The new seventh-generation 2019 Volkswagen Jetta will hit the streets this summer with a few more mpg, a refreshed interior and a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Base model power continues from the 1.4-liter turbo-four making 150 hp and 184 lb-ft, but efficiency gains come from a clutch-driven air conditioner, a more efficient alternator and a less viscous grade of oil. It will be rated 40 mpg on the highway and 30 mpg in the city. That’s a 2-mpg bump for both measures. The Jetta is also losing the 1.8-liter four, but we still expect to see the company’s turbo 2.0-liter for the hotter GLI versions.

The 2019 Jetta gets shutters in the grille

The 2019 Jetta gets shutters in the grille that close when possible. Also gets air curtain design in the front bumper that lowers turbulence, sculpted underbody panels and smoother rear styling. Those changes lead to a class-leading coefficient of drag of 0.27.

VW redesigned the interior of the Mk 7 Jetta with trapezoidal design elements repeated from the exterior.

It also moves to VW’s MQB platform. That underpins everything from the Audi A3, TT, new VW Passat, new Tiguan and now this. That platform allowed the designers to reshape the body and gain extra wheelbase, a wider track and install bigger wheels. It also allows for more interior space, though we don’t have exact head- and legroom numbers yet.

Last year the Jetta fell about midpack in compact sales. It sold just a fraction of what stalwarts like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla did, but was still above the Mazda 3 that we love and the Subaru Impreza that we accept.

The 2019 Jetta will be offered in S, SE, R-Line, SEL and SEL Premium levels and will land at dealers in the second quarter of this year with VW’s new six-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty.