New larger 2019 Volkswagen Jetta boosts fuel economy over curren generation
08 March 2018
The all-new 2019 Volkswagen Jetta, unveiled in January at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit (earlier post) will offer improved EPA-estimated fuel economy for the model: 30 mpg city (7.8 L/100km) and 40 mpg (5.88 L/100km) highway, for a combined 34 mpg (6.91 L/100km), two mpg higher on the combined measure than the automatic transmission version of the current generation Jetta.
Making those improvements required a focused approach to fuel efficiency throughout the vehicle development process, as the seventh-generation Jetta grew in most dimensions from its predecessors.
Fuel efficiency has long been a key concern of compact sedan buyers, and we knew in designing the new Jetta we would need to push the state of the art.
—Dr. Matthias Erb, Chief Engineering Officer, North American Region, Volkswagen
The Jetta’s exterior was optimized for aerodynamic drag reduction. From early virtual modeling, every crease and curve of the new Jetta was studied for ways to reduce wind drag without hurting styling, interior noise or other priorities.
New to this Jetta are shutters in the front grille that close at certain speeds when the engine needs less airflow, and an “air curtain” design in the front bumper that lowers turbulence over the wheels. Underbody panels have been sculpted to help ensure suspension components don’t create unnecessary air obstructions, and the rear styling helps smooth the airflow further. All told, the refinements of the Jetta’s exterior reduce its coefficient of drag to a class-leading 0.27.
The 1.4-liter TSI engine from the EA211 family has also been optimized for further fuel efficiency, including a clutch-driven air conditioner that reduces pumping losses; a more efficient generator; and a smoother-flowing grade of oil.
The stop/start system that is standard on 2019 Jettas with an automatic transmission shuts off the engine at appropriate times, is designed to help to reduce fuel consumption in stop-and-go traffic by as much as 6%.
Another major boost comes from the new 8-speed automatic transmission, which provides a wider band of drive ratios that allow more efficient running at higher speeds That power will hit the pavement through a new selection of low rolling-resistance tires that, while slightly larger than the tires on the previous model year Jetta, reduce resistance by up to 25% without sacrificing handling.
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta will be available in S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium trim levels and is expected to arrive at US Volkswagen dealers in the second quarter of 2018. The R-Line trim features sportier styling, exclusive interior and exterior design elements, R-Line badging, and the XDS electronic differential.
After driving an EV for seven years, it difficult to imagine driving an ICEV, buying fuel at a gas station and paying to keep the complicated drivetrain working.
Hope the OEMs can solve the high cost of batteries, so more people can afford them.
Posted by: Lad | 08 March 2018 at 12:34 PM
The cost of batteries matters a lot less if you use 10 kWh instead of 100 kWh.
The current sweet spot is the PHEV. The major issue with PHEVs is the availability of charging. It doesn't have to be fancy; even Level 1 helps a great deal, as long as it's there where people need it.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 08 March 2018 at 06:18 PM
@EP, I agree that PHEVs are the best solution, but they are very expensive as they have two full sized engines, etc.
IMO, you need some kind of range extender for electrics, and then you can size your batteries for average range, rather than maximum range.
The trick is to find a way to do this as cheaply as possible, and we havn't got there yet,
(or close to it in terms of cost).
Posted by: mahonj | 09 March 2018 at 01:47 AM
mahonj, we've seen recent articles about some "batacitor"-class stuff (materials with battery-level energy/mass and capacitor-level power/mass) which looks to turn the technology of even hybrid powertrains upside-down. When even your heavy-duty minivan requires nothing more than a Fiat Twinair engine because the battery holds 5 kWh and can give you 2-300 kW on demand, you don't have 2 powertrains; you have 1.3 compared to the Pacifica PHEV with its V6.
You also have massive luxuries from the POV of the engine control designers. If you can take a leisurely 5 seconds to start an engine and rev it up to minimize emissions, you have something that engineers would once have killed for. You can use a high-lag turbocharger designed for maximum efficiency and energy recovery, because the bulk of your power goes through the electric system. It changes almost everything, for the better.
Posted by: Engineer-Poet | 09 March 2018 at 08:03 PM