The first generation Volkswagen Jetta was released back in 1979 - the model was publicly shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show. In August of the same year, the car went on sale, and on the assembly line it lasted until February 1984, having sold over 570 thousand copies throughout the world markets during this time.
"Jetta" of the 1st generation after its appearance received the nickname "ugly duckling", as it was the same Golf with a built-in luggage compartment, but this did not prevent the three-volume from gaining wide popularity.
The car was available in two body versions - a two- and four-door sedan with the following dimensions: 4270 mm in length (of which 2400 mm is reserved for the wheel base), 1600 mm in width and 1300 mm in height.
The ground clearance is very modest - only 125 mm.
A solid range of engines was offered for the Volkswagen Jetta Mk1.
The gasoline part is represented by carburetor units with a volume of 1.1-1.6 liters with a return from 50 to 110 horsepower, as well as injection "fours" with a volume of 1.6 to 1.8 liters, producing from 85 to 112 forces.
The choice of diesel engines is reduced to an atmospheric version with a volume of 1.6 liters and a potential of 54 "horses", as well as to its 70-horsepower version with a turbocharger.
Engines are combined with "mechanics" for four or five gears, or a 3-band "automatic", traction in all cases is supplied to the front wheels.
The first generation Jetta is based on the A1 bogie, which features MacPherson struts in the front suspension and a semi-independent torsion bar arrangement in the rear suspension. In front of the three-volume model, disc brakes are introduced, and at the rear - drum.
The advantages of the Volkswagen Jetta Mk1 include a simple and reliable design, low maintenance costs, a comfortable and omnivorous suspension, a fairly roomy front compartment and a decent luggage compartment.
Disadvantages - unsightly appearance, poor head lighting, high noise levels inside the car and the lack of power steering.
