Volkswagen Jetta (A5)

Overview

aka	Volkswagen Bora (Mexico and Colombia) Volkswagen GLI Volkswagen Sagitar (China) Volkswagen Vento (Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay)
model code	1K
production	August 2005–2010 2006–2011 (China)
model years	2006–2010 (up to 2011 in China)
assembly	Mexico: Puebla‡R1R‡ China: Changchun (FAW-VW) South Africa: Uitenhage Russia: Kaluga India: Aurangabad (Volkswagen India)
class	Compact car
body style	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon (SportWagen)
layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
platform	Volkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform
engine	petrol: 1.4 L TSI I4 1.6 L I4 1.6 L FSI I4 2.0 L I4 2.0 L FSI I4 2.0 L TFSI I4 2.5 L I5 diesel: 1.6 L TDI CR I4 1.9 L TDI PD I4 2.0 L TDI PD I4 2.0 L TDI CR I4
transmission	5-speed manual (0A4) 6-speed manual (02Q) 6-speed automatic (09G) 6-speed automatic (DSG 02E) 7-speed automatic (DSG 0AM)
wheelbase	2580 mm
length	4554 mm Wagon: 179.4 in
width	1781 mm 2010 Wagon: 70.1 in
height	1460 mm Wagon: 59.2 in
related	Volkswagen Golf Mk5 Audi A3 Mk2 SEAT León Mk2 SEAT Toledo Mk3 SEAT Altea Škoda Octavia Mk2
sp	uk
predecessor	Volkswagen Bora
successor	Volkswagen Jetta (A6)
manufacturer	Volkswagen

The Volkswagen Jetta (A5 or Mk5, codename 1K) is a compact car, the fifth generation of the Volkswagen Jetta and the successor to the Volkswagen Bora which was manufactured by Volkswagen between 2005 and 2010, and up to 2011 in China. It is a three-box sedan derivative of the Golf Mk5. It was marketed as the Volkswagen Bora in Mexico and Colombia, Volkswagen Vento in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, and Volkswagen Sagitar in China.[2][3][4]

Overview

The fifth generation debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 5 January 2005. After the New Beetle, it was the second Volkswagen product to make its world debut at a US auto show.[5]

Engines

The internal combustion engines available are dependent on the destination market. In Europe, a range of the new generation Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) engines are available. Additionally in that market, the car can be had with an engine known as the 'Twincharger'. This 1.4 litre petrol engine combines turbo- and supercharging, to make a small but powerful engine with low fuel consumption.[20] The Jetta available in the Americas and the Middle East is powered by a 2.5-litre 5-cylinder 20-valve engine in most trims. This engine shares its cylinder head design with the V10 engine found in the Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi R8.[21]

When the Mark 5 Jetta was introduced, the Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engine was not offered in five US States due to the tight emission standards promulgated by the California Air Resources Board. In addition to California, four other states adopted 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 for more than a year until the introduction of a new common rail diesel engine, which appeared in August 2008. The introduction was delayed for approximately six months due to technical issues with the new emissions control system.[22] The TDI Clean Diesel engine is rated 103 kW, and uses advanced features such as a diesel particulate filter and NOx-storage catalyst (vs. AdBlue) to reduce NOx in order to qualify as a Tier II Bin 5 vehicle (equivalent to California's LEV II rating), and thereby allowing it to be sold in all 50 US states. AdBlue (urea injection fluid) is not required, further reducing maintenance requirements. In 2015 it was found that this engine's emissions had been falsified.

In the US, in August 2010, it was reported that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was investigating 37,889 2009 Jetta TDI's regarding a stalling problem. There were complaints to the agency about the Jettas going into "limp-home" mode and then stalling almost immediately while being driven. Motor Trend reported that there were also complaints about premature failures of its high-pressure fuel pump.[23]

Testing and review

The fifth generation received generally positive reviews with some reviewers complaining the car lost some of its character with the redesign.[30] 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 due to the MacPherson Strut suspension up front. Fit and finish received excellent marks, with reviewers noting the car felt very upscale.[31] 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 decent, but fell apart and started shorting out with age.[32] Reviewers were particularly impressed with the "Sportline" models (known as the GLI in North America). Equipped with sport seats, a firmer suspension lowered by 15 mm, and low profile tyres, critics praised the excellent handling that was an improvement over the already good performance on the standard model.[33] Additionally, the 2.0 Turbo FSI engine also won commendation for its high power figures, smooth operation, and low fuel consumption.[34] Along with its hatchback brethren, the fifth generation ranks among the top cars on the market in independent reviews of resale value.[35]

Although improved over the fourth generation, the Mark 5 still took over 42 hours to assemble at the factory in Mexico.[36] Part of this disparity is blamed on the switch to the more complex independent rear suspension. Volkswagen has publicly stated its discontent over the excessive assembly time, and pledged to streamline manufacturing in the next generation of A platform cars.[37] In the interim, Volkswagen de México is making a concerted effort to further increase productivity at the plant by consulting outside experts from Toyota and other Japanese companies.[7] By implementing many lean manufacturing principles and techniques, a goal has been set to increase productivity levels at the factory by 30% or more in the coming years.

Volkswagen Jetta (A5)

Overview

Features

Engines

Safety

Testing and review

Engine specifications

Golf Variant/Jetta SportWagen

2010 Jetta TDI Cup "Street" edition

References