VW Tweaks Jetta for ’15

Volkswagen’s new 2.0L TDI diesel arrives in the U.S. in an updated Jetta sedan set for debut this week at the New York International Auto Show.

The engine is expected to raise the ante for 4-cyl. diesels in the market, delivering 150 hp at 3,500 to 4,000 rpm and 236 lb.-ft. (320 Nm) of torque from 1,700 to 3,000 rpm. Fuel economy is expected to be 32/45/37 mpg (7.3-5.2-6.4 L/100 km) city/highway/combined.

Unlike the Jetta’s current U.S.-market diesel, the new engine will have a urea-based Selective Catalyst Reduction system to meet nitrogen-oxide emissions standards with the new car. The diesel also will be offered in the new Golf about to hit the U.S. market, as well as other VW models.

The ’15-model Jetta, which hits the U.S. in the fall, also will continue to offer a 2.0L naturally aspirated gasoline 4-cyl. and 1.8L and 2.0L turbocharge TSI engines.

In addition to the new powertrain option, the revamped Jetta features exterior styling tweaks that include a redesigned grille, adaptive front lighting with bi-xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights up front and a new rear bumper, more aerodynamic trunk lid with an integrated spoiler that extends to the rear fenders and restyled taillamps.

But the bigger story is on the inside, where VW adds some bling with chrome-edged gauges and an available color multifunction display screen. The automaker also upgrades the steering wheel and adds piano-black and chrome accents throughout in an effort to counter criticism the current model’s cabin suffered from a cost-cutting exercise that lowered the current-generation Jetta’s starting price several thousand dollars when it was launched in the ’11 model year.

The tweaked model also offers a full suite of safety technology, including blindspot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and frontal collision warning.

U.S. Jetta sales this year are flat with like-2013 at 37,368 deliveries through March, in a light-vehicle market up just 1.3% overall.

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