2011 All-New Volkswagen Jetta Revealed Before Paris Debut

Volkswagen has unveiled the 2011 all-new, sixth-generation Volkswagen Jetta, a four-door sedan which Volkswagen says is no longer just a Golf with a boot. Key to the claim is how most of the Jetta's parts and components are different from the Golf's, to the extent that it should be considered a standalone model like the Passat CC and Tiguan.

The Jetta wears a styling inspired by the Volkswagen NCC concept, and is based on a stretched version of the Golf's platform. The wheelbase has been extended by 70 mm, which translates into 65 mm more rear legroom; the length of the car is 90 mm more than before, too. Inside, the dashboard architecture and styling are familiar albeit distinct from the Golf's. The boot capacity has not been revealed, although 60/40 split-folding rear seats will be a standard feature.

The Euro-spec Jetta will get six engines including two existing petrol units, two new petrol units and two new diesel units. The familiar 121 bhp 1.4-litre TSI and 197 bhp 2.0-litre TSI engines will be available from launch; the new 103 bhp 1.2-litre TSI and 158 bhp 1.4-litre TSI engines, as well as the new 103 bhp 1.6-litre TDI and 138 bhp 2.0-litre TDI engines, will be introduced later. Volkswagen's six- or seven-speed DSG transmissions will be paired to every engine except the 1.2-litre TSI unit.

The next-generation Jetta will be showcased at the Paris Motor Show in September, before going on sale in the U.S. market in October. Other markets including Europe and Malaysia will only get the Jetta in 2011. Like before, Volkswagen Malaysia is not likely to bring in the diesel units, and the 2.0-litre TSI unit could also be overlooked in order to further differentiate the Golf GTI.