2015 Volkswagen Jetta Preview: 2014 New York Auto Show

Volkswagen is in the midst of a transition but it seems the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta hasn’t quite caught up. Considered a “mid-cycle” change, VW’s new Jetta addresses some of the criticism the brand got last for interior “de-contenting” to keep prices low. The interior upgrades bring the Jetta back to its previous luster and a newer, better diesel engine improves by 8 miles per gallon, which is not too shabby. There are also some safety options available, moving the Jetta upscale a bit.

Volkswagen says the next generation Jetta will be created on the MQB architecture, which will positively affect the design, performance and efficiency as it has the more recent Golf variants.

What’s New for the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta:

The new 2015 Volkswagen Jetta has an updated interior with chrome-edged gauges, sporty multi-featured steering wheel, piano black accents on center console, ambient lighting and new fabric colors and seat designs.

New front three blade grille and HID headlights with LED running lamps in the front and a new trunk design, taillights and bumper in back create an updated exterior that makes the Jetta a little more substantial. 

Jetta's turbodiesel inline-4 engine produces 150 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, is an improvement of 10 horses more than previous version. A diesel engine improves EPA ratings by 8 percent, resulting in 32 city/45 highway, totaling a combined 37 mpg.

As for safety, a suite of active features are available including Blind Spot Detection, rear cross-traffic alert and frontal collision warning. Jetta also gets bi-xenon headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) turn signal and LED daytime running lights for additional safety. 

2015 Volkswagen Jetta: What Autobytel Thinks

Jetta has always been a great compact sedan that puts German engineering driving excitement and quality design into a very competitive playing field that include the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Mazda3. Although it’s good to see Volkswagen bringing some of the interior quality and a better diesel engine into the game, it will be even better when a new Jetta with the lighter, faster and more economical technology of the MQB architecture is launched next year.