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The first-generation Jetta appeared in the North American market in 1980, available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan. Styling was penned at ItalDesign , by the great Giorgetto Giugiaro. A version of this model, known as the VW Fox, continued in production in South Africa until the late 1990s.
Powering the base A1 Jetta and GL trim was a standard 1.6 L four-cylinder producing 78 hp (58 kW), and in 1984, the engine was upgraded to a 1.8 L also producing 78 hp (58 kW). Additional engine choices were a diesel 1.5 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 from the Scirocco which made 90 hp (67 kW).
The longest reigning Jetta of all time, the second-generation A2 proved to be a sales success for VW, outnumbering Golf sales two-to-one, and securing the title of best-selling European car in the US. It was also one of the first VW models produced in China. With classic lines (this time penned by VW's own styling department) and great handling characteristics, it's no wonder A2 Jetta's still roam the modern automotive scene as stylish, handsome, European cars. Like the A1 series, the A2's were offered as two-door coupes or four-door sedans; unfortunately, coupes were limited to the base and diesel trim levels. Major exterior changes throughout the series run include the elimination of the front-quarter windows in 1989, the addition of larger, body-colored bumper covers in 1990, and several grille and side-cladding changes.
The base and GL trim levels were powered by a 1.8 L four rated at 85 hp (63 kW) and later 90 hp (67 kW). There were two diesel engines offered, a 1.6 L diesel with 52 hp (39 kW) and 68 hp (51 kW) for the turbo diesel. The Carat was essentially a luxury trim without the performance upgrade of the GLI. For the A2 series, the GLI was powered by a 1.8 L four with 100 hp (75 kW), then a 1.8 L DOHC 16-valve that made 123 hp (92 kW) in 1987. But the GLI soon became a serious performance contender with the addition of the 2.0 L DOHC 16-valve four in 1990.
Known in Europe as the Vento, the A3 was a refined evolution of the previous-generation Jetta. Hailed as the "Poor Man's BMW", it was designed in-house under Herbert Schafer, the third-generation series was criticized for their "boxy" design. Though only offered as a four-door sedan, the A3 spawned more trim levels than any other Jetta line. Exterior changes to the A3 through its production run were subtle, such as a new grille, body-colored rub strips, and different wheel covers.
The GL is the base trim while the GLS is the luxury trim with leather and power locks, windows, sunroof, etc. 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. The K2 was a similar package, but in place of the bike was a K2 snowboard or a pair of K2 skiis. The City was a utilitarian Jetta without radio or a/c, while the 1994 Limited Edition and 1995 Celebration packages were value-priced GL's costing some $600 less than standard. The Jazz Edition was a GL with a 6-disc CD player standard. All were powered by VW's tried and true 2.0 L four making 115 hp (86 kW). 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. By far, the most exciting trim level was the GLX, replacing the GLI designation. 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. For those who prefer the GLX's boy-racer looks (spoiler, side-skirts, whip antenna), the GT and Wolfsburg Edition offered GLX accessories without the venerable VR6.