The new Jetta launched

The new Volkswagen Jetta perfectly matches local driving conditions while building on the proud tradition that Volkswagen has established for this model over the past 26 years of stunning success in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

First introduced in the UAE in 1987 Ali & Sons has sold more than 5,000 Jettas over this period.

Ali & Sons Brand Manager for VW, Mr Ammar Johmani is confident that the new Jetta will be well received and accepted in the UAE market.

"Our experience to date has shown that VW buyers are very discerning and have high expectations when it comes to buying a new car. They want vehicles that look good, perform well, have exceptional safety characteristics and good resale value. I am sure that this car will meet all their expectations and more,"

he said.

The new Jetta is designed to cater to a broad spectrum of UAE customers with three individually designed versions (Trendline, Comfortline and Sportline). Each comes with either a 1.6l, 75 kW (102 hp) or 2.5l, 110 kW (150 BHP) engine, both with manual and automatic transmission options.

"These vehicles are so different from their predecessors that Volkswagen has tagged the model as the 'New Jetta' to reflect the many enhancements," Mr Johmani says.

Not the least is a range of new safety features that makes the new Jetta among the safest of all cars to drive.

One example is the Electromechanical Power Steering (EPS) system that works even when the ignition is switched off, until the speed and rpm signals indicate that the car has come to an absolute standstill.

This ingenious system also makes driving easier and reduces fuel consumption by up to 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

"Unlike conventional hydraulic solutions, the electromechanical system only acts when you turn the steering wheel so while you are driving straight ahead, it normally does not need any power. However, if the 'intuitive' steering detects that the road is sloping crossways, it will counter-steer accordingly which means the steering wheel automatically returns to the centre position when you exit curves," Mr Johmani says.

Up to 40 fully diagnosis-compatible control units communicate with each other using the latest CAN BUS technology to provide these and other important functions.

User friendliness provided by intelligent networking

The new electronics also allow a very high level of user-friendliness thanks to the intelligent networking. A good example is how the standard air-conditioning automatically switches to recirculation when reverse gear is selected or when you use the washer function, to prevent unpleasant odours entering the car.

One of the new options that will make the new Jetta particularly attractive as a family car is the new child seat options. If necessary, the front passenger airbag can be deactivated to allow a reverse baby seat to be placed in the front. Volkswagen has developed a specially designed ISOFIX child seat particularly suited to children weighing from nine to 18 kilograms (ages between eight months and four years) that can be used in this way.

Safety a high priority

"The new Jetta has more safety features than any other sedan in its segment," Mr Johmani says.

With first class active and passive safety, the new Jetta comes with airbags for driver and passenger as well as side impact protection airbags front and rear; curtain airbags are also standard across the range. In head-on collisions, the pedals fold forward to protect the feet.

The new Jetta features the latest generation of the Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) with a series of new functions:

• Adaptive Track Control Model: The car is also constantly monitored when the handling is stable. The advantage of this is that if the car becomes unstable, the system can correct it faster.
• LDE (Low Dynamic ESP): Intervenes even when there are small deviations during braking even though the car is still traveling stably.
• Full Rear Axle Deceleration: Actively increases the pressure on the rear axle up to ABS intervention if the front wheels are in the ABS range, but the rear wheels are not.

Furthermore, the new ESP generation includes the following functions: ABS (anti-lock brake system), TCS (traction control system), EBD (electronic brake pressure distribution), EDL (electronic differential lock), ESBS (extended stability brake system), HBA (hydraulic brake assist), EBC (engine braking control), over boost (additional hydraulic boost).

Major space gains inside and out

"The new Jetta has also made significant gains in terms of size," Mr Johmani says. "It now offers significantly more space in both length and width and internal legroom front and rear, and thus a level of comfort that sets the benchmark in its class. This is also true for the colossal boot space, which can easily accommodate objects of up to 1.90 m in length with the back seat folded down."

After making their debut in the Phaeton, the Golf Plus and Passat, LED taillights are now also being used in the new Jetta. The attractive and high-quality-looking "Light Emitting Diodes" are superior to conventional taillights due to their considerably brighter illumination. In addition, they have a faster response time, consume less energy, have a longer lifespan and are not sensitive to bumps.

"We are very excited about having this new model to sell," Mr Johmani says. "It really does set new standards for other car manufacturers to try and match."