THE ALL-NEW 1999 JETTA

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.-Just a year after waking up the tranquil mid-sized family car market with its Passat model, Volkswagen is rousing the compact class with an all-new Jetta.

The all-new 1999 Jetta represents the fourth generation of Volkswagen's best seller and North America's most popular European nameplate. In design, performance, comfort and attention to detail, the new Jetta completely redefines the class it resides by offering the previously unattainable qualities of a high-class European sedan.

The Jetta's dynamic new design affords sound aerodynamics and a bold European road presence.  Built to exacting tolerances with laser welding and space-age bonding agents, it boasts exceptional structural rigidity, a trait essential to crisper handling and control. Modified running gear gives the front-wheel-drive Jetta even better road manners with increased directional stability.

The new four-door Jetta lineup offers a variety of choices with three distinct trim levels: the Jetta GL, GLS, and top-of-the-line GLX. For the first time, Volkswagen will make its award-winning, 174-horsepower VR6 available as an option in its volume GLS trim level. Previously, this acclaimed powerplant, which has been improved for 1999, could only be found in the top-of-the-line Jetta GLX.

A newly refined 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine is standard in the Jetta. The 2.0 liter's new low-block design, cast aluminum oil pan, new lightweight valve train and other improvements give the Jetta better torque response and smoother performance characteristics. Providing 115 horsepower at 5,200 revolutions per minute, this new 2.0 liter delivers its maximum torque of 122 ft. lbs. at just 2,600 rpm, for excellent off-theline performance and wide power band for mid- and high-end performance.

Later in the model year, Volkswagen will also offer its remarkably efficient and award-winning TDI diesel engine as an optional powerplant. The Volkswagen TDI gives the Jetta a highway EPA rating of 49 mpg (manual transmission).

Entry into the Jetta lineup begins with the high-value Jetta GL model which comes with a wealth of new standard items unattainable anywhere else in the compact class. A short list includes front side airbags, a premium eight-speaker cassette stereo, ABS brakes, height and telescoping steering wheel, heated remote mirrors, central remote locking, a center-cut folding key, two power outlets and much more. A GLS model, which can be ordered for the first time with an optional VR6 powertrain, adds standard items such as power windows and mirrors, cruise control, and a center armrest.

The top-of-the-line Jetta GLX model comes standard with the high-powered VR6 and an exceptional level of equipment and features including automatic climate control, new rain sensor wipers, a refined wood decor, leather upholstery, self-dimming rearview mirrors, and clear-lens halogen headlamps with fog lamps. An optional sport package can be ordered with sports seats and larger 16-inch alloy wheels.

All Jettas will feature a fully galvanized body that allows for an industry leading 12-year limited corrosion protection.