2019 VW Jetta Offers More Features for Less Money

When Volkswagen’s 2019 Jetta goes on sale later this year, it’ll cost less than the outgoing model. The redesigned compact sedan starts at $19,395 for the base S model, including a destination charge — that’s $100 less than the outgoing model and lower than Volkswagen’s 2018 competitor vehicles like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, though it’s more than the Chevrolet Cruze.

Related: 2019 VW Jetta Scores Big Boost in Mileage Ratings

For 2019, the Jetta rides on a new, bigger platform and gets fresh exterior styling as well as a cabin makeover. The sedan’s sole engine at launch is a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder paired with two new transmissions: a standard six-speed manual or available eight-speed automatic, which is optional on the base S and standard on the other trim levels. Now standard inside the new car is a larger multimedia screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The new Jetta will be available in S, SE, SEL and SEL Premium trims, as well as the sporty Volkswagen Jetta R-Line model, which replaces the SE Sport this year. SE versions start at $23,005, roughly $900 more than model-year 2018 base SE trims (all prices include destination). It adds standards to the Volkswagen Jetta like an eight-speed automatic, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, keyless access and push-button start, leatherette seats (V-tex) and heated front seats. Standard safety features on this model include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. While those safety features are not standard on the base S model, they are available for as a $450 option.

The sport-themed R-Line model Volkswagen Jetta starts at $23,845 and adds extras like 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a gloss-black front grille and mirror caps, an R-Line rear bumper with dual exhaust, foglights, R-Line VW Jetta badging inside and out, a sport steering wheel with contrast stitching, and two-tone black-and-gray seat surfaces with contrast stitching.

The SEL Volkswagen Jetta model builds off of the SE and starts at $25,265, almost $2,000 less than the previous-generation SEL model — though that model was powered by the optional 1.8-liter engine, which isn’t available for 2019. The SEL model adds LED projector headlights, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, customizable 10-color wraparound ambient lighting, a 10.25-inch configurable digital cockpit display, a BeatsAudio system with eight speakers and a subwoofer, and an 8-inch multimedia screen. Additional standard vehicle safety and driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist and an active lane-keeping system.

The top-of-the-line SEL Premium trim starts at $27,795 and adds standards like 17-inch two-tone aluminum-alloy wheels, the R-Line rear bumper, foglights, side mirrors with integrated turn signals, model-specific leather seats, ventilated front seats, a power driver’s seat with memory functionality and power lumbar, and navigation. VW says the Cold Weather Package — which includes a heated steering wheel, rear seats, windshield-wiper park and washer nozzles, along with remote start — will be added as standard equipment mid-model year.

Also included for the entire new Volkswagen Jetta lineup in 2019 is VW’s new warranty: six years or 72,000 miles for bumper-to-bumper and powertrain, plus three years or 36,000 miles of vehicle roadside assistance. Volkswagen says the 2019 Jetta will go on sale sometime this spring.

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