(June 17, 2010) HERNDON, Va — Volkswagen has announced the world debut of its all-new 2011 larger Jetta at a starting price about $2,000 less than the current model.

The announced starting price is $16,000, but the actual starting price will be $17,00, if you include the optional automatic transmission that most Americans prefer.

At 182.7-inches long, the five-passenger Jetta compact is more than 3.5 inches longer than its predecessors. In addition, an extended wheelbase is said to provide the “best in class” rear leg room of 38.1 inches, a 2.6-inch gain. 

The 2011 and future Jetta models will be built in Mexico. VW is also preparing a larger sedan for assembly at its new plant in Tennessee, which is due to open during 2011. The $1 billion facility — annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles — will produce a new mid-size sedan designed for the United States.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era for Volkswagen and for Jetta,” said Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “The all-new 2011 Jetta is a class-up driving experience with the kind of styling, design and power under the hood normally found in more expensive luxury cars. At an extremely attractive price, this car is sophisticated, fun to drive and practical."

Volkswagen did considerable work on this new model. The platform, or module in VW parlance, is new, and the sheetmetal is also redone.

Under the hood, the changes continue, most notably with the addition of the GTI's 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine. A new base engine, making 115 horsepower, is joined by the carryover 2.5-liter five-cylinder unit making 170 horsepower. Also returning is the turbodiesel engine, which will have an output of 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque.