http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/los_angeles_2005/0501_volkswagen_jetta/
While this isnt MB related, seems some of you guys are also VW fans. What the heck did VW do to the Jetta!?!?!?! The exterior styling says they re-badged a Toyota Corolla! (Which are GREAT cars, but a far cry in the styling dept. from the previous gen. Jetta in attractiveness.)
One of the many attributes that really stood out to me for the outgoing jetta was its unique european flair of styling. Sporty- with huge wheel arches, short front and rear overhangs, sharp almost meanacing looking headlights, clean crisp lines, and an over-all high level of european teutonic carachter in design... wrapped into a compact well tailored package that looked more premium than economy.
The new Jetta is the complete opposite in my eyes, with its pronounced overhangs, sharp rakish C pillar rear window shape, and overall dull styling. Seems like theres lots of "dead-space" in body panels... lots of surface space with no apparent detail or interesting shapes. The headlights and grille work on Audis and the new Golf that wont be here for another year, but they dont sit well with me on thhe new Jetta- they seem too sporting and styled, whhile the rest of the car looks bland and un-inspired. The zesty look of the old Jetta is missing!
Hmmmmmmm
Ive read many articles that claim VW is trying to boost sales with the new car. The out-going Jetta is already VW's best selling car in the U.S., and the new one obviously looks radically different in carachter- wonder if that will bring them more sales as they expect. Im doubtful. In fact many automobile reviewers and journalists agree that its not clear wether the new car will bring in the same buyers that made the out-going model so popular. Only time car tell. Until then Im going to hope that they at least improved the build quality. Ive always liked the Jetta, esp the 2005 GLI. And despite the Jettas track record, im finding it even more appealing to jump for the 05 GLI when the time comes seeing as how the new model has failed to enliven my senses.
I will miss you, you fussy problem plauged beauty of a beast!