Volkswagen India today launched the new Jetta with prices starting at Rs 13.87 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai) for the base variant (petrol 1.4 TSI). There are two diesel variants – 2.0 TDI MT (Rs 15.01- Rs 18.76 lakh) and 2.0 TDI DSG (Rs 19.77 lakh).

Speaking at the launch in Mumbai today, Kamal Basu, head of marketing at Volkswagen Group Sales India, said: “We expect to sell about 250-300 Jettas a month. This segment has been witnessing a drop for sometime now but the company is bullish about the car’s prospects because every player in this segment has refreshed its models in the past 18 months.”

The Jetta was last updated in October 2013, when it was given more equipment and new headlamps. This new facelift is more of a cosmetic job to bring it in line with Volkswagen’s international model range.

On the outside, the headlamps are more sculpted and the bonnet is slightly redesigned. There’s a larger grille with three chrome slats instead of two, and a wider lower air dam with new fog lamps. At the rear, the lamps look more angular and there’s a subtle lip spoiler. Prominent changes on the inside include a new three-spoke, flat-bottomed steering wheel from the Vento and Polo facelifts, and a classier looking instrument cluster.

Mechanically, this facelifted model is unchanged and the car is powered by the 121bhp 1.4-litre TFSI petrol engine and a 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI diesel unit. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and Volkswagen’s dual-clutch DSG automatic gearbox.