Hills, Michigan - Volkswagen released the first official photos of its new Jetta, which goes on sale in March, 2005 in Canada and the U.S. It is set to make its worldwide public debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show on January 5, 2005.

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Larger than the current model, the new Jetta will have the model's first fully independent rear suspension system with a multi-link setup. It will also offer a new larger displacement 2.5 litre five-cylinder engine generating 150 horsepower (versus a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre with 115 hp), a new optional six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic including a special "sport" mode selection.

In addition, later in the year, Volkswagen will offer its DSG transmission (TDI only), which is essentially an automated manual transmission system offering the efficiency and economy of a manual with the ease of operation of an automatic.

Also standard are a high-tech electro-mechanical steering system, a new technically advanced electronic stability program (ESP), and new-generation ABS all-disc brakes.

The new Jetta's interior will be roomier with a larger trunk and more legroom and occupant space. Some of the safety features for the new Jetta include front side thorax airbags, Side Curtain Protection (for head) in front and rear, crash-active front headrests, crash-optimized foot pedals that descend upon serious impact, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), three-point safety belts at every position, adjustable headrests for all five occupants, front belt pre-tensioners with load limiters, and safety belts with emergency locking retractors.

It will be built at Volkswagen's production facility in Puebla, Mexico.

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