Volkswagen Jetta (A5)

Volkswagen Jetta Mk5 (Rear)

The body of the fifth generation used extensive high strength steel, and use of laser welding is up from 5% to 35% of body parts.[16] This resulted in double-digit increases in both dynamic and torsional rigidity. Other body innovations include an impact-absorbing front bumper which yields slightly in the event of a collision with a pedestrian, reducing the chance of injury. A new door design allows just the outer panel to be removed and replaced if damaged, rather than the entire door.[17] Safety was again enhanced with many active and passive features available or standard. These included side curtain airbags, seat-mounted rear side airbags, new generation Electronic Stability Programme with Anti-Slip Regulation and Brake assist, as well as active head restraints. A Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) transmission, available dual-zone automatic climate control, and electro-mechanical power steering are also new innovations.

Halogen headlamp showing the bulb shield incorporating the VW logo

The fifth generation car has a totally redesigned electrical system.[18] Control modules are used for everything from the radio to the powertrain, transmitting over Controller Area Network (CAN) buses. Transmission of signals is done digitally at 500 kilobits per second, which reduces the number of wires needed, and thus reduces the chance for faults. Cars equipped with halogen headlamps have a 'VW' logo integrated into the bulb shield. In most of the world, the rear lights use light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, in North America, standard filament bulbs with a different design are used to comply with FMVSS 108.

Volkswagen has developed a very strict motor oil quality standard, oil meeting this standard must be used to ensure full warranty coverage.[19]

Volkswagen 2.5 L engine

The internal combustion engines available are dependent on the destination market. In Europe, a range of the new generation Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) engines are available. Additionally in that market, the car can be had with an engine known as the 'Twincharger'. This 1.4 litre petrol engine combines turbo- and supercharging, to make a small but powerful engine with low fuel consumption.[20] The Jetta available in the Americas and the Middle East is powered by a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder 20-valve engine in most trims. This engine shares its cylinder head design with the V10 engine found in the Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi R8.[21]

When the Mark 5 Jetta was introduced, the Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engine was not offered in five U.S. States due to the tight emission standards promulgated by the California Air Resources Board. In addition to California, four other states adopted the more stringent California standards. Where it was available, it fell into the least-restrictive emission category. That category was removed in 2007, prompting the diesel Jetta to be unavailable for more than a year until the introduction of a new common rail diesel engine, which appeared in August 2008. The introduction was delayed for approximately six months due to technical issues with the new emissions control system.[22] The TDI Clean Diesel engine is rated 103 kilowatts (138 hp; 140 PS), and uses advanced features such as a diesel particulate filter and NOx-storage catalyst (vs. AdBlue) to reduce NO_x in order to qualify as a Tier II Bin 5 vehicle (equivalent to California's LEV II rating), and thereby allowing it to be sold in all 50 U.S. states. AdBlue (urea injection fluid) is not required, further reducing maintenance requirements. In 2015 it was found that this engine's emissions had been falsified.

In the U.S., in August 2010, it was reported that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was investigating 37,889 2009 Jetta TDI's regarding a stalling problem. There were complaints to the agency about the Jettas going into "limp-home" mode and then stalling almost immediately while being driven. Motor Trend reported that there were also complaints about premature failures of its high-pressure fuel pump.[23]

A 2005 Jetta crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing the Jetta received an overall "Good" rating in both front offset and side impact tests. In the side impact test the Jetta received "Good" marks in all nine measured categories.[24][25] In 2005, the Institute noted that the side impact protection performance was the best they had ever rated.[26] In 2006, the car received a "Top Safety Pick" award from the Institute.[27] The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the fifth generation Jetta for both driver and passenger protection in a frontal impact, while the car received stars in a side impact crash test.[28] To tout the safety of the car, a series of television commercials with the tag line "Safe happens" showed the car being involved in a collision whilst afterward the occupants are shown to have emerged unscathed.

The VW Jetta received the maximum 5 stars in the China NCAP crash tests.[29]

Volkswagen Jetta GLI Fahrenheit (US)

The fifth generation received generally positive reviews with some reviewers complaining the car lost some of its character with the redesign.[30] Most reviewers found the ride to be firm and well controlled, but not always as forgiving as the previous generation. Handling was a strong point, with quick and precise steering and minimal body roll due to the MacPherson Strut suspension up front. Fit and finish received excellent marks, with reviewers noting the car felt very upscale.[31] The front seats were firm but well liked, and the rear seat was roomy, in contrast to the cramped quarters in the fourth generation. Controls and displays were decent, but fell apart and started shorting out with age.[32] Reviewers were particularly impressed with the "Sportline" models (known as the GLI in North America). Equipped with sport seats, a firmer suspension lowered by 15 mm (0.59 in), and low profile tyres, critics praised the excellent handling that was an improvement over the already good performance on the standard model.[33] Additionally, the 2.0 Turbo FSI engine also won commendation for its high power figures, smooth operation, and low fuel consumption.[34] Along with its hatchback brethren, the fifth generation ranks among the top cars on the market in independent reviews of resale value.[35]

Although improved over the fourth generation, the Mark 5 still took over 42 hours to assemble at the factory in Mexico.[36] Part of this disparity is blamed on the switch to the more complex independent rear suspension. Volkswagen has publicly stated its discontent over the excessive assembly time, and pledged to streamline manufacturing in the next generation of A platform cars.[37] In the interim, Volkswagen de México is making a concerted effort to further increase productivity at the plant by consulting outside experts from Toyota and other Japanese companies.[4] By implementing many lean manufacturing principles and techniques, a goal has been set to increase productivity levels at the factory by 30% or more in the coming years.

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Sportwagen (US)

2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen

Volkswagen debuted a station wagon variant of the Golf at the 2007 New York International Auto Show,[38] with a cargo volume of 930 litres (33 cu ft) and 1,894 litres (66.9 cu ft) (rear seats up/down) and an optional 1.18 square metres (12.7 sq ft) panoramic sunroof.

VW marketed the station wagon as the Jetta SportWagen in the United States, Bora Sportwagen in Mexico, Golf Break and later Golf SW in France, Jetta Variant in Brazil, Vento Variant in Argentina, Jetta Wagon in Canada (2009 only), Golf Wagon in Canada (2010 onwards), Golf Estate in the United Kingdom and Golf Variant in the German domestic and most other markets.

In 2010, the Sportwagen received a minor interior and exterior facelift, and remained based on the fifth-generation Golf, with front end styling mirroring the sixth-generation Golf.

It is a version commemorating the 2008+ Jetta TDI Cup Race series, the last year of the Mk V, and based on the TDI Clean Diesel sedan. The same 104 kW (139 hp; 141 PS) and 240 lb⋅ft (325 N⋅m) of torque diesel motor is supplied, but the package includes GLI brakes, suspension, and sway bars. Additional upgrades from the base TDI are "TDI Cup Edition" body side stickers, 18 inch wheels with Pirelli P-Zero or Yokohama ADVAN 225/40R18 sport tires, aluminium pedals, leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome door linings, aerodynamic body kit (front, side & rear), an Interlagos cloth interior with heated sport seats, short shifter, faux carbon fiber inlays (as opposed to metallic), and a black interior (headliner/doorcards/dash).

It can be purchased with either a 6-speed Manual or DSG transmission (DSG includes paddle shifters), and a "Thunderbunny" body kit is optional (and available from VW only on the Cup edition).

The vehicle was unveiled in the 2008 SEMA Show. The production version went on sale in January 2010 with a base MSRP of $24,990USD (not including destination or options).[39]

Per VW North America, worldwide only 1,501 Jetta TDI Cup Editions were produced; 588 were manufactured with a manual transmission, and 913 were built with DSG transmissions. Listed below is a breakdown of how many were produced in each of the four color options:

Black: 579 Produced

• 250 manual transmission
• 329 DSG automatic transmission

Candy White: 485 Produced

• 171 manual transmission
• 314 DSG automatic transmission

Salsa Red: 215 Produced

• 89 manual transmission
• 162 DSG automatic transmission

Laser Blue: 186 Produced

• 78 manual transmission
• 108 DSG automatic transmission

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• Volkswagen Group A platform
• list of Volkswagen Group petrol engines
• list of Volkswagen Group diesel engines