2019 Volkswagen Jetta release date, specs, price news: Compact sedan is bolder, bigger and cheaper

A promotional image for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta.Volkswagen

Volkswagen unveiled the 2019 Jetta at the Detroit Motor Show this week. Introduced with a bolder design and bigger dimensions, the all-new compact sedan also carries a cheaper price tag.

The 2019 Jetta is built on the MQB platform which is also used by Volkswagen's other vehicles such as the Golf and Atlas. The all-new compact sedan is longer, wider and taller, with the wheelbase extended by 1.3 inches. This translates to a more spacious interior.

Volkswagen's compact sedan receives a modest makeover. Though there are no radical changes, the 2019 Jetta takes on a more distinct appearance thanks to shorter overhangs, a larger grille, LED headlights, a sloping roofline, a chiseled rear design and a new taillight design.

The 2019 Jetta's cabin, on the other hand, receives a modern design that is combined with advanced technologies. The interior has an upscale appearance thanks to the use of high-quality materials and customers will have more fabric colors to choose from.

Available features include heated and ventilated front seats, power driver's seat with memory function, leather upholstery for the seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting and a 400-watt BeatsAudio system.

Customers can also opt for the Digital Cockpit, which includes a digital instrument cluster display that displays navigation and important vehicle information. The Volkswagen Car-Net system, meanwhile, brings Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink connectivity to the table. As for safety features and technologies, the 2019 Jetta comes standard with a rearview camera and automatic post-collision braking.

The 2019 Jetta is powered by the same 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Power is sent to the front wheels.

Volkswagen's all-new compact sedan comes in four trims: S, SE, SEL and SEL Premium. An R-Line trim will be added to the lineup at a later date.

The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta has a starting price of $18,545, which makes it cheaper that the outgoing model. The compact sedan will be available to purchase in the second quarter of 2018.