Bedford, MA… The 2011 Jetta has made its way to Massachusetts Volkswagen dealerships, giving Boston Volkswagen enthusiasts their first look at the redesigned Jetta sedan. Completely redesigned for the 2011 model year, the new Volkswagen Jetta takes aim at the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, featuring a more attractive price and a larger size built with American car buyers in mind.
The new VW Jetta has emerged from the shadow of the general VW look, with a curved roofline and softer angles, as well as dramatically flared sides that suggest Audi sportiness. The body has grown by 2.9 inches, allowing the Jetta to offer 15.5 cubic feet of trunk space and a back seat with more than 3 feet of legroom. Available 17-inch wheels add presence and upscale charm.
“The biggest complaint about compact sedans has always been the cramped feeling inside. The new Volkswagen Jetta feels like a midsize sedan, even for passengers in the back,” said Ray Hovsepian, general manager of Greater Boston Volkswagen dealer Minuteman Volkswagen. “The 2011 Jetta has been designed from the ground up to address the shortcomings of compact sedans; Volkswagen is redefining what these cars can be.”
Under the hood, the current crop of 2011 VW Jetta models offers gas-fueled engines; fans of the super-efficient Jetta TDI diesels will need to wait until the end of the year for their arrival. The value-priced S model has a 115-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, available with a five-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission. SE and SEL Jetta models carry a more robust 170-horsepower, 5-cylinder engine, a holdover from the 2010 model, paired with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic.
Fuel efficiency is strong for both gas engines, topping out at 24 mpg/city and 34 mpg/highway for the 4-cylinder with the manual transmission, and 23 mpg/city and 33 mpg/highway for the 5-cylinder, also with a manual.
To meet the challenges of New England roads, the 2011 Jetta offers front-wheel drive, all-season tires and fully galvanized sheet metal as standard equipment on all models. Standard engine braking assist and electronic stability control provide defense against winter skids, while Volkswagen’s 12-year, unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty protects against the caustic effects of road salt.
Massachusetts Volkswagen Jetta owners will also be prepared for summer, with air conditioning and a pollen filter standard on all S, SE and SEL models. Dashboard technology fans will need to look at the SE convenience package, which adds Sirius satellite radio as well as iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, or a higher-end SEL convenience package that offers those features in addition to a touchscreen navigation system.
“The New England seasons make this region a proving ground for any new car,” Hovsepian said. “Volkswagen stands behind the new Jetta’s ability to thrive in sun and snow with one of the best corrosion warranties available. It’s normal for customers to be wary of any new car design, but Volkswagen has combined the best of the Jetta’s past with a new focus on function and value. The result is a car that is an ideal match for Massachusetts drivers.”
