We’ve only just got the reveal of the 2011 VW Jetta out of the way and we’re already hearing that VW are planning on adding to their range of proper R models by producing a Jetta R. Mind you, with the Golf R and Scirocco R already doing good business it would be a bit daft not to.
According to Autocar – who went off to the 2011 Jetta launch jolly – VW dragged along a Jetta R to show off to visiting hacks, but with no meaningful dialogue forthcoming about production or specs beyond a 3.6 litre V6 petrol lump, six-speed DSG ‘box and 4Motion being apparent.
Which all sounds very plausible, even if the 3.6 litre V6 seems a bit strong in these eco-obsessed times. Volkswagen are apparently saying that the Jetta R is under evaluation and if there’s a demand it will be built. Poppycock.
Of course they’re going to build it. Maybe not with a 3.6 litre V6, but definitely with something quite warm. The only question will be if they take the Jetta R to the States. Because if they do, then the States will end up with the higher-spec and better quality Euro Jetta selling alongside the lesser spec US Jetta with its cheaper plastics and low-rent suspension. Interesting prospect.