Jetta unveils the VS8, its largest SUV so far

Volkswagen Group brand Jetta has unveiled the VS8, a mid-size crossover that nonetheless is the largest in the company’s portfolio right now. It sports a unique exterior and cabin, but Autohome.cn believes it will go on sale with the same engines as all other Jetta cars in China. The launch is expected sometime later this year.

Compared to its peers, the Jetta VS8 has a rather unique-looking front fascia and headlights. It also features oddly slanted c-pillars and Y-shaped taillights. Measuring 4,629 x 1,851 x 1,624 mm large with 2,731 mm between the axles, it is virtually identical in size to the old Jetta VS7 – the differences are less than 5 mm (0.2”). The trunk is moderately practical at 654 liters (23.1 cubic feet) of volume.

The interior layout doesn’t match that of any other current Jetta, but it does resemble the newer Volkswagens. The dashboard in particular looks borrowed from the parent company along with passenger-side illumination and a standalone head unit. The instrument display measures 10.25 inches corner-to-corner, while the infotainment screen is 14.6 inches large. The system can interpret complex voice commands and can now toggle the windows and the sunroof, among other things. The car has 25 storage pockets and niches and receives over-the-air updates to stay fresh.

The only engine registered in the patent database so far is a 1.4-liter turbo mated to a six-speed manual transmission for 150 PS (148 hp / 110 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. The photos make it look like an automatic version of the VS8 is also in the works, but it remains to be registered. A petrol-electric hybrid is also likely, but Jetta hasn’t announced it yet. Prices will also have to wait until closer to the launch.