The success of the Volkswagen Jetta->ke306 is unquestioned. After all, it doesn't earn the distinction of being VW's->ke94 best-selling vehicle for nothing. That being said, it's a little disappointing that the 2015 Jetta->ke306, which is set to make its debut at the New York Auto Show->ke226, didn't receive as many upgrades as we had anticipated. But hey, Volkswagen->ke94 seems to think that the modifications it did put in are enough to continue the Jetta's path as its breadwinner. It's hard to argue on that front considering that the variety of Jetta models that are likely to be offered in the market will run the gamut of customer preferences.

Be it an entry-level Jetta, or the diesel-sipping Jetta TDI, this Volkswagen sedan->ke142 is as versatile as they come in the business. Oh, and it's got a workhorse GLI model, too, just in case you're looking for one that has 200 horsepower under its hood.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta.

2015 Volkswagen Jetta

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Volkswagen Jetta
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 170
  • Torque: 184
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

One look at the 2015 Jetta and you're probably wondering whether Volkswagen changed the exterior at all. Well, the short answer is "yes." But the changes are mostly limited to subtle tweaks, ones that are barely visible if you don't really take a close look at it.

Fortunately, we did look closer at the new Jetta, and we did notice a few changes, including a few aerodynamic changes on the front fascia and the trunk lid. Some modifications on the sill covers are also on tap, as are the new wheel spoilers and an underbody panel that you can find covering the rear axle. The Jetta also gets a larger lower air inlet and re-sculpted fog lights mounted in the outer areas of the bumper. Obviously, Volkswagen wanted to decrease the aerodynamic drag on the Jetta's body, and it seems to have succeeded.

The side lines of the trunk lid on the rear section now run downward, marking one of the more significant changes to the model. Volkswagen also redesigned the VW logo on the Jetta, although it doesn't really make that much of a difference.

A new headlight setup is also in store for the 2015 Jetta, which now includes optional xenon headlights with LED running lights, arranged in an L-shaped string alongside and beneath the xenon modules. the front grille is also modded to include three cross fins.

LEDs also make an appearance on the taillights of the GLI and Hybrid models.

Other than these changes that we noticed, the 2015 Jetta still looks like, well, a Jetta.

New Headlights

New Taillights

2014 Volkswagen Jetta Vs. 2015 Volkswagen Jetta

2015 Volkswagen Jetta - Exterior Specifications

Wheelbase (in/mm)

104.4/2651

Front Track (in/mm)

60.7/1541

Rear Track (in/mm)

60.6/1538

Length (in/mm)

182.2/4628

Width (in/mm)

70.0/1778

Height (in/mm)

57.2/1453

Ground Clearance (in/mm)

5.5/139


Interior

Following in the same vein as the subtle exterior changes, the interior of the 2015 Jetta gets its own subtle upgrades. While the overall look remains largely the same, Volkswagen add in some modifications on mid-and high-level trims, including dash gauges that have been framed in chrome-edged tubes, with an available color multifunction display in between.

Some options like a a new multifunction steering wheel redesigned air vent controls; piano black accents on the center console are also on the docket. But the biggest difference are the multitude of tech features. The 2015 Jetta now has Blind Spot Detection, which helps improve driver awareness when changing lanes. An equally new rear cross-traffic alert assistance system has also been added to serve as a complement to the Blind Spot Detection system, helping the driver to see stationary and moving vehicles directly behind the vehicle.

Drivetrain

The 2015 Jetta still has a variety of engines, including the 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The biggest change, though, lies in the new, 2.0-liter TDI engine that has improved its efficiency rating to 45 mpg on the highway, 3 mpg more than the 2014 model. It did all of that while still returning the same 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque.

Other engine options include the top-of-the-line 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four for the Jetta GLI with 210 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque on tap.

Prices

Volkswagen hasn't released pricing for the new wave of Jettas, but expect it to range from $18,000 for the entry-level model all the way to $30,000 for the loaded trims.

Competition

Chevrolet Cruze

It's not a coincidence that on the same auto show where Volkswagen is showing off the 2015 Jetta, one of its chief rivals, the Cruze is also being presented in all of its 2015 guise.

Unlike the Jetta, the new Cruze looks significantly better than its own predecessor, which can be attributed to the changes done on the front of the sedan. On top of that, the Jetta TDI's biggest adversary, the Cruze Diesel, also saw its own upgrades, including an improved efficiency rating of 47 mpg on the highway. That's a little more than what the 45 mpg Volkswagen is promising for the TDI.

The price difference between the two models shouldn't be too large.

Toyota Corolla

Any mention of a mainstream compact sedan will always have the Toyota Corolla as one of the first cars.

It doesn't help rival models like the Jetta that the Corolla received a full redesign last year, complete with a dramatically improved exterior styling, and a fancier interior with plenty of character expressed in decent materials with good fit and finish.

The 2014 Corolla also has a 1.8-liter, in-line four engine that produce a steady 140 horsepower through either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. Starting price for the Corolla is $16,800 and grows to $21,300, which is a little less than what an entry-level Jetta will cost you.

Conclusion

Given what Volkswagen had to work with on the Jetta, it's a little surprising that it didn't give it a more significant refresh. But the company is likely confident that even with all the additions that it did put into the Jetta, it's going to translate into the same success that the model has had in the U.S.

The variety of the Jetta is undoubtedly its biggest strength with seemingly a model suited for just about everybody. Whether you're a young driver looking for your first affordable ride or you're an eco-friendly adult, the Volkswagen Jetta has a model you can proudly enjoy.