This Should Be the Next VW Jetta.

Our current generation VW Jetta came out in 2018. It got a few changes in 2022, but it is still basically an 8 year old model. One that VW seems to have forgotten. And I think the car pictured above should really become the next generation Jetta in North America.

This car is the VW ID. Era 5S. And yes, it is a Chinese market new VW sedan. Of course. And just like most cars VW offers in China, it is much more modern than any of their models we get over here. The new ID.Era is just about 3 inches longer than the current Jetta. The front seats offer heating, cooling and massage. And they can fold flat. For these well deserved naps after lunch. You now, right before returning to work.

The new VW sedan is a PHEV with a pure electric range of 100 miles in the Chinese test cycle. Which would still mean between 60 and 70 miles EPA if the car was sold here. Which is better than any other PHEV cars offered in the US. By far…

Four trims are offered and pricing in China ranges from $ 17,800 to $22,200. That’s right. Under $18,000 to start. Of course, these are Chinese prices and the car would be much more expensive over here. But why? This is never really explained. Why do these Chinese cars double in price when exported? There is more than just European ‘regulations” or taxes. (US prices are always quote before taxes anyway) What gives?

The US Jetta starts at $25,270. Which isn’t that much more. I really think VW could sell this new sedan for notch more than the current Jetta and offer the PHEV here. There is really no excuse for us getting the old 8 year old sedan with 158HP and no Hybrid.

Of course, sedans are far from being as popular as they were, and VW probably will end up dumping the Jetta all together. And yet, I don’t see sales of the Civic or even the old Corolla cratering here. And Nissan even launched a brand new Sentra.

As usual, it seems VW is having troubles understanding the North American market. After all these years and all these previous mistakes…