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Mark 5
Volkswagen Jetta (Australia)
Also called Volkswagen Bora
Volkswagen GLI
Volkswagen Sagitar
Volkswagen Vento
Production 2005–present
Assembly Changchun, China
Puebla, Mexico
Uitenhage, South Africa
Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
Platform Volkswagen A5 platform
Engine(s) Gasoline
1.6L 75 kW (100 hp) I4
1.6L 85 kW (115 hp) FSI I4
1.4L 103 kW (140 hp) TSI I4
2.0L 110 kW (150 hp) FSI I4
2.5L 110 kW (150 hp) I5
2.5L 125 kW (170 hp) I5
1.4L 125 kW (170 hp) TSI I4
2.0L 147 kW (200 hp) I4 TFSI
Diesel
1.9L 77 kW (105 hp) I4 TDI
2.0L 103 kW (140 hp) I4 TDI
2.0L 125 kW (170 hp) I4 TDI
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
6-speed automatic
6-speed manual
6-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox
Wheelbase 2580 mm (101.5 in)
Length 4550 mm (179.3 in)
Width 1760 mm (70.1 in)
Height 1460 mm (57.4 in)
Related Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit
SEAT Toledo
Škoda Octavia
Audi A3
Automated assembly at Puebla
The fifth generation debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show on January 5, 2005. It was only the second Volkswagen product to make its world debut at a U.S. Auto show (the other being the New Beetle).[67] Additionally, the Mark 5 went on sale in the USA prior to any other country, reflecting the importance of the car in that market for VW.[68] US$800 million was spent upgrading the factory in Puebla for its production. This included a US$290 million new engine production line for the 5 cylinder power plant, a US$50 million investment in the press shop, as well as a US$200 million purchase of 460 robots, which increased automation by 80%.
Although produced in the largest volumes in Mexico, final assembly of the car also takes place in China and South Africa for those respective markets.[69] Like initial production of the second generation in China, the Asian and African plants build the car from a complete knock-down (CKD) kit shipped from the factory in Puebla. Local assembly in Kaluga, Russia is scheduled to start in late 2007.[70] The Jetta will be produced along side a number of other Volkswagen Group models. Production is also scheduled to begin in India in 2008.[71] Initially, the Skoda factory in Aurangabad will be used until the VW brand completes its own factory located in Pune in 2009. As with the previously mentioned assembly plants, CKD kits from Volkswagen de México will be used.
The fifth generation car has the widest variety of names of any generation. In most countries, it is referred to as the Jetta. Exceptions to this include "Bora" in Mexico and Colombia, "Vento" in Argentina and Chile, and "Sagitar" in China. [72][73][74] The Mark 5 is 17 centimeters (6.7 in) longer, 3 centimeters (1.2 in) wider, and has a 7 centimeter (2.8 in) longer wheelbase than the previous iteration. Interior room has increased from 2.46 cubic meters (87 ft3) to 2.58 cubic meters (91 ft3). In particular, rear legroom was increased by 6.5 centimeters (2.6 in) over the fourth generation. Luggage compartment volume is up to 453 liters (16 ft3). One major change is the introduction of the first multi-link independent rear suspension in a Jetta. The design of the rear suspension is nearly identical to the one found in the Ford Focus.[75] VW reportedly hired engineers from Ford who designed the suspension on the Focus.[76]
Styling reflects a new direction for the Volkswagen brand, with a new chrome front grille which has spread to other models.[77] Some critics appreciated the new styling, whilst others dismissed it as too bland looking compared to the 4th generation.[78][79]
Features
Jetta (German specification)
The body of the fifth generation uses extensive high strength steel, and use of laser welding is up from 5% to 35% of body parts.[80] This results in double digit increases in both dynamic and torsional rigidity. Other body innovations include an impact-absorbing front bumper which yields slightly in the event of a collision with a pedestrian, reducing the chance of injury. A new door design allows just the outer panel to be removed and replaced if damaged, rather than the entire door.[81] Safety was again enhanced with many active and passive features available or standard. These included Side Curtain Protection, rear side airbags, new generation Electronic Stability Program with Anti-Slip Regulation and Brake assist, as well as active head restraints. A DSG transmission, available dual-zone automatic climate control, and electro-mechanical steering are also new innovations.
Halogen headlamp
The fifth generation car has a totally redesigned electrical system.[82] Control modules are used for everything from the radio to the Drivetrain, transmitting over Controller Area Network (CAN) buses. Transmission of signals is done digitally at 500 kilobits per second, which reduces the number of wires needed and thus reduces the chance for faults. Cars equipped with halogen headlamps have a VW logo integrated into the reflector. In most of the world, the taillights use LED bulbs. However, in North American specification cars, standard bulbs with a different design are used.
The engines that are available depend on the location. In Europe, a range of the new generation FSI engines are available. Additionally in that market, the car can be had with an engine known as the TSI. This engine combines turbo and supercharging to make a small but powerful engine with low fuel consumption.[83] The Jetta available in the Americas and the Middle East, is powered by a 2.5 liter 5-cylinder 20 Valve engine in most trims. This engine shares its head design with the V10 engine found in the Lamborghini Gallardo.[84]
In North America, the diesel TDI engine was not offered in 5 U.S. states when the Mark 5 Jetta was introduced, due to the tight emission standards promulgated by the California Air Resources Board. The four other states involved opted to adopt the more stringent California standards. Where it was available, it fell into the least-restrictive emission category. That category was removed in 2007, prompting the diesel Jetta to be unavailable in that market for about a year until the introduction of a new common rail diesel engine, which is scheduled to appear in 2008.[85] This engine will use advanced features such as a diesel particulate filter to reduce NOx and particulate emissions in order to qualify as a Tier II Bin 5 vehicle (equivalent to California's LEV II rating), therefore allowing it to be sold in all 50 U.S. states. AdBlue (urea injection) will not be used initially, reducing maintenance requirements.
Jetta (French specification)
The Mark 5 has a number of quirks which may confuse owners who are unfamiliar with the car and have not read the owners manual.[86] For example, to replace the windscreen wipers, the wiper lever must be pressed down within 10 seconds of turning off the car to activate the "Service/Winter Position" mode. Additionally, the wipers change their parked position slightly every few trips to reduce wear, sometimes causing unneeded concern on the part of the customer.[87] Upon a cold start, the engine is noisier than normal for approximately 30 seconds due to the operation of the Secondary Air Injection Pump, causing alarm in some instances.[88][89] This feature is designed to reduce emissions by adding fresh air (which contains more oxygen than the air that has been through the engine) into the exhaust stream. Some owners have been surprised that synthetic oil must always be used when changing the oil.[90] Volkswagen has developed a strict motor oil quality standard to prevent oil sludge problems, and oil meeting this standard must be used to ensure full warranty coverage.[91]
Safety
Safe happens commercial
The car received high ratings in crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The car received a "Good" rating in both front offset and side impact tests.[92][93] The Institute noted that the side impact protection performance was the best they had ever rated.[94] In 2006, the car received a "Top Safety Pick" award from the Institute.[95] The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the fifth generation car four out of five stars for both driver and passenger protection in a frontal impact, while the car received five out of five stars in a side impact crash test.[96] To tout the safety of the car, a series of television commercials with the tag line "Safe happens" showed the car being involved in a collision whilst afterward the occupants are shown to have emerged unscathed.
Testing and Review
The fifth generation has received generally positive reviews. Nevertheless, some critics have complained that the car lost some of its distinctive European character with the redesign.[97] Most reviewers found the ride to be firm and well controlled, but not always as forgiving as the previous generation. Handling was a strong point, with quick and precise steering and minimal body roll. Fit and finish received excellent marks, with reviewers noting the car felt very upscale.[98] The front seats were firm but well liked, and the rear seat was roomy, in contrast to the cramped quarters in the fourth generation. Controls and displays were generally good.[99]
Volkswagen Jetta (Australia)
Also called Volkswagen Bora
Volkswagen GLI
Volkswagen Sagitar
Volkswagen Vento
Production 2005–present
Assembly Changchun, China
Puebla, Mexico
Uitenhage, South Africa
Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India
Body style(s) 4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
Platform Volkswagen A5 platform
Engine(s) Gasoline
1.6L 75 kW (100 hp) I4
1.6L 85 kW (115 hp) FSI I4
1.4L 103 kW (140 hp) TSI I4
2.0L 110 kW (150 hp) FSI I4
2.5L 110 kW (150 hp) I5
2.5L 125 kW (170 hp) I5
1.4L 125 kW (170 hp) TSI I4
2.0L 147 kW (200 hp) I4 TFSI
Diesel
1.9L 77 kW (105 hp) I4 TDI
2.0L 103 kW (140 hp) I4 TDI
2.0L 125 kW (170 hp) I4 TDI
Transmission(s) 5-speed manual
6-speed automatic
6-speed manual
6-speed Direct-Shift Gearbox
Wheelbase 2580 mm (101.5 in)
Length 4550 mm (179.3 in)
Width 1760 mm (70.1 in)
Height 1460 mm (57.4 in)
Related Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit
SEAT Toledo
Škoda Octavia
Audi A3
Automated assembly at Puebla
The fifth generation debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show on January 5, 2005. It was only the second Volkswagen product to make its world debut at a U.S. Auto show (the other being the New Beetle).[67] Additionally, the Mark 5 went on sale in the USA prior to any other country, reflecting the importance of the car in that market for VW.[68] US$800 million was spent upgrading the factory in Puebla for its production. This included a US$290 million new engine production line for the 5 cylinder power plant, a US$50 million investment in the press shop, as well as a US$200 million purchase of 460 robots, which increased automation by 80%.
Although produced in the largest volumes in Mexico, final assembly of the car also takes place in China and South Africa for those respective markets.[69] Like initial production of the second generation in China, the Asian and African plants build the car from a complete knock-down (CKD) kit shipped from the factory in Puebla. Local assembly in Kaluga, Russia is scheduled to start in late 2007.[70] The Jetta will be produced along side a number of other Volkswagen Group models. Production is also scheduled to begin in India in 2008.[71] Initially, the Skoda factory in Aurangabad will be used until the VW brand completes its own factory located in Pune in 2009. As with the previously mentioned assembly plants, CKD kits from Volkswagen de México will be used.
The fifth generation car has the widest variety of names of any generation. In most countries, it is referred to as the Jetta. Exceptions to this include "Bora" in Mexico and Colombia, "Vento" in Argentina and Chile, and "Sagitar" in China. [72][73][74] The Mark 5 is 17 centimeters (6.7 in) longer, 3 centimeters (1.2 in) wider, and has a 7 centimeter (2.8 in) longer wheelbase than the previous iteration. Interior room has increased from 2.46 cubic meters (87 ft3) to 2.58 cubic meters (91 ft3). In particular, rear legroom was increased by 6.5 centimeters (2.6 in) over the fourth generation. Luggage compartment volume is up to 453 liters (16 ft3). One major change is the introduction of the first multi-link independent rear suspension in a Jetta. The design of the rear suspension is nearly identical to the one found in the Ford Focus.[75] VW reportedly hired engineers from Ford who designed the suspension on the Focus.[76]
Styling reflects a new direction for the Volkswagen brand, with a new chrome front grille which has spread to other models.[77] Some critics appreciated the new styling, whilst others dismissed it as too bland looking compared to the 4th generation.[78][79]
Features
Jetta (German specification)
The body of the fifth generation uses extensive high strength steel, and use of laser welding is up from 5% to 35% of body parts.[80] This results in double digit increases in both dynamic and torsional rigidity. Other body innovations include an impact-absorbing front bumper which yields slightly in the event of a collision with a pedestrian, reducing the chance of injury. A new door design allows just the outer panel to be removed and replaced if damaged, rather than the entire door.[81] Safety was again enhanced with many active and passive features available or standard. These included Side Curtain Protection, rear side airbags, new generation Electronic Stability Program with Anti-Slip Regulation and Brake assist, as well as active head restraints. A DSG transmission, available dual-zone automatic climate control, and electro-mechanical steering are also new innovations.
Halogen headlamp
The fifth generation car has a totally redesigned electrical system.[82] Control modules are used for everything from the radio to the Drivetrain, transmitting over Controller Area Network (CAN) buses. Transmission of signals is done digitally at 500 kilobits per second, which reduces the number of wires needed and thus reduces the chance for faults. Cars equipped with halogen headlamps have a VW logo integrated into the reflector. In most of the world, the taillights use LED bulbs. However, in North American specification cars, standard bulbs with a different design are used.
The engines that are available depend on the location. In Europe, a range of the new generation FSI engines are available. Additionally in that market, the car can be had with an engine known as the TSI. This engine combines turbo and supercharging to make a small but powerful engine with low fuel consumption.[83] The Jetta available in the Americas and the Middle East, is powered by a 2.5 liter 5-cylinder 20 Valve engine in most trims. This engine shares its head design with the V10 engine found in the Lamborghini Gallardo.[84]
In North America, the diesel TDI engine was not offered in 5 U.S. states when the Mark 5 Jetta was introduced, due to the tight emission standards promulgated by the California Air Resources Board. The four other states involved opted to adopt the more stringent California standards. Where it was available, it fell into the least-restrictive emission category. That category was removed in 2007, prompting the diesel Jetta to be unavailable in that market for about a year until the introduction of a new common rail diesel engine, which is scheduled to appear in 2008.[85] This engine will use advanced features such as a diesel particulate filter to reduce NOx and particulate emissions in order to qualify as a Tier II Bin 5 vehicle (equivalent to California's LEV II rating), therefore allowing it to be sold in all 50 U.S. states. AdBlue (urea injection) will not be used initially, reducing maintenance requirements.
Jetta (French specification)
The Mark 5 has a number of quirks which may confuse owners who are unfamiliar with the car and have not read the owners manual.[86] For example, to replace the windscreen wipers, the wiper lever must be pressed down within 10 seconds of turning off the car to activate the "Service/Winter Position" mode. Additionally, the wipers change their parked position slightly every few trips to reduce wear, sometimes causing unneeded concern on the part of the customer.[87] Upon a cold start, the engine is noisier than normal for approximately 30 seconds due to the operation of the Secondary Air Injection Pump, causing alarm in some instances.[88][89] This feature is designed to reduce emissions by adding fresh air (which contains more oxygen than the air that has been through the engine) into the exhaust stream. Some owners have been surprised that synthetic oil must always be used when changing the oil.[90] Volkswagen has developed a strict motor oil quality standard to prevent oil sludge problems, and oil meeting this standard must be used to ensure full warranty coverage.[91]
Safety
Safe happens commercial
The car received high ratings in crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The car received a "Good" rating in both front offset and side impact tests.[92][93] The Institute noted that the side impact protection performance was the best they had ever rated.[94] In 2006, the car received a "Top Safety Pick" award from the Institute.[95] The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the fifth generation car four out of five stars for both driver and passenger protection in a frontal impact, while the car received five out of five stars in a side impact crash test.[96] To tout the safety of the car, a series of television commercials with the tag line "Safe happens" showed the car being involved in a collision whilst afterward the occupants are shown to have emerged unscathed.
Testing and Review
The fifth generation has received generally positive reviews. Nevertheless, some critics have complained that the car lost some of its distinctive European character with the redesign.[97] Most reviewers found the ride to be firm and well controlled, but not always as forgiving as the previous generation. Handling was a strong point, with quick and precise steering and minimal body roll. Fit and finish received excellent marks, with reviewers noting the car felt very upscale.[98] The front seats were firm but well liked, and the rear seat was roomy, in contrast to the cramped quarters in the fourth generation. Controls and displays were generally good.[99]
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