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Production of the fourth generation car began in July 1998.[47] Carrying on the wind nomenclature, the car was known as the Bora in much of the world. Bora is a winter wind which blows intermittently over the coast of the Adriatic Sea as well as in parts of Greece, Russia, and Turkey. In North America, the Jetta moniker was again kept on due to the continued popularity of the car in that market.
The Mark 4 debuted shortly after its larger sibling, the Passat, with which it shared many styling cues. The rounded shape and arched roofline served as the new Volkswagen styling trademark, abandoning traditional sharp creases for more curved corners. The car was also offered as a station wagon. New on this generation were some advanced options such as rain sensor controlled windshield wipers and automatic climate control.
Although slightly shorter overall than the Mark 3, the fourth generation saw the wheelbase extended slightly. Some powertrain options were carried over. Nevertheless, two new engines were offered, the 1.8 liter turbo 4-cylinder (often referred to as the 1.8T), and the VR5 (a 5-cylinder derivative of the VR6 engine). The suspension setup remained much as before. However, it was softened considerably in most models to give a comfortable ride, which was met with some criticism.
In 2004, a new line of "Pumpe Düse" diesel engines were offered. This new design employed advanced unit injectors and additional electronics and emissions equipment to meet new air emissions standards in Europe and North America, and is considerably more complex than the older diesel engines previously offered. To accomplish the task of producing sufficient power while meeting emissions standards, the "PD" technology injects fuel into the combustion chamber at pressures up to an incredibly high 2,050 bar (30,000 psi).[49] The purpose of the high pressure is to promote fine atomisation of the fuel which supports more complete combustion. To reduce noise, the engine employs a "pilot injection" system which injects a small amount of fuel prior to the main injection. All of the new generation of diesel engines require a special motor oil that meets Volkswagen oil specification 505.01. Serious engine damage will result if oil not meeting this standard is used.
Safety
Safety on the fourth generation cars was a high priority for Volkswagen.[50] The car was built using such advanced processes as highly mechanized presses, improved measuring techniques, and laser welding of the roof. In crash tests, the fourth generation car received very good marks. In the New Car Assessment Program tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the car received five out of five stars for both driver and passenger protection in a 56 km/h (35 mph) frontal impact.[51] New side impact tests at 62 km/h (38.5 mph) awarded the car four out of five stars for both driver and rear seat passenger protection. In the more severe 64 km/h (40 mph) offset test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Mark 4 was awarded the highest score of "Good".[52] Injury, Collision, and theft losses were low for a car of its class.[53]
Testing and Review
Critics usually found the fourth generation to their liking. The car was praised for its sure-footed handling as well as a comfortable ride.[54] Other reviewers noted the car to be an attractive but somewhat expensive choice in the compact car segment.[55] However, some complaints were made that the back seat lacked adequate room for two adults.[56] Also, some found the cushion was too firm. The interior of the car was universally praised for the high level of fit, finish, and materials quality. Critics noted it was reminiscent of much more expensive cars.[57] New in this generation was VW's signature blue and red instrument lighting which became standard across the lineup in 1999. The placement of the climate controls low on the console was also met with some criticism. Flimsy cupholders were placed directly above the stereo, thus obscuring vision of the stereo LCD. However, this problem was rectified on later mark 4 models.
The earlier models have a few quality control issues, as a number of owners reported windows falling into the doors, electrical problems, and emissions system defects.[58][59] The fourth generation takes approximately 52 hours per vehicle to assemble in the Puebla factory.[60] In contrast, General Motors Spring Hill Assembly Plant takes only approximately 18 hours to build a Saturn Ion, a car similar in size to the Mark 4.
Volkswagen introduced a station wagon version of the fourth generation car in January of 2001 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.[61] This was the first time an "A" platform VW was available in North America with that body style. Although the sedan was built in a number of locations, all Jetta Wagon models were built in the Wolfsburg plant.[62] In back, 963 liters (34 ft3) of space was available in the cargo compartment. When the rear seats were folded, the car could hold 1473 liters (52 ft3). Like the sedan, the station wagon received high marks from most reviewers.[63][64] Reviewers noted that the cargo area was large and useful. Additionally, the interior kept its top quality fit and finish, although the rear seat was still a bit small. In Europe, the station wagon was sometimes sold as part of the Golf line either in addition to or instead of the Bora. Other than different front bumpers, fenders, headlights, and hood, the cars were identical.
Ongoing production
As of 2007, the fourth generation car is still sold in addition to the newer Mark 5 due to higher pricing of the fifth generation in some countries such as Mexico, China and Canada. Like its second generation predecessor, the Mark 4 continues to be marketed in China by Volkswagen's joint venture partner First Automotive Works-Volkswagen China.
In China, the car received a facelift in the summer of 2006, with a Passat Mark 5.5 lookalike face. A hatchback version (i.e. the Golf) is also produced, but is badged as the Bora HS.[65] The model available in Mexico and in Canada for 2008 was likewise facelifted with the same design found in China.
In October 2006, Volkswagen re-released the fourth generation car in Canada (for the 2007 model year) as the City Jetta.[66] The move was made to allow Volkswagen to be more competitive with the rest of the compact class as the fifth generation Jetta had moved upscale versus much of the competition. The only engine available is the 2.0L SOHC 86 kilowatt (115hp) gasoline four cylinder. The City Jetta is built alongside the fifth generation in the Puebla Assembly Plant.
The Mark 4 debuted shortly after its larger sibling, the Passat, with which it shared many styling cues. The rounded shape and arched roofline served as the new Volkswagen styling trademark, abandoning traditional sharp creases for more curved corners. The car was also offered as a station wagon. New on this generation were some advanced options such as rain sensor controlled windshield wipers and automatic climate control.
Although slightly shorter overall than the Mark 3, the fourth generation saw the wheelbase extended slightly. Some powertrain options were carried over. Nevertheless, two new engines were offered, the 1.8 liter turbo 4-cylinder (often referred to as the 1.8T), and the VR5 (a 5-cylinder derivative of the VR6 engine). The suspension setup remained much as before. However, it was softened considerably in most models to give a comfortable ride, which was met with some criticism.
In 2004, a new line of "Pumpe Düse" diesel engines were offered. This new design employed advanced unit injectors and additional electronics and emissions equipment to meet new air emissions standards in Europe and North America, and is considerably more complex than the older diesel engines previously offered. To accomplish the task of producing sufficient power while meeting emissions standards, the "PD" technology injects fuel into the combustion chamber at pressures up to an incredibly high 2,050 bar (30,000 psi).[49] The purpose of the high pressure is to promote fine atomisation of the fuel which supports more complete combustion. To reduce noise, the engine employs a "pilot injection" system which injects a small amount of fuel prior to the main injection. All of the new generation of diesel engines require a special motor oil that meets Volkswagen oil specification 505.01. Serious engine damage will result if oil not meeting this standard is used.
Safety
Safety on the fourth generation cars was a high priority for Volkswagen.[50] The car was built using such advanced processes as highly mechanized presses, improved measuring techniques, and laser welding of the roof. In crash tests, the fourth generation car received very good marks. In the New Car Assessment Program tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the car received five out of five stars for both driver and passenger protection in a 56 km/h (35 mph) frontal impact.[51] New side impact tests at 62 km/h (38.5 mph) awarded the car four out of five stars for both driver and rear seat passenger protection. In the more severe 64 km/h (40 mph) offset test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Mark 4 was awarded the highest score of "Good".[52] Injury, Collision, and theft losses were low for a car of its class.[53]
Testing and Review
Critics usually found the fourth generation to their liking. The car was praised for its sure-footed handling as well as a comfortable ride.[54] Other reviewers noted the car to be an attractive but somewhat expensive choice in the compact car segment.[55] However, some complaints were made that the back seat lacked adequate room for two adults.[56] Also, some found the cushion was too firm. The interior of the car was universally praised for the high level of fit, finish, and materials quality. Critics noted it was reminiscent of much more expensive cars.[57] New in this generation was VW's signature blue and red instrument lighting which became standard across the lineup in 1999. The placement of the climate controls low on the console was also met with some criticism. Flimsy cupholders were placed directly above the stereo, thus obscuring vision of the stereo LCD. However, this problem was rectified on later mark 4 models.
The earlier models have a few quality control issues, as a number of owners reported windows falling into the doors, electrical problems, and emissions system defects.[58][59] The fourth generation takes approximately 52 hours per vehicle to assemble in the Puebla factory.[60] In contrast, General Motors Spring Hill Assembly Plant takes only approximately 18 hours to build a Saturn Ion, a car similar in size to the Mark 4.
Volkswagen introduced a station wagon version of the fourth generation car in January of 2001 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.[61] This was the first time an "A" platform VW was available in North America with that body style. Although the sedan was built in a number of locations, all Jetta Wagon models were built in the Wolfsburg plant.[62] In back, 963 liters (34 ft3) of space was available in the cargo compartment. When the rear seats were folded, the car could hold 1473 liters (52 ft3). Like the sedan, the station wagon received high marks from most reviewers.[63][64] Reviewers noted that the cargo area was large and useful. Additionally, the interior kept its top quality fit and finish, although the rear seat was still a bit small. In Europe, the station wagon was sometimes sold as part of the Golf line either in addition to or instead of the Bora. Other than different front bumpers, fenders, headlights, and hood, the cars were identical.
Ongoing production
As of 2007, the fourth generation car is still sold in addition to the newer Mark 5 due to higher pricing of the fifth generation in some countries such as Mexico, China and Canada. Like its second generation predecessor, the Mark 4 continues to be marketed in China by Volkswagen's joint venture partner First Automotive Works-Volkswagen China.
In China, the car received a facelift in the summer of 2006, with a Passat Mark 5.5 lookalike face. A hatchback version (i.e. the Golf) is also produced, but is badged as the Bora HS.[65] The model available in Mexico and in Canada for 2008 was likewise facelifted with the same design found in China.
In October 2006, Volkswagen re-released the fourth generation car in Canada (for the 2007 model year) as the City Jetta.[66] The move was made to allow Volkswagen to be more competitive with the rest of the compact class as the fifth generation Jetta had moved upscale versus much of the competition. The only engine available is the 2.0L SOHC 86 kilowatt (115hp) gasoline four cylinder. The City Jetta is built alongside the fifth generation in the Puebla Assembly Plant.
