The Volkswagen Jetta is a middle budget range family car, produced by Volkswagen, which is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG group.
The Jetta model was first introduced in 1979 and company has continued its production till date.
The vehicles produced during the period 1980 to 1984 were the subcompact models, while all the generations produced after 1984 are compact models.
Volkswagen Jetta - Also known as Bora, City Jetta, Fox, and Sagitar
The Volkswagen Jetta model is also called as Volkswagen Bora, City Jetta, Volkswagen FOX and Sagitar. The vehicle was released as a predecessor to the Volkswagen Beetle model. It is designed on the FF layout and uses Volkswagen group A platform series in its production.
The Jetta became the best selling European model in Mexico and in United States. The vehicle has been provided in four and two door sedan and in 5-door station wagon models. The name Jetta is derived from German word, meant for Jet Stream.
First Generation
The first generation models were launched in 1979 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. It was called as Volkswagen Atlantic in Mexico and was available in 2-door coupe model and 4-door sedan body styles.
The styling differences of the vehicle varied according to the market. Most of the models included with the composite headlights. The suspension setup in the car was same to that of in the Golf model and featured with MacPherson Strut at the front and at the rear side with the twist beam rear suspension. The model came with the wheelbase of 2.4 meters and overall length increased by 15 inches. It offered the luggage capacity of up to 377 liters. In order to differentiate the vehicle with the Golf model, the interior in the vehicle was made with color coordinated sill to sill carpeting and velour seating.
In the tests conducted by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, The Jetta model scored five out of five stars in 35 miles per hour crash test for both the passenger and driver protection.
Second Generation
The model released in second generation is the longest running model, which was released in 1984 in European market and in 1985 in American market.
The model gained the title of best selling European model in North America. When compared with the Golf, the Jetta car is heavier, larger and allowed five passengers to accommodate.
Third generation
The Jetta label was dropped in third generation and named as Volkswagen Vento in Germany and in other European countries.
The third generation model secured three stars out of five in the crash tests conducted by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 35 miles per hour. The model secured marginal in the 40 miles per hour frontal offset crash test.
Fourth Generation
The Jetta in fourth generation was called as Bora in most of the countries and was released in July, 1998. The model was built using innovative technology, laser welding of the roof and improved measuring techniques.
Fifth generation (2005- present)
The fifth generation model was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 5th of January, 2005.
It includes -
• Anti-slip regulation,
• Brake assist,
• DSG transmission and
• Electro-mechanical steering.