What suspension does the new Jetta use?
4 Answers
The new Jetta uses a MacPherson independent suspension for the front and a torsion beam non-independent suspension for the rear. The MacPherson suspension is a common type of independent suspension, and its application is quite widespread. The structure of the MacPherson suspension is very simple, consisting of only an L-shaped control arm. This type of suspension hardly occupies any space in the engine compartment, which is why many front-transverse-engine vehicles use MacPherson front suspension. The torsion beam suspension is a relatively common non-independent suspension. Using a torsion beam for the rear suspension can expand the rear passenger space and trunk space, which is very important for compact cars. The new Jetta is a four-door, five-seat sedan with dimensions of 4501 mm in length, 1704 mm in width, and 1469 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2604 mm. The car is equipped with a naturally aspirated engine with a maximum horsepower of 90 hp and a maximum power output of 66 kW.
I'm quite familiar with the suspension system of the new Jetta. It features a MacPherson strut design for the front suspension, which is common in compact sedans—simple, durable, and effective at absorbing road bumps, making the front seats feel smoother and more comfortable. The rear suspension uses a torsion beam setup, which saves space, increases trunk capacity, and provides solid support to reduce tail swing during turns, making it ideal for city commuting. Volkswagen has fine-tuned it well, with a slightly softer suspension for a less bumpy daily drive, though you might notice imperfect damping at high speeds or on rough roads. Overall, this suspension combo balances cost and performance, aligning with the new Jetta's focus on affordability and practicality.
Speaking of the suspension of the new Jetta, I've driven it a few times. The front MacPherson strut setup indeed provides direct steering feedback and agile handling, making it suitable for city roads with frequent starts and stops. The rear torsion beam ensures good load-bearing capacity, so carrying some luggage isn't a problem. The suspension tuning leans towards comfort, offering a smooth ride on flat roads, but you can feel some wobble when encountering bumps, which isn't as good as models with independent suspension. Considering its price and positioning, it's very suitable for entry-level car owners, such as young graduates—it's economical and hassle-free to drive. Regular checks of suspension bushings and shock absorbers are important to extend service life and avoid premature wear.
I've looked into the suspension setup of the new Jetta. It features a MacPherson strut system in the front and a torsion beam layout at the rear, which saves space and controls costs. The suspension performs quite stably with no major issues for daily commuting, though the damping feels slightly weak on bumpy roads. Compared to other compact cars, its suspension maintenance is simpler and replacement parts are affordable.
