Volkswagen Jetta

In China, the A2 is still sold as the Jetta, while the A5 is sold as the Bora. The longevity of individual vehicles may also tend to hide any improvements in production quality as assembly faults, once fixed, may stay fixed, and so may only matter to the first buyer. For example, in Mexico, the A4 is still sold as the Jetta, while the A5 is the Bora. This figure may be misleading, due to the wider range of vehicles and much higher production of recent years. In other parts of the world, this model does retain both names, usually in cases where a previous mark is still sold. Despite the recent drops in quality, it is rumored that 75% of all Land Rovers produced since 1955 are still on the road. The model range returns to using the Jetta name on the continent, rather than Bora or Vento. Land Rover's CEO described this as "crunch time" for Land Rover.

Volkswagen announced the Jetta in Europe in late May 2005. Ford has threatened Solihull with closure unless significant improvements are realised, and with no replacement for the Jaguar X-type on the cards, it seems likely that there will be sufficient extra capacity at Halewood in the coming years to accommodate the entire Land Rover range. While critics embraced the overall vehicle, they claimed the styling was too Japanese (with similarities to the Toyota Corolla), and that it is too high-priced for the highly competetive compact car market. It was reported in the Birmingham Post on 27th May 2004 that Ford's senior management have given the Land Rover plant 8 weeks to come up with a "road map" to address the quality issues at Land Rover and bring its competitiveness up to global standards in 5 years. 2005 sales of the New Jetta were dissappointing in the US. Land Rover still makes heavy use of the British Leyland parts bin on its older models (the Defender and Freelander in particular), and this as well as its parts-sharing scheme often cited as the cause of many malfunctions, it now appears that Ford is attempting to legitimately address the Land Rover quality issues. The new Jetta was designed by Walter de’Silva. Most European, South African and Australian specification Defenders and Discovery models are now equipped with the TD5 diesel engine and reliability has still proven a problem as detailed in the surveys above.

A GLI version was released as a 2006 model in North America in the late summer of 2005. The same engine has powered a variety of other British cars, including the Rover 3500 and Triumph TR8. In North America, the A5 Jetta went on sale in March 2005, as a 2005 1/2 model, overlapping the final model year of the A4 Jetta. Some of the service problems in US specification Land Rover Defender and Discovery models are related to the Rover V8 petrol engine, as Land Rover increased the displacement and otherwise modernized the engine, which was designed in the late 1950s by General Motors for Buick. A DSG gearbox, stability control, and electro-mechanical steering are also new innovations. Beginning with the Discovery Series III (LR3 in the US) model, one of the replacement power plants for the new model will be a 4.2 L V8 engine developed by Jaguar (Jaguar is also part of the Ford Group). There is also a diesel powerplant, a 1.9 L TDI engine producing 74 kW (100 hp DIN) and 177 ft·lbf (250 N·m) of torque. Recently the Land Rover marque has built a somewhat negative reputation for reliability and build quality, and this is reflected in its showing in various industry quality and dependability related surveys, as detailed below.

Replacing the venerable 1.8 T is a turbocharged 2.0 L 16-valve I4 rated at 147 kW (200 hp DIN). Road accident statistics on a model-by-model basis from the UK Department of Transport show that the Land Rover Defender and Land Rover Discovery are the safest cars on the UK roads (measured in terms of chance of death in an accident) - between three times safer than the safest Volvo models, twice as safe (half the death-rate per accident) compared with the Jeep Cherokee and Toyota Land Cruiser and only matched by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Jaguar XJ. This new 20-valve DOHC engine is based on the Lamborghini Gallardo's V10, sharing a similar head design and the same bore and stroke dimensions (82.5 x 92.8 mm). For example, the short wheelbase version of the Land Rover Defender is capable of tackling a gradient of 45 degrees, an approach angle of up to 50 degrees, a departure angle of 53 degrees and a ramp break-over of up to 155 degrees - greatly superior not just to urban 4x4s but to military vehicles such as the HMMWV and Pinzgauer High Mobility All-Terrain Vehicle. The base engine is a 2.5 L (2480 cc) I5 producing 110 kW (150 hp DIN) and 168 ft·lbf (228 N·m) of torque. The use of Land Rovers by the UK and Commonwealth military as well as on long term civilian projects and expeditions is mainly due to the superior off-road performance of the marque. One major change is the introduction of the first independent rear suspension in a Jetta. The armoured police vehicle, the Shorland, was not a Land Rover produced model but was built from Land Rover parts by Shorts of Belfast.

Built in Puebla, Mexico and exported to North America and Europe where the A5 is called again Jetta, is larger than the fourth generation, with more upscale styling and greater interior room. At the 2004 North American International Auto Show, Land Rover introduced its first concept, the Range Stormer (Gritzinger, 2004). The fifth-generation Jetta debuted at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show in January. There have also been models developed for the British Army. A high performance version of the A4 Bora sold in several countries had 4 motion all wheel drive and a VR6 engine. However, with subtle improvements to the Defender in the early 1990s, and with the introduction of better, more reliable engines in the form of the TDi (especially the 300TDi) and the new five-cylinder TD5, most farms once again have a Land Rover Defender in their yard. The engine block was not changed. In Britain, the Land Rover fell from favour with the farming community with the arrival of less expensive Japanese alternatives, with Diahatsu Fourtracks and Isuzu Troopers becoming a common sight on farms around the country, until rust eventually ended their working lives.

This was a 30-horsepower improvement over the previous 150 hp 1.8T and was accomplished with a slightly larger turbocharger (K03S instead of K03) and a slight change to the engine programming. Since the 1970s, in most remote areas of Africa, South America, Asia and in the Australian Outback the Toyota Land Cruiser has overtaken the Land Rover as the utility 4x4 of choice, probably because of the cheaper purchase costs and better parts network offered by Japanese competitors. Starting with the 2002.5 model year, all Jettas equipped with 1.8T engines, regardless of trim level, produced 180 horsepower ("AWP" engine code). In the UK armed forces, the very expensive Pinzgauer, now built in the UK, is increasingly common in roles previously the preserve of the Land Rover Defender such as ambulances, artillery tractor and weapons platform with 188 Pinzgauers in service and 15,000 Land Rovers. Later models of this higher trimmed GLI were available with a five speed automatic transmission with tiptronic. The Land Rover Defender is also used by military forces throughout the world. The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 sec with a top speed of 146 mph. Land Rovers have competed in the Paris Dakar Rally as well as being the vehicle used for the Camel Trophy as part of a sponsorship deal.

The interior was black with aluminum trim, including black upholstered Recaro bucket seats with red "GLI" lettering embroidered on the backrest (instead of the headrest), a black headliner with associated black trim, European gauge cluster, leather wrapped three spoke steering wheel, sunroof, Aluminum pedals (similar to Audi TT / Beetle Turbo S pedals), and a Monsoon 8-speaker stereo system with in-dash CD player and tape deck. The Land Rover featured in the South African movie The Gods Must Be Crazy illustrates the love-hate relationship many owners feel with the earlier Series 1, 2 and 3 vehicles. The GLI was available in Black Magic Pearl, Platinum Gray, Tornado Red, and Blue Lagoon. Land Rovers, particularly the commercial and military models, became ubiquitous throughout rural areas and in the developing World. The GLI came equipped with ESP (Electronic Stability Program) to improve vehicle handling and safety in low-traction road conditions. This engine also continued in use in some export markets. There were no options available. The British Army maintains the use of the 300TDi engined versions rather than the TD5 to retain some servicing simplicity.

VW also installed a chrome exhaust with a single tip 2.25" in diameter. Now with more complex service requirements this is less of an option. The car received a stiffer and lower suspension (Eibach springs 20% stiffer than stock, 21mm front sway bar, 23mm rear sway bar, gas Monroe shocks, and upgraded rear bushings resulting in a 30mm drop in the ride height), body kit (consisting of a front valance, sideskirts, and a rear valance), larger brakes (12.3" vented discs in front, 10" vented in rear), mildly smoked headlights and smoked taillights (R/SCC/R/SCC), and 18" (457 mm) BBS RC wheels equipped with low profile 40 series high-performance summer tires (Goodyear Eagle F1). The early vehicles, such as the Series 1, were designed to be field-serviced; advertisements for Rovers have bragged about vehicles driven thousands of miles on banana oil. The Anniversary Edition offered a 180 hp 1.8 L inline-4, linked to a 6-speed manual transmission. Now the Freelander and the Range Rover use a more usual monocoque body construction. In 2004, Volkswagen offered the GLI in two versions; the 'standard' GLI and the limited edition 20th Anniversary Edition GLI. The early choice of colour was dictated by army surplus supplies of paint, so early vehicles only came in various shades of green; all models until recently feature sturdy box section ladder-frame chassis.

In 2004, the GLX model was dropped. This metal's resistance to corrosion was one of the factors that allowed the vehicle to build up a reputation for longevity in the toughest conditions. The GLI offered sport suspension, six-speed manual transmission, and the 200 hp (150 kW) VR6. A distinctive feature has been their bodies, constructed of a lightweight rustproof proprietary alloy of aluminium and magnesium called Birmabright This material was used owing to post war steel shortages and a plentiful supply of post-war aircraft aluminium. It was available in the GLX and the new-for-2003 GLI model. The first Land Rover prototype 'centre steer' was built on a Jeep chassis. In 2003, the VR6 engine moved to a drive-by-wire 24-valve design rated at 200 hp (150 kW). It is said that he was inspired by an American World War II Jeep that he used on his estate.

The GLX was the luxury model, with leather seats, wood grain trim, automatic climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and other amenities. The first Land Rover was designed in 1947, in Wales in the United Kingdom, by Maurice Wilks, the chief designer at the British car company Rover, as a farm vehicle that could be used for everything from ploughing fields to driving in town. This line offered all engine choices until 2003, when the VR6 choice was dropped. . The GLS was a step up, with options for leather seats and a sport package. Land Rovers are manufactured in Solihull, England (near Birmingham) and Halewood, England (near Liverpool) and are exported around the world. The GL was the base model, powered by a slightly revised 2.0 L 8-valve four based on the previous models, a 1.9 L TDI (Turbo Direct Injection turbo diesel), and from 2003 on by the turbocharged 1.8 L engine. Eventually, the Land Rover division was split off from Rover, and produced an expanding range of four wheel drive vehicles under a succession of owners, including British Leyland, British Aerospace, BMW, and, from 2000, Ford in their Premier Automotive Group.

In some European markets, the station wagon version was marketed as a Golf ("Estate" in the UK and Ireland, "Break" in France, "Variant" in some areas) and had a Golf grille, headlights, bumper, and fenders. Land Rover is the name of one of the first civilian all-terrain utility vehicles, first produced by Rover in 1948. The A4 came in four different trim levels, and was also offered as a wagon. Power's survey. The rounded shape and arched roofline serves as the new Volkswagestyling trademark, abandoning traditional sharp creases for curved corners. 89% of Land Rovers were reported breakdown-free in 2003 Which? (UK) magazine J.D. Known as the Bora in Europe, the fourth-generation Jetta debuted in late 1998 after its larger sibling, the Passat, with which it shares many styling cues. Spate of engine power, gearbox and exploding clutch problems (which Land Rover reportedly has refused to repair under warranty).

For those who preferred the GLX's looks, the GT and Wolfsburg Edition offered GLX accessories without the venerable VR6. Least-reliable of 32 makes built 1997-1999. Motivated by the renowned VR6 SOHC six-cylinder, the 172 hp (128 kW) powerplant was able to catapult the Jetta to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, the fastest Jetta to date. Land Rover was 3rd least-reliable of 31 makes of car in 2002 Which? (UK) magazine reliability survey of 2000-2002 model-year cars. By far, one of the most exciting trim levels was the GLX, replacing the GLI designation. Land Rover Discovery was joint second-to-last in 2002 Which? (UK) magazine reliability survey of cars up to 2 years old – however, only 35 Land Rovers were in the sample. The diesel engine once again made its comeback with VW's revolutionary 1.9 L TDI (Turbo Direct Injection) 90 hp (67 kW) diesel engine and was offered as a separate trim level. Land Rover had joint highest average cost in warranty claims for cars up to 10 years old in 2002 UK Warranty Direct index – (based on full-maintenance leasing claims).

All were powered by a 2.0 L I4 making 115 hp (86 kW). Power's What Car? (UK) magazine customer satisfaction survey. The Jazz Edition was a GL with a 6-disc CD player standard. Joint 16th-from-the-bottom in 144 car 2002 J.D. The City was a minimalist Jetta without a radio or air conditioning, while the 1994 Limited Edition and 1995 Celebration packages were value-priced GLs costing some $600 less than standard. Land Rover Discovery 6th-from-the-bottom of 100 models for reliability in an Auto Express (UK) 2002 survey. The K2 was a similar package, but in place of the bike was a K2 snowboard or a pair of K2 skis. ( Kia last, Land Rover 2nd last).

The Trek was a special trim that included a bike rack, a Trek bike, spoiler, rocker panel covers, alloy wheels, and in 1997, other accessories and options available for the top-of the line GLX, save for the VR6 engine. [1] In 2004, it narrowly dethroned Kia, as the least reliable nameplate, but swapped places in 2005. The GL was the base trim while the GLS was the luxury trim with leather seats and power locks, windows, sunroof, etc. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Survey for 2003 published 8th July 2003 places the Land Rover marque second-to-last.(Kia last) This study was based on responses from more than 55,000 US based original owners of 2000 model year cars and light trucks at three years of ownership. Exterior changes to the A3 through its production run were subtle, such as a new grille, body-colored rub strips, and different wheel covers. US J.D. Though only offered as a four-door sedan, the A3 spawned more trim levels than any other Jetta line. Land Rover Wolf - an uprated Military Defender.

The third-generation series was criticized for its "boxy" design. 1/2 ton Lightweight - airportable military short wheelbase from the Series 2a. Hailed as the "Poor Man's BMW", it was designed in-house under Herbert Schafer. 101 Forward Control - also known as the "Land Rover One Tonne". The Vento debuted in 1991 while the Jetta debuted in 1993. Range Rover Sport - full-size luxury crossover 4x4. Known in Europe as the Vento, the A3 was a refined evolution of the previous-generation Jetta. Range Rover - full-size luxury off-roader.

The A2 Jetta went on to become one of the first Volkswagen models produced in China. Discovery/LR3 - mid-size off-roader. In the UK the A2 series Jetta fell into the small executive saloon car class along with the Vauxhall Belmont, Rover 213/216, Daihatsu Charmant, Audi 80/90, and the Ford Orion. Freelander - compact crossover 4x4. The A2 Jetta Carat model sported luxury trim but it did without many of the performance upgrades of the GLI. Defender - Updated Series line, with a move from extreme utilitarianism. The 2.0 L 16-valve was equipped with the CIS Motronic engine management system. Series I, II and III - the original off-roader.

The GLI became a serious performance contender in 1990 with the addition of the 2.0 L DOHC 16-valve four rated at 134 hp (99 kW). 2005 Adoption of the Jaguar AJ-V8 engine to replace the BMW M62 V8 in the Range Rover. In 1987 VW introduced it's first twin-cam engine, a 1.8 L DOHC 16-valve that made 123 hp (92 kW). 2005 Introduction of Range Rover Sport. The sportier GLI model was first powered by the standard 1.8 L gasoline four with 100 hp (75 kW). 2005 Introduction of the third-generation Discovery/LR3. The ECOdiesel made 59 hp (43 kW) and 81 ft·lbf (109 N·m) of torque. 2002 Introduction of third-generation Range Rover.

Three diesel engines were offered in the A2 series: a 1.6 L naturally-aspirated diesel with 52 hp (39 kW), a 1.6 L 68 hp (51 kW) turbo diesel, and a 1.6 L ECOdiesel that was sold for two model years, 1991 and 1992. 2000 BMW breaks up the Rover Group and sells Land Rover to Ford. Base and GL-model A2 Jettas were powered by a 1.8 L gasoline I4 rated at 100 hp (RV code Digifant engine management with a single outlet exhaust manifold) (75 kW) and later 105 hp (PF code Digifant with a freer-flowing dual outlet exhaust manifold) (79 kW). 1999 (Midyear) Introduction of the second generation of Discovery (Disco II). External changes throughout the A2 series' run were few: the front-quarter windows were eliminated in 1988, larger, body-colored bumper covers and lower side skirts were added from 1990 to 1992 and there were various grille and side-cladding changes. 1998 Introduction of the Freelander. Like the A1 series, the A2s were offered as two-door coupes or four-door sedans; coupes were limited to base, diesel and "Wolfsburg" trim levels. Introduction of second-generation Range Rover.

Introduced in Europe in 1984 and in North America in 1985, the second-generation Jetta proved to be a sales success for Volkswagen, outnumbering Golf sales two-to-one and securing the title of best-selling European car in North America. 1994 Rover Group is taken over by BMW. The A2 series is the longest reigning Jetta so far. 1989 Introduction of the Discovery (Disco I to enthusiasts). Additional engine choices were a diesel 1.6 L four making 50 hp (37 kW) and, in 1984 (the final year of the A1), a "GLI" high-performance version was offered, powered by the 1.8 L engine and close-ratio transmission from the Rabbit GTI, which made 90 hp (67 kW) and 105 ft·lbf (142 N·m) torque. 1987 Range Rover is introduced to the U.S market. In 1981, the engine was upgraded to a 1.7 L producing 74 hp (54 kW) and 90 ft·lbf (121 N·m) torque. 1986 BL, now known as the Rover Group, is privatised and becomes part of British Aerospace.

Powering the base A1 Jetta and GL trim in 1980 was a standard 1.6 L four-cylinder producing 78 hp (57 kW) and 83 ft·lbf (113 N·m) torque. 5-door Range Rover introduced. In some markets such as in Mexico the A1 Jetta was known as the Volkswagen Atlantic. 1980 Rover car production ends at Solihull, which is now exclusively for Land Rover manufacture. A version of this model, known as the Volkswagen Fox, continued in production in South Africa until the late 1990s. 1975 BL collapses and is nationalised, publication of the Ryder Report recommends that Land Rover be split from Rover and be treated as a separate company within BL. Styling was penned at ItalDesign, by Giorgetto Giugiaro. 1970 Introduction of the Range Rover.

The first-generation Jetta appeared in the North American market in 1980, available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan. 1967 Rover becomes part of Leyland Motors Ltd, later British Leyland. . 1948 Land Rover is designed by the Wilks Brothers and is manufactured by the Rover Company. The mechanicals are shared with the other Volkswagen A platform cars. This proved to be a wise move on Volkswagen's part, as the Jetta became the best-selling European car in the United States.

Similarly, in South Africa, the Jetta remains more popular than the Golf. The model was developed due in part of the Volkswagen marketing group's observation that the North American market leaned more towards the sedan shape as opposed to the Golf's hatchback configuration. Until 2005 the name was only used in North America and South Africa, as it was dropped in Europe in 1991, when it was replaced by the Vento, which was in turn replaced by the Bora in 1998. It is essentially a sedan version of the Volkswagen Golf.

The Volkswagen Jetta is an automobile manufactured by Volkswagen.