My mother in law recently got a new 2019 VW Jetta SE. I was able to give it it's first wash / detail today, and also was able to spend some time behind the wheel. We own a 2014 Jetta SE so it was interesting to compare the old vs new. The 2019 model year is new from the ground up and rides on VW's praised MQB platform. Of course as with most new models it has plenty of upgrades, though mainly in the tech department.
Notable upgrades include apple car play / android auto, "panoramic" sunroof, keyless entry, led headlights, standard alloy wheels, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, radar cruise control, and electronic parking brake. It also has start stop, I just don't consider that an upgraded feature.
Other highlights include a quieter ride, better steering response, soft touch dash and other materials, and STELLAR fuel economy (you easily achieve the rated 30 MPG city / 40 MPG highway.
Some negatives would be the torsion beam rear suspension set up, less precise handling, and down on power compared to the 1.8T thats in our 2014 SE.
I could go on and on with the details, but my main take away is that the 2019 does have more features than the previous generation MKVI Jetta and boasts excellent fuel economy numbers. However I think VW did put their money into the tech features but had to cut costs in other areas to achieve this package. The new generation feels a little less solid than the MKVI overall, not hardly chintzy but cost cutting shows here and there. Also, I was surprised how it handled vs our 2014. Usually handling is something that improves as the years go on, not so in this case. Most buyers will not notice and will appreciate the upgrades I'm sure. I feel VW did a good job with this new Jetta and IMO it deserves a hard look if your shopping in the compact class. This short post was just for me to share some thoughts since we have both the MKVI and MKVII in our family.
Notable upgrades include apple car play / android auto, "panoramic" sunroof, keyless entry, led headlights, standard alloy wheels, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, radar cruise control, and electronic parking brake. It also has start stop, I just don't consider that an upgraded feature.
Other highlights include a quieter ride, better steering response, soft touch dash and other materials, and STELLAR fuel economy (you easily achieve the rated 30 MPG city / 40 MPG highway.
Some negatives would be the torsion beam rear suspension set up, less precise handling, and down on power compared to the 1.8T thats in our 2014 SE.
I could go on and on with the details, but my main take away is that the 2019 does have more features than the previous generation MKVI Jetta and boasts excellent fuel economy numbers. However I think VW did put their money into the tech features but had to cut costs in other areas to achieve this package. The new generation feels a little less solid than the MKVI overall, not hardly chintzy but cost cutting shows here and there. Also, I was surprised how it handled vs our 2014. Usually handling is something that improves as the years go on, not so in this case. Most buyers will not notice and will appreciate the upgrades I'm sure. I feel VW did a good job with this new Jetta and IMO it deserves a hard look if your shopping in the compact class. This short post was just for me to share some thoughts since we have both the MKVI and MKVII in our family.