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The Volkswagen Jetta is essentially a sedan version of the Volkswagen Golf. The name is now only used in North
America and South Africa, as it was dropped in Europe in 1992, when it was replaced by the Vento,
which was in turn repalced by the Bora in 1998. The model was developed
due in part of the Volkswagen marketing group's observation that the North American market leaned more towards the three-box
shape as opposed to the Golf's hatchback configuration. Similarly, in South
Africa, the Jetta remains more popular than the Golf. This proved to be a wise move on VW's part because the Jetta was
destined to earn the title of best-selling European car in the US.
A1
The first-generation Jetta appeared in the North American market in 1980, available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan.
Styling was penned at ItalDesign, by the great Giorgetto Giugiaro. A version of this model, known as the VW Fox, continued in
production in South Africa until the late 1990s.
Powering the base A1 Jetta and GL trim was a standard 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 78hp, and in 1984, the engine was
upgraded to a 1.8-liter also producing 78hp. Additional engine choices were a diesel 1.5-liter four making 50hp and, in 1984 (the
final year of the A1), a "GLI" high-performance version was offered, powered by the 1.8-liter from the Scirocco which made 90
hp.
A2
The longest reigning Jetta of all time, the second-generation A2 proved to be a sales success for VW, outnumbering Golf sales
two-to-one, and securing the title of best-selling European car in the US. It was also one of the first VW models produced in
China. With classic lines (this time penned by VW's own styling department) and great
handling characteristics, it's no wonder A2 Jetta's still roam the modern automotive scene as stylish, handsome, European cars.
Like the A1 series, the A2's were offered as two-door coupes or four-door sedans; unfortunately, coupes were limited to the base
and diesel trim levels. Major exterior changes throughout the series run include the elimination of the front-quarter windows in
1989, the addition of larger, body-colored bumper covers in 1990, and several grille and side-cladding changes.
The base and GL trim levels were powered by a 1.8-liter four rated at 85hp (and later 90hp). There were two diesel engines
offered, a 1.6-liter diesel with 52hp and 68 for the turbo diesel. The Carat was essentially a luxury trim without the
performance upgrade of the GLI. For the A2 series, the GLI was powered by a 1.8-liter four with 100hp, then a 1.8-liter DOHC
16-valve that made 123hp in 1987. But the GLI soon became a serious performance contender with the addition of the 2.0-liter DOHC
16-valve four in 1990.
A3
Known in Europe as the Vento, the A3 was a refined evolution of the previous-generation Jetta. Hailed as the "Poor Man's BMW",
it was designed in-house under Herbert Schafer, the third-generation series was criticized for their "boxy" design. Though only
offered as a four-door sedan, the A3 spawned more trim levels than any other Jetta line. Exterior changes to the A3 through its
production run were subtle, such as a new grille, body-colored rub strips, and different wheel covers.
The GL is the base trim while the GLS is the luxury trim with leather and power locks, windows, sunroof, etc. The Trek was a
special trim that included a bike rack, a Trek bike, spoiler, rocker panel covers, alloy wheels, and in 1997, other accessories
and options available for the top-of-the-line GLX, save for the VR6 engine. The K2 was a similar package, but in place of the
bike was a K2 snowboard or a pair of K2 skiis. The City was a utilitarian Jetta without radio or a/c, while the 1994 Limited
Edition and 1995 Celebration packages were value-priced GL's costing some $600 less than standard. The Jazz Edition was a GL with
a 6-disc CD player standard. All were powered by VW's tried and true 2.0-liter four making 115hp. The diesel engine once again
made its comeback with VW's revolutionary 1.9-liter TDI (Turbo Direct Injection) 90hp diesel engine and was offered as a separate
trim level. By far, the most exciting trim level was the GLX, replacing the GLI designation. Motivated by the renowned VR6 SOHC
six-cylinder, the 172hp powerplant was able to catapult the Jetta to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, the fastest Jetta to date. For those
who prefer the GLX's boy-racer looks (spoiler, side-skirts, whip antenna), the GT and Wolfsburg Edition offered GLX accessories
without the venerable VR6.
A4
Known as the Bora in Europe, the fourth-generation Jetta debuted in late 1998 after its larger sibling, the Passat, with which
it shares many styling cues. The rounded shape and arched roofline serves as the new Volkswagen styling trademark, abandoning
traditional sharp creases for curved corners. The A4 comes in three different trim levels, and is also offered as a wagon.
The GL is the base model, powered by the previous generation's 2.0-liter four, while the GLS is the luxury trim line with a
sunroof as standard, along with all-power accessories. New for the A4 series is the option of a VR6, now putting out 174hp
compared to the previous generation's 172hp, on the GLS trim. The GLX VR6 remains the high-end performer.
A5
The fifth-generation Jetta would be larger than the fourth-generation one. VOLKSWAGEN AG will build them all in Mexico. In
North America, it will debut in calendar year 2005 for the 2006 model year.
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