As VW continues to release details about their all-new 2011 Jetta, it becomes pretty clear what sort of commitment they’re making to the US market. This marks the very first time that the Jetta has been designed from the ground up for us Yanks, rather than it being based on a Golf chassis, and the top brass were certain to be very clear on this fact. From the size to the price, from the drivetrain to the styling, nothing has been left untouched to try and make this, the most important vehicle of the Volkswagen line up in the states, a home run. Volkswagen of America made the case for this car to its parent company in Germany to try and give us Americans what we want: a cheaper price, more room, more options, and of course, that of course that upscale styling.

Exterior:
Once removed from the vast expanse of Times Square (and somehow placed on the 6th floor of a West Side Manhattan event space) the new Jetta’s ample proportions become more apparent.
That’s not to say the car looks fat or overweight…indeed, the sharp lines convey more ‘fitness junky’ than a ‘couch potato.’ It’s just that it’s much more obvious where the extra length, wheelbase and cabin space come into play. It is a solid car, and it looks it.
VW’s head of design, Klaus Bischoff, described the look of the car, or rather the goal they were striving for, as unique and timeless; something most VW fans will agree is what made the older generations so appealing. “All of the lines,” he said, “must have a function; they cannot be there simply for look or style.”

The rather aggressive front splitter was described as being ‘truly aerodynamic’ rather than for pure aesthetics, although earlier in the day he had also stated that it was included as part of European pedestrian safety standards. Shut lines are intentionally very tight, and there was a concerted effort to make the lighting design both unique and recognizable from a distance at night.
It should be said that in the new Jetta has significantly more attitude than the outgoing model, especially when viewed in the flesh, and whatever else can be said of the popular sedan it does not have the look of a car designed by committee. First thoughts usually head in the direction of a ‘baby Audi,’ and it’s not a wrong or particularly large leap to make.
Interior:    
As mentioned in our first story on the new Jetta, the interior is nicely appointed, if not excessively luxurious. The primary goal here is driver orientation, with logic and driver ergonomics taking precedence over gadgetry and bling. VW’s Mk4 Jetta was named as a primary inspiration for the interior design.

All of the Jettas on display were of the 2.5L 5-cylinder SEL varieties, so not a pure base model, but items like the dashboard, switches, knobs and interior fabrics will not be much different. The dash is not soft touch, and the steering wheel is not leather, but it’s not so bad either.
Drivetrain and suspension:    
The biggest news of all the changes with regard to the new Jetta’s mechanical bits are this: A 1.4 liter TSI Hybrid motor with a DSG transmission is due in early 2012. This will be VW’s second hybrid model, and incorporates a 30 horsepower electric motor in between the engine and the DSG transmission. It is said to give the performance of a 150hp pure gasoline engine. All other options aside, this single engine combination will likely put the new Jetta on the radar of many other buyers who might never have considered the model otherwise. The commitment to the TDI motor was also made clear, and although many may lament the re-introduction of the venerable 2.0L four-cylinder motor into the new Jetta, the number of other powertrain choices, all the way up to the 2.0T TSI motor in the GLI model will surely make up for this.
Speaking of the GLI, it will be the only model in the new Jetta’s line up to be blessed with an independent multi-link rear suspension, with all the lower end options going back to the ‘semi-independent’ rear beam. It will remain to be seen how much of a performance or ride detriment, if any, this turns out to be.
Other new features include an automatic fuel-pump shut off in the event of an accident and a push-button start.
Final thoughts:    

At the end of the day, VW is working hard to increase its brand presence in the United States and the new Jetta looks to be a step forward in this regard.
The new Jetta may not appeal to everyone in the tuner scene, but the proof will be in the pudding (or the driving), and once we get a chance behind the wheel we’ll know for sure.
Even if the more performance-minded among us decide to stick with the smaller and sportier GTI, the Jetta will have its place in the scene. To be completely honest, as we listened to VW executives expound on the advances they had made with the Jetta in order to make it appealing to the American market, we couldn’t help but think: How did they get the car on the 6th floor. And how great would one would look slammed to the ground on air-ride, sporting some polished BBS, cruising 5th avenue just a few blocks away.