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It’s been almost 40 years since the first Volkswagen Jetta rolled off the assembly line. Over those the decades, this German sedan has seen many makeovers. From a boxy small sedan to the sleek styled Jetta of today, Volkswagen has made sure to keep up with the times. And with the all new 2019 Jetta, they are going one step above. Sales person Caleb Rose greeted me at Volkswagen of Olympia to give me tour of this impressive new vehicle.

Volkswagen of Olympia 2019 VW Black jetta
With a sleek exterior the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is out to compete with others in its’ class. Photo credit: Jessica Hoppe

With its sleek body style and beautiful lines, it reminds me of a luxury vehicle, but with a much lower price tag. “We now have something that is more cutting edge, exciting to look at and updated so it can compete with other cars in its class appearance-wise,” Caleb explains. He adds that the Jetta has always been competitive technologically- and performance-wise, but it was a bit overdue for a redesign. Aside from a minor facelift in 2015, the body style had remained the same since 2011.

Not only has Volkswagen revamped the outside of the Jetta for 2019, but they designed the vehicle to be more impressive on the road as well. “It’s been completely redesigned and is on a whole new platform,” Caleb explains. “So the biggest thing is it drives better than it ever has before. You no longer get the feeling that you are in an entry level vehicle because it doesn’t drive like one. Size wise it’s a compact vehicle, but now feels more like a luxury sedan.”

Volkswagen of Olympia interior of 2019 VW Jetta
With an interior geared more toward the driver and an electronic display, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is about convenience. Photo credit: Jessica Hoppe

The Jetta joins the Atlas and the Tiguan on the MQB platform, which gives the sedan a much smoother ride and allows Volkswagen to keep the price down. “Because multiple vehicles share the same platform they can actually design a vehicle that has great driving dynamics and all the features that you like, but at a much more affordable price point,” he adds.

But before I hit the road to see for myself, I wanted to know more about the 2019 Jetta and what it has to offer. Because it’s so brand new, Volkswagen Olympia only has one on their lot on this particular day, but many more are headed their way. Being the top Jetta dealer in the state means they will also have the best selection. The one Caleb shows to me is an SEL model, which is a couple steps up from the basic S Jetta. It comes with a sunroof, leatherette heated front seats and a wide variety of other options like the 10-color wrap-around ambient lighting with customizable controls. And I’m happy to learn no matter what trim level you chose, they all come standard with a back-up camera.

Sitting in the driver’s seat I quickly notice how they have changed the dash to be more geared toward the driver. There’s also a larger, more advanced intuitive touch screen with endless options such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And the option to personalize it depending on the driver. Gone are the physical dials above the steering wheel, but instead you find an electronic display you can customize with what you prefer to see, even navigation, all in one place.

Volkswagen of Olympia outside wide shot with jetta
The completely redesigned 2019 Volkswagen Jetta is easy to spot. Photo credit: Jessica Hoppe

Caleb shares that the 2019 Jetta comes with the 1.4 liter turbo-charged engine, which has plenty of power and still boasts an average of 39 miles per gallon on the highway. As I head out on the road, I decide to see if it still has the get up I’ve come to expect from a small German sedan and she does not disappoint. Only now the Jetta is much quieter and with a noticeably smoother ride. On the corners, I have to say the 2019 Jetta is just plain fun and I’m a little sad to see my drive come to an end.

As I reluctantly give back the keys to Caleb and sit down with Armando Juarez, sales manager, I ask him about the 2018 Jettas on the lot because the discounts I’ve seen on the windows are huge for a new vehicle. “With this new body style coming out, we have phenomenal deals on the 2018 Jettas if you’re looking for savings,” he explains. Although you won’t get the new body style, you’ll still get the amazing People’s First Warranty that now comes standard with every new Volkswagen. This completely transferrable warranty is the best out there and gives you bumper-to-bumper protection for six years or 72,000 miles.

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Salesperson Caleb Rose explains how customers get to sign the Volkswagen Beetle inside the dealership when they buy a new car. Photo credit: Jessica Hoppe

Walking out the door to head home I admire a sleek looking black car pulling in, only to realize it’s another 2019 Jetta. I quickly learn Jenny Sawyer is the owner and actually the very first person to purchase a 2019 Jetta in the whole state. “I love the fact that right now we are leading the pack because no one else has it yet and I got to be the first,” she says with a smile. “It’s kind of like our little hidden secret.”

To learn more about the 2019 Jetta and the many other vehicles they offer, visit Volkswagen of Olympia located at 2107 Cooper Point Rd SW.  They are open seven days a week and can be reached at 877-641-2824.

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