Diesel-loving Canadians to get new 2011 Jetta TDI first

The next, new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is going to be a big deal for the German automaker in North America. And it needs to be. Along with the new U.S.-made Passat-replacing-yet-to-be-named midsized sedan coming next year, the new Mexican-made Jetta is the first half of VW’s two-sedan attack to more than double its U.S. sales from last year to 450,000 cars.

Working towards an on sale date of the last week of September, Volkswagen Canada is giving us more and more info on the new Jetta, previewed by the New Compact Coupe concept from last year’s Detroit auto show (above.)

VW Canada’s Peter Viney confirmed with The Crank that to go head-to-head with the compact top-sellers like the existing Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Mazda3 and forthcoming Chevrolet Cruze and 2012 Ford Focus, the new Jetta is going to be bigger and offer more engine choice.

Don’t worry diesel fans, one of those mills will be the popular Jetta TDI diesel (TDI sales represented over one-quarter of all Canadian VW sales last month.) And while the U.S. market won’t get the Jetta TDI right away, Canadians will.

“This is a very important model to us. So we want to make sure Canadians get the TDI—along with the other new 2011 Jettas—right at launch,” said Viney.

Hmm…more room, more engine choice and more upscale styling…

Has VW done enough to get you out of your Corolla or Civic?

Comments

[Rob]

I have been looking for a reason to jump back into a VW. Our 2003 TDI Wagon was a mechanical nightmare that we ditched just before the bumper-bumper warranty expired. It replaced a 1991 Jetta which got me hooked on VW's in the first place. Life since the Wagon ordeal has been one of sterile (but reliable) Honda Civics.

Rob

[Jason]

I'm still not convinced with VW's electrical problems. My dad had a 2006 Jetta TDI (Brand new fleet car from work). Where do I start... 2 failed air bags, faulty cruise control, 2 windows fell into the doors, front and rear bulbs would blow at least once a month (must be a VW thing) and the CD player died. Other problems have happened but I can't thnk of them right now. The car has no block heater which SUCKS! This car needs one as they take forever to warm up. Not exactly safe when you want your windows defogged.

[DJHowie]

What song is being played on the 2011 Jetta clay shedding CDN commercial?

[Juan]

The real question is how to compensate the 2010 Highline purchasers who have now LOST on their residual based on the new MSRP's. If you bought a 2010 Jetta TDi Highline, you've just lost any cost benefit on resale thanks to VW's new pricing structure. The 2010 is a far superior solid package compared to the 2011. Wait and see. The fur will fly come resale and trade in time.