Good-Looking Value

Volkswagen’s 2019 Jetta and Atlas score big with consumers

Volkswagen’s 2019 models are full of surprises, beginning with the price point of the Jetta. The sleek Jetta S sedan—believe it or not—has come on the market with an MSRP of $18,545 for a manual and $19,345 for automatic. It’s priced lower than the outgoing car (the 2018 automatic started at $19,645), despite having more standard equipment. Upgraded models are slightly higher with the R-Line starting at $22,995 and the SEL Premium at $26,945. Besides value, the Jetta is all about aerodynamics. From early virtual modeling, every crease and curve was studied for ways to reduce drag. The car’s air curtain design in the front bumper, lower turbulence over the wheels and sculpted underbody panels were all taken into consideration. The result is a 7th-generation redesign for the American market. Visually its fast-sloping roofline creates a sportier, coupe-like profile. The car comes with standard smartphone integration supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink with options to subscribe to VW Car-Net and Sirius XM. Its 400watt system powering eight speakers and a bass-thumping subwoofer deliver exceptional sound. And the interior boasts a modern, driver-oriented cockpit design. Under the hood, the Jetta has a 1.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine designed for fuel efficiency with a clutchdriven air conditioner and a more efficient generator. Drivers can expect to get 30 miles per gallon in the city and a whopping 40 on the highway.

FOR THE SUV DRIVER

If you’re in the market for something larger, then consider the 2019 Atlas. It’s the newest and biggest member of the Volkswagen lineup. A spacious seven-passenger midsize SUV, the Atlas starts at $30,895 for the S model. Its modern and

muscular design retains classic proportions and clean lines, making it a handsome addition to SUV offerings. Designed with the family and road tripping in mind, the Atlas driver controls are positioned for optimal ergonomics and usability, and the seat position, shifter height and spacing between the pedals are fine-tuned for driver comfort whether a short trip to soccer practice or a long haul to grandma’s house. When you pile the kids in the back, you’ll appreciate its three-row seating with ample head and leg room as well as the innovative folding mechanism for the second row, which offers improved entry and exit space on both sides by enabling the second-row bench to tilt and slide forward, even with child seats in place. Engine options include the four-cylinder TSI turbo and the VR6; both send their power through an eight-speed automatic transmission to help maximize efficiency. Some 2019 additions that you’ll appreciate include the automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers and heated side mirrors. Driver assistance and innovation features such as front assist, blind spot monitor and rear traffic alert are now standard on all Atlas models. If your family tows recreational toys from Jet Skis to boats, consider a VR6 model with a factory-installed hitch designed to tow up to 5,000 pounds. For more information visit Volkswagen of Fort Myers, 14060 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers; 800-789-3570; vwoffortmyers.com.

Patricia Letakis is the managing editor for TOTI Media.

Designed with the family and road tripping in mind, the Atlas driver controls are positioned for optimal ergonomics and usability.

Clockwise from top: The 2019 Jetta R-Line in Tornado Red; the 2019 Jetta SEL Premium; the clean design of the Jetta’s dashboard

From top: The 2019 Atlas is the biggest member of the Volkswagen family; the optional hands-free power liftgate feature of this mid-size SUV allows you to kick your foot under the rear bumper to open the hatch.