Third generation Volkswagen Vento 1996-1998 Volkswagen Jetta (US) Also called Volkswagen Jetta III Production 1991–1998 Assembly Puebla, Mexico Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina Uitenhage, South Africa Wolfsburg, Germany Body style(s) 4-door sedan Platform Volkswagen Group A3 platform Engine(s) Otto

1.6L 55 kW (75 PS) I4 1.6L 74 kW (101 PS) I4 1.8L 55 kW (75 PS) I4 1.8L 66 kW (90 PS) I4 2.0L 85 kW (116 PS) I4 2.8L 128 kW (174 PS) VR6 12V Diesel 1.9L 47 kW (64 PS) I4 1.9L 47 kW (64 PS) I4 SDI 1.9L 55 kW (75 PS) I4 Turbo 1.9L 66 kW (90 PS) I4 TDI 1.9L 81 kW (110 PS) I4 TDI Transmission(s) 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic Wheelbase 2470 mm (97.4 in) Length 4400 mm (173.4 in) Width 1690 mm (66.7 in) Height 1430 mm (56.1 in) Related Audi A3 Volkswagen Golf

For the 3rd generation Jetta, the Jetta name was dropped, and it was officially named the Volkswagen Vento in Germany, and all other European countries. Again, following the precedent of naming cars for winds, the “Vento” (as it was known in most of the world) debuted in 1992 while the JettaIII debuted in North America in 1993 after production delays and quality problems at the Volkswagen plant in Puebla, Mexico.[40] The name Vento means wind in both Portuguese and Italian. Because of the success of the second generation in North America, VW decided to keep the Jetta nameplate. However, in Europe the car was given its new name to appeal to a younger market.[41] Interior

Styling was penned by a design team led by Herbert Schafer, and again the car became more aerodynamic than the previous generation. Although visually similar to the Mark 2, there were many refinements underneath. Aerodynamics were improved, with the car now having a drag coefficient of 0.32.[42] This included a new structure which now met worldwide crash standards.[43] Suspensions were an evolutionary rather than revolutionary refinement of the setup on previous editions. In addition, the car became more environmentally friendly with the use of recycled plastics, CFC-free Air Conditioning systems, and paint that didn't contain heavy metals.[44]

This generation of the car is widely credited for keeping VW from pulling out of the North American market.[40][45] At the time of its introduction in 1993, Volkswagen of America's sales hit a low not seen since the 1950s. The division sold only 43,902 cars in that year. Sales began slowly due to the aforementioned issues at the Puebla plant.[46] However, sales rebounded dramatically in the following years, mostly based on the strength of the Jetta, which continued to be the best selling VW in the USA.[47]

[edit] Safety Jetta (USA specification)

When equipped with dual air bags, the Mark 3 received three out of five stars in a 56 km/h (35 mph) frontal crash test carried out by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.[48] In a 64 km/h (40 mph) frontal offset crash test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the car received a score of “Marginal”.[49]

[edit] Testing and review

Newly available on the third generation was Volkswagen's 1.9 L TDI (Turbo Direct Injection) 67 kilowatt (90 hp) diesel engine. Fuel economy was a strong point with ratings of 5.7 L/100 km (41 mpg [US]) urban cycle and 4.8 L/100 km (49 mpg [US]) extra urban. In top trim lines, the 2.8 L VR6 SOHC six-cylinder engine was available. In one car magazine's test, the 128 kilowatt (172 hp) power plant was able to accelerate the car from 0 to 97 km/h (60 mph) in 6.9 seconds.[47] Vento (German specification)

Reviews were generally positive with testers praising the crisp handling and comfortable ride as well as a greater level of refinement compared with the previous generation.[50] However, some reviews noted that the more sporty suspension tuning found in some trims made the car bouncy, especially on the expressway.[51] The manual transmission shifted crisply, however the automatic transmission reduced acceleration noticeably. Some critics complained that the controls had some quirks, including a cryptic windshield wiper control. If equipped, power window controls had the unusual arrangement of the front buttons located on the door, while the rear buttons were located on the center console. As with previous generations, the luggage compartment provided generous space. However, unlike previous cars, the rear seat was able to fold forward in order to expand luggage space further. In earlier build cars, the glove compartment was deleted if the car was equipped with dual air bags. There were also some complaints about the lack of cup holders in the earlier cars, as well as the lack of a safety interlock which would require the driver to press the clutch pedal prior to starting the car.[52]

[edit] Specifications[53]

[edit] Petrol engines Model Engine type Stroke volume Max output/rpm Max torque/rpm Engine code 1.6 Straight-4 SOHC 8V 1.6 L (1598 cc, 98 cu in) 75 PS (74 hp/55 kW)/4800 135 N·m (100 lb·ft)/2800-3600 ABU; AEA 1.6 Straight-4 SOHC 8V 1.6 L (1595 cc, 97 cu in) 100 PS (99 hp/74 kW)/5800 140 N·m (103 lb·ft)/3500 AFT 1.8 Straight-4 SOHC 8V 1.8 L (1781 cc, 109 cu in) 75 PS (74 hp/55 kW)/5000 140 N·m (103 lb·ft)/2500 AAM 1.8 Straight-4 SOHC 8V 1.8 L (1781 cc, 109 cu in) 90 PS (89 hp/66 kW)/5500 145 N·m (107 lb·ft)/2500 ABS; ADZ; ACC 2.0 Straight-4 SOHC 8V 2 L (1984 cc, 121 cu in) 115 PS (113 hp/85 kW)/5400 166 N·m (122 lb·ft)/3200 2E; ADY; ABA 2.8 VR6 VR6 SOHC 12V 2.8 L (2792 cc, 170 cu in) 174 PS (172 hp/128 kW)/5800 235 N·m (173 lb·ft)/4200 AAA

[edit] Diesel engines Model Engine type Stroke volume Max output/rpm Max torque/rpm Engine code 1.9 D Straight-4 SOHC 8V 1.9 L (1896 cc, 116 cu in) 64 PS (63 hp/47 kW)/4400 124 N·m (91 lb·ft)/2000-3000 1Y 1.9 SDI Straight-4 SOHC 8V 1.9 L (1896 cc, 116 cu in) 64 PS (63 hp/47 kW)/4200 125 N·m (92 lb·ft)/2200-2800 AEY 1.9 TD Straight-4 SOHC 8V 1.9 L (1896 cc, 116 cu in) 75 PS (74 hp/55 kW)/4200 150 N·m (111 lb·ft)/2400-3400 AAZ 1.9 TDI Straight-4 SOHC 8V 1.9 L (1896 cc, 116 cu in) 90 PS (89 hp/66 kW)/4000 202 N·m (149 lb·ft)/1900 1Z; AHU 1.9 TDI Straight-4 SOHC 8V 1.9 L (1896 cc, 116 cu in) 110 PS (108 hp/81 kW)/4150 235 N·m (173 lb·ft)/1900 AFN; AVG