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About 3 years ago, I decided to purchase a new vehicle and shortlisted 2 vehicles. One of them was the Volkswagen Jetta and even paid the deposit for it in a group purchase. Note that this was before it launched so none of us knew how much it was going to priced at. All we had were indicative prices which was slightly above Japanese C segment pricing at that time and for a Volkswagen badge (perception of it at that time being robust German technology, internationally branded, high-end service quality and excellent performance), those involved in the group buy felt it was a good buy. Then the RM155k OTR pricing was announced and out of the 10 of us involved in the group buy, 1 bought, 1 upgraded his purchase to a Golf 1.4 TSI and the rest (yours truly included) cancelled after realizing the price was a good 5 figures above what we expected.

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I even a wrote an article lamenting about the high price HERE; the Jetta was effectively the most expensive C segment vehicle money can buy. It still is, the CBU that is …. until yesterday when the locally assembled (CKD) Jetta was launched by Volkswagen Group Malaysia together with partner DRB-HICOM Berhad.

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“The Jetta offers an aspirational and inspirational drive that marries sportiness, elegance and safety without compromising on Volkswagen’s commitment to sustainability with its fuel efficient consumption levels. The local assembly of the Jetta is the latest indication of our commitment to offer more affordable vehicle choices for Malaysians seeking the quality and reassurance that comes with a German engineered vehicle,” said Christoph Aringer, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia.

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Delving further on the importance of the locally assembled Jetta to Volkswagen Group Malaysia, Mr Aringer also adds, “The fully imported Jetta introduced in 2011 was a significant contributor to Volkswagen’s success in Malaysia thus far. We are extremely confident that sales of the Jetta will surge forward now that the car is being locally assembled and even more competitively priced than ever before.”

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Design

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The Jetta is Volkswagen’s modern interpretation of sporty design on a classic body style.  In other words, it has an outlook that some may find dull but personally for me, I feel there is a sense of timelessness about its exterior that’ll make it age well. It’s been 3 years since it’s launch and I still find its design interesting; kinda like how an iPhone will always retain it’s profile that may change in shape and size but its design theme will remain the same. Yes, it is understated, pretty much like how the Passat is but even from that perspective, it still exudes sportiness and elegance as mentioned by  Simon Loasby, Director of Design, Volkswagen Group China which I am inclined to agree with.

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Exterior wise, there’s nothing to differentiate the CBU from the CKD. You’d still get 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille and twin exhaust tailpipes, front and rear fog lights. Its halogen headlights comes with automatic headlight activation with ‘Leaving Home’ and manual ‘Coming Home’ functions and exterior mirror with environment lighting to assist drivers in dark area. The sedan is also equipped with Park Distance Control (PDC) for front and rear, and electrically adjustable exterior mirror for driver convenience especially during parking.

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Engine and Performance

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Do note that with the introduction of the Golf MK VII, the Jetta no longer shares the same engine as the Golf. Instead, it still features the 1.4l twin-charged direct petrol injection TSI engine as found in the Golf Mk VI and paired to the same 7-speed direct shift gearbox as the Mk VI that results in an impressive output of 160PS and a torque of 240Nm between 1,500 to 4,500rpm – making it amongst the most powerful vehicles in its segment.

 

0 to 100kph is done in 8.3 seconds and is capable in reaching a top speed of 221kph while returning a combined fuel consumption of approximately 6.0l/100 km (16.7 km per litre) on a Euro 5 emission standard.

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Cabin Convenience

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Inside the Jetta, everything is the same except for the infotainment system. You’ll find a Multi-function leather steering wheel complemented with leather gearshift knob and handbrake lever, as well as ‘Black Pyramids’ decorative inserts for dashboard and door trim panel. The functional interior features of the Jetta includes auto-dimming rear view mirror, cruise control, auto power windows for all four doors, glove compartment with cooling functions and a generous 510 litres of trunk space.

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As far as driver and passenger comfort is concerned, the Jetta is furnished with ‘Sienna’ fabric seat upholstery, height adjustable front seats, 60/40 foldable rear seats, adjustable front armrest and rear armrest as well as a ‘Climatronic’ automatic air conditioning system with 2-zone temperature control and rear air-con vents.

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The Jetta’s old RCD310 has been replaced with  the new RCD320 radio with multiple connectivity options such as Bluetooth, SD-card slot, USB with iPod interface and AUX-In. This multi-function display comes with multi-language support and its audio system is further supplemented with 6 sound quality speakers (down from 8 speakers in the CBU)

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Safety Features

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Nothing has changed in the safety aspect. You’d still get dual front airbags with front passenger airbag deactivation, dual front side airbags and curtain airbags for front and rear passengers (making a total of 6 airbags), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA) as well as hill-hold control and rain sensor. The locally assembled Jetta also comes with safety-optimized front head restraints and child seat anchorage points (ISOFIX system), same as the CBU.

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Ownership and Maintenance

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The Jetta is available in four colour choices: Candy White, Platinum Grey, Reflex Silver and Deep Black. The German-engineered, Malaysian-assembled Jetta will be available for booking at all Volkswagen dealerships in Peninsular Malaysia from 2 May at the compelling price of RM 130,888. That’s a cool RM21,000 drop in price, no longer making it the most premium C segment in the market. Since Volkswagen has discovered a permanent solution for the premature mechatronic failure in the 7-speed DSG gearbox, it is a very tempting choice for buyers looking for a C segment vehicle.

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kensomuse

Though working in a field completely unrelated to the automotive industry, kenso has always had an interest in dabbling into the automotive industry, particularly business related aspects such as sales, marketing, strategic planning, blah blah blah. You can probably find better sources of technical specifications elsewhere if you dig long enough in the internet as this blog talks about the real life ramifications of who, what, where, when and why of the automotive world and focuses on relevant information to potential buyers.

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15 Comments

  1. jeff
    April 29, 2014 at 10:37 pm — Reply

    what is the permanent solution for the premature mechatronic failure in the 7-speed DSG gearbox? using mineral oil?

    • April 30, 2014 at 6:19 am — Reply

      Volkswagen has announced that “Within the framework of the continuous monitoring of vehicles in the field, Quality Assurance at Volkswagen AG has found that in vehicles with a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox (DQ200), electric malfunctions could occur in rare cases in the gearbox power supply if synthetic gearbox oil is used. This applies in particular if the vehicle is subject to a hot and humid climate, coupled with a high proportion of stop-and-go driving. Studies have established that using mineral oil will rectify this problem.”

  2. bystander
    April 29, 2014 at 10:51 pm — Reply

    The CBU Jetta had 8 speakers, CKD brings it down to 6.

    • April 30, 2014 at 9:41 am — Reply

      As far as I recall, the CBU unit has 6 speakers (also reported in my first article). Nevertheless, I am in the process of checking with VGM and revert ASAP

      UPDATE: VGM has confirmed that the number of speakers has been reduced from 8 to 6. Thanks for the spot, bro and article amended accordingly.

  3. April 30, 2014 at 9:33 am — Reply

    Well replied Ken, I bought a Polo Sedan based on your article. At first was pretty annoyed with all the little problems and fear of the negativity regarding VW. But eventually after having it a year, I began to enjoy “the car” even more. Exceptional handling and robustness. Just love driving it and looking at the possibilities at the Jetta to tame the beast. Excellent article Ken and keep on doing so which I feel you tend to be neutral on issues rather than being sarcastic, out of topic, loyal to the brand, thoughtless and most disgustingly childish. I cannot even get a decent info on any of the comments. (If you read at Paul Tan’s you will know what I meaned).

    • April 30, 2014 at 9:46 am — Reply

      Thank you for the kind words. Let’s not comment much about Paultan’s fans; let’s say we all have our own personal views and individual bias. Very happy to learn the info here has helped you in selecting the right car for you

  4. sutheshkumar
    May 2, 2014 at 9:24 pm — Reply

    CKD looses the paddleshifters too!

    • May 2, 2014 at 10:00 pm — Reply

      Oh really? Hmmm, I can live with that. Hardly play with paddle shifters anyways.

  5. bystander
    May 22, 2014 at 10:51 am — Reply

    I had a look at the CKD Jetta at one of the showrooms when I sent in my CBU Jetta for service. Another thing which is omitted, and (also omitted from nearly all press coverage), is the basic TPMS. I’m not sure if the Golf TSI Mk6 has it or not, but the TPMS button is clearly absent in the CKD Jetta’s glovebox, and I don’t think it’s mentioned in the spec sheets ether.

    • bystander
      May 22, 2014 at 10:53 am — Reply

      Also, unlike the CKD Polo/Polo Sedan/Passat, the tyres are now locally sourced Goodyear Assurance Triplemaxs, most likely in order to get certain tax levels to bring down the price…

  6. amirad
    May 26, 2014 at 6:01 pm — Reply

    Bro Kenso,

    Is using mineral oil instead of synthetic oil a guaranteed solution for the DSG7. Currently torn between the new altis and CKD jetta. Current ride is an 8 yrs old Altis 1.8G. Both have their merits and demerits. The Jetta’s 160 bhp and 240 Nm torque inspire confidence and driving feel. Toyota reliability and efficient after sales translate to pleasant ownership experience. I guess the reliability of the DSG7 will be the deciding factor.

    • May 27, 2014 at 11:53 am — Reply

      I guess it really depends on what moves you more. Performance or reliability. As far as I am aware, lots of VW owners are reporting less issues with their cars now

    • sutrak
      July 29, 2014 at 1:14 am — Reply

      If you like nokia 3210, then buy the altis. but if u prefer the likes of iPhone5s or Galaxy, then go for the Jetta.

      To me, Altis is boring, unexciting, but reliable. Jetta’s reliability is questionable, but it brings a smile to your face everytime you drives it. 🙂

  7. dineskumaran
    July 5, 2014 at 8:57 pm — Reply

    Hello Ken, I planned to buy a Jetta CKD but worried after read the articles about Jetta’s reliability, specially issue about mechatronic, clutch worn and piston crack. But according to VW mechanic, Mechatronic failure has been addressed with mineral oil, Clutch worn has been addressed with improved clutch plate now using different stronger piston. Is it true and permanent solution?

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