7th-Gen Volkswagen Jetta debuts at Detroit Auto Show

Volkswagen has revealed its seventh-generation Jetta at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. The new model is based on VW's Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform. It comes in a new design package and is equipped with a new 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The new Jetta is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing model. While the front and rear overhangs have been shortened, the wheelbase has gone up from 2,652 mm to 2,685 mm. The car has a large hexagonal grille in the front with three chrome slats and a thick chrome strip running along the top edge. The twin-pod LED headlights extend from the grille and have integrated U-shaped LED DRLs. The front bumper has a large air dam flanked by a set of fog lamps.

The new Jetta sports a coupe-like roofline and has a bold feature line running along the side of the vehicle. The rear features a subtle boot spoiler, wraparound LED tail lights and a new bumper with integrated faux exhaust tips finished in chrome.

Inside, the new Jetta gets a driver-oriented cockpit featuring an infotainment screen placed high in the dashboard. It gets a three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel, while a full-digital instrument cluster is available as an option. A 10-colour ambient lighting package is also part of the options list. Besides, features like panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats with leather upholstery, driver seat memory function, and dual-zone automatic climate control are also on offer.

Higher variants of the Jetta get Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit as standard. It can be configured to display vehicle information and navigation. The Volkswagen Car-Net system offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink connectivity. It also gets a 400-watt audio system by BeatsAudio.

A 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 145 BHP and 249 Nm of peak torque powers the US-spec Jetta. A 6-speed manual transmission is offered as standard in addition to a new 8-speed automatic that is available on higher trims. Engine start / stop is available on models equipped with the automatic gearbox. The R-Line trim comes with an XDS electronic differential.

The new Jetta comes with a host of safety equipment including forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, high beam control, lane departure warning and automatic post-collision braking system. Features like ABS, airbags and rear view camera are standard.

The deliveries of the new Jetta are scheduled to begin by Q2 2018 in the USA. Volkswagen's plans for the same in India are not yet known.