Volkswagen has been testing its new Jetta on European roads ahead of its UK launch in January 2006. Like the Passat, the Jetta will be offered in SE, Sport and SEL trim levels, with booted hatches unpopularity in the UK meaning prices are expected to match – or even undercut – equivalent Golfs.
The booted Golf is VW’s best seller in America, where it has been on sale since early this year, but European cars won’t get the US-only 2.5-litre in-line five. Base petrol will be a 1.6 FSI, joining the 2.0 FSI and the Golf GTi’s turbocharged 2.0-litre. Diesel options will include the 103bhp 1.9 and 138bhp 2.0, with a 168bhp version following in the Spring.
Volkswagen has traditionally applied GTi badges only to hatchbacks, so in Europe the Jetta turbo is likely to wear a 2.0 TFSI badge. Another possible future addition is the Golf R32’s 3.2-litre V6, accompanied by 4Motion four-wheel drive.
Be sure to keep an eye on www.autocar.co.uk next week to find out our first verdict on the new Jetta in Europe.
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