If you’re a car nut old enough to remember, you’ll definitely note how automobiles have evolved over the last 40 or so years. Engines are more sophisticated, electronics are everywhere, and crash protection is high on manufacturers’ list of priorities.
Yet despite these changes, some things remain the same. And we mean this in a good way. Take the case of the Volkswagen Jetta. While it may only have been around in our market for a few years and one generation, the compact VW sedan has actually been a mainstay of the range for some 6 iterations and about 38 years.
First seen in the US in 1980, the VW Jetta was essentially a Rabbit (or Golf) with a trunk. It used the hatchback’s underpinnings and shared most of its components. Sure, it may have been a marketing tool to win more customers. But it seemed to have worked as numerous customers took to this erstwhile sedan over six generations.
Volkswagen USA itself compares the first and recently released seventh-generation models as it restored an original 1982 Jetta to its “as good as new” state. Yes, the dimensions are definitely larger for the 2019 model. Things like side mirrors are now fitted with Blind Spot Monitoring as opposed to the simple adjustable-from-the-driver’s-seat setup. And the AM/FM cassette player has evolved into a sophisticated infotainment system that pairs with Apple or Android mobile devices.
What hasn’t changed is the simplicity of the platform and engine choices. Back in the day, the first-gen Jetta came with a 1.6-liter motor. In the US, the 2019 model gets a 1.4-liter turbo four while we get a 2.0-liter diesel. One motor that gives both power and economy.
And this is what has made the Jetta such a hit all these years, enthusiasts say. Its combination of a smooth yet still engaging time behind the wheel makes it a perfect companion for both the everyday grind or the weekend out on the open road. It has remained true to this formula. And at the rate things are going, it seems like Volkswagen won’t be changing anything anytime soon. And again, that’s a good thing.
