The Evolution of the Volkswagen Jetta

The year was 1979, and the German engineers of Volkswagen were preparing to unveil a cardinal piece of history. Production of the Volkswagen Jetta is constant and, since 2014, has maintained 14 million units sold. Thus, the Jetta sells over 100,000 units annually with the well-deserved title of Volkswagen America’s number one selling car.  

Since Jetta’s grand debut, the sedan has led a beautiful life. But like everything else, the Jetta declined in the number of sales in 2020 with less than 85,000 units sold. Even still, America adores the Jetta, and China cherishes the Jetta. In China, the Volkswagen Jetta known as Sagitar (hammered away and, through its diligence, finished 2020 with a total of 200,000 units sold. 

Although the sedan industry is on the verge of extinction, the Jetta is a family sedan that maintains incredible mileage that Jetta enthusiasts worldwide can acclaim. Patience with time is all anyone and anything needs, and that’s apparent in the evolution of the Jetta.      

Here’s a brief look back at the evolution of the Americas Volkswagen Jetta and Chinas Volkswagen Sagitar. 

Jetta

 A1 

In August of 1979, Volkswagen produced the Jetta A1 at the Volkswagen headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany. The Jetta’s father premiered as a two-door and four-door sedan with the same chassis as the Golf/Rabbit. The wheelbase for the Jetta was also the same as the Golf/Rabbit. The only difference between the vehicles was Jetta’s trunk; in the words of Sir Mix-A-Lot, “Baby got back.” The engine ranged from a 1.1-liter four-cylinder to a 1.8-liter four-cylinder.       

                               A2                               

The second-generation Jetta remains Volkswagen’s best-selling European vehicle in North America of all time.  The A2 carried the same platform as the Golf/Rabbit with a transportation capacity of five people. 

The Jetta grew in size, and that’s essential for an enlarged capacity. In addition, the interior was ample and met with much critical acclaim from testers. 

The second-generation Jetta was the longest generated Jetta to date, with minor revisions throughout its life cycle. 

A3

The third-generation Jetta had some tremendously large shoes to fill following the A2. The German engineers renamed the A3 Vento, attracting a younger audience. The remodel held a structure that was more aerodynamic and safer than its predecessor. 

The VW engineers were innovative enough to produce an eco-friendly bumper of recycled plastic and a CFC-free air conditioner. 

The third-gens also carried a decent fuel economy mileage with the Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) engine. As the Jetta progressed on to the fourth generation, so did Jetta’s handling. A couple of Jetta models featured dual airbags, and a couple of others featured the flawless VR6 engine. 

A4 

The A4 received a complete transformation with a massive redesign. The fourth-generation Jetta received new mechanized presses, new measuring techniques, and new laser welding. The fourth-gen also provided Jetta with its second safety rating since the MK1.  

A5

The A5 was the disappointment of the family. Although the A5 Jetta was unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the fifth-gen was considered mundane and untrue to the Jetta legacy. The A5 was also a lot heavier but handled sharply for Jetta enthusiasts.    

A6 

The A6 was a vast improvement from its predecessor. With Volkswagen’s marketing and engineering team premiering a competitive vehicle for its class. The sixth-generation went on to achieve the safest rating in its category and a hybrid option. 

A7 

The seventh-gen is an excellent vehicle for the whole family. Although the A7 is currently in the production phase, it represents a beautiful legacy. The seventh generation comes equipped with immersive technology: versatile performance and a comfort like no other.    

Since the Southern Team opened its doors in 1988, the First team has always been a driving force in Virginia. Just look at our “Clean Deal Buying” developed years ago to ensure you receive one price, upfront, set by the market, with no hassle and no additional fees.   

No matter the Financial scenario, First Team Credit has helped thousands of people overcome credit obstacles and drive great cars into a brighter credit score.

So come over to your favorite dealership in Roanoke Valley if you’re in the market for a brand new vehicle, a thrifty, economical vehicle, or a high-end luxury vehicle. First Team holds an enormous collection of high-quality pre-owned and certified pre-owned cars to make finding your second home but on wheels your only difficulty.