The current Volkswagen Jetta has been on sale since 2011, an eternity in the auto industry. It's been updated throughout its lifetime, but the fact remains a complete redesign is needed. Fortunately, that'll be happening very soon, possibly as early as next month at Frankfurt, or LA in November. But you won't have to wait until then to see what it looks like, thanks to these leaked images, courtesy of VW Vortex and Mexico's Autologia. What you're looking at is a pre-production prototype, without any camouflage, of the 2018 Jetta.

From what we can tell, it seems to be a bit longer and somewhat wider than the outgoing Jetta, which makes sense considering just about every compact sedan isn't so compact anymore (see new Honda Civic). The new Jetta's overall design isn't too dramatically different than what we're used to, but there are definitely some Arteon (the CC's successor and also pictured here) influences, specifically the hexagonal grille featuring integrated headlights. The rear taillights are also kind of interesting. Notice how those lights follow the trunk's lines and end with those sharp points. From the side, there's a sharp character line extending from just below the A-pillar, going through the door handles, and into the taillights.

We can't tell which trim level this pre-production Jetta is, but it certainly sports an upscale look, sort of a cross between the larger Arteon and an Audi. What we can confirm, which we've long known, is that the new Jetta will be built on VW's much used MQB platform, which also underpins the Golf, Tiguan and even the new three-row Atlas crossover. Sources say the 2018 Jetta production is due to get underway before the end of the year. If so, sales are likely to begin in the first quarter of next year.