2020 Jetta VS7 Is A Seat Tarraco In Disguise For China

The latest, third Jetta-branded model in China has just been unveiled in the form of the VS7, a large SUV that follows on from the smaller VS5 presented earlier this year.

The seven-seater Jetta VS7 was first previewed to the world at the Shanghai Auto Show in April and this week, has been presented in the lead-up to the Guangzhou Auto Show before launching in the first quarter of 2020. It is essentially a re-badged Seat Tarraco.

Those familiar with the VS5 will immediately recognize the VS7 as it shares many design traits with its smaller sibling. Up front, for example, there are angular headlights incorporated nicely into the edges of the hexagonal grille. There are also diagonal LED daytime running lights found up front. Viewed from the rear, the similarities between the duo continue thanks largely to the presence of taillights that are almost identical to each other.

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Really differentiating the VS7 from the VS5 is the addition of a third row of seats and its size. Whereas the VS5 is 4,419 mm (174 inches) long, the VS7 is more generously proportioned at 4,624 mm (182-inches) long. It is equally as wide as the VS5 (1,841 mm / 72.5 inches) and slightly taller at 1,633 mm (64.2-inches) with a wheelbase that is 2,730 mm (107.4-inches) compared to the 2,630 mm (103.5-inches) of the VS5.

In terms of power, the Jetta VS7 is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine delivering 150 hp. This engine can be mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic. It remains to be seen if other engine options will be added down the road.

Jetta was created by the Volkswagen Group and joint venture partner JAW Group in China in late February.