The all-new Volkswagen Jetta made a big impression at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. It has an all-new design, improved interior space, better fuel efficiency, and packs its fair share of tech and safety features. The new Jetta is expected to spearhead VW’s presence in the U.S., but don’t expect the same treatment over in Europe because the sedan isn’t headed there.

If you’re surprised by this development, don’t be. Volkswagen didn’t give a clear reason about its decision to keep the new Jetta away from Europe, but if you’re paying close attention, the answer to that reason is sitting right in front of you. It has everything to do with the Jetta itself, specifically its physical characteristics.

We know now that the Jetta is longer, wider, and taller than the model its replacing. In other words, it’s a much larger model that measures a little too close to the European-spec Volkswagen Passat sedan. If Volkswagen brings the Jetta to Europe, there’s a possibility that both models could cannibalize sales from each other. That may not be a big deal if sedans are selling like hot pancakes in that region, but the opposite actually rings true.

Sales of sedans are falling all over Europe. As such, it won’t make sense for Volkswagen to bring the new and bigger Jetta to that market and turn it into a competitor to one of its own models. Fortunately, the new Jetta is headed to China where it will carry the name “Sagitar.”

If you’re also wondering why Volkswagen chose the Detroit Auto Show as the place to launch the all-new Jetta, there’s your answer. The U.S. is the sedan’s biggest and most important market. In the course of its life, more than 3.2 million units of the Jetta have been sold in this market alone.

Those numbers, combined with the potential of the all-new model, should once again make the Jetta one of the more sought-after compact premium sedans in the U.S. The model goes on sale in the second quarter of 2018. Four trim levels — S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium — will be offered, with prices starting at $18,545.

References

Volkswagen Jetta

Read our full review on the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta.

New VW Jetta Bows in Detroit, Redefines Compact Segment with Premium Features

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