Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Volkswagen launches the locally assembled Jetta TSI

I attended the launch of the locally assembled (CKD) Volkswagen Jetta TSI yesterday. The car is about RM21,000 cheaper than the imported variant but still has 6 airbags, an audio system with Bluetooth, USB, Ipod, AUX with 6 speakers and a whole lot of family friendly features in a 4 door sedan body.

The event was pretty unique in that VW Group brought in their design head of the Asian design studios to explain a little about Volkswagen's DNA and styling cues. Of course, ultimately, the Jetta is a C segment family sedan and with that, is bound by a certain set of design rules and criteria within the VW Group. It may be handsome looking but you can't let it look too Audi-like in case Audi customers or the blokes designing Audis feel 'threathened'. Of course, Volkswagen can go bonkers, like their XL1 car recently. This Jetta has to make the numbers for them to build cars which are a little mad at times.



The CKD Jetta is powered by a 160PS/240nm 1.4liter Twincharger engine (supercharger mates with a turbocharger on a high compressior direct injection engine). This is in my opinion the most technologically packed engine in its class and is coupled to a 7 speed dry clutch Twin Clutch Gearbox or DSG in VW jargon. What you would get for RM130,888 (W/O insurance) is a very, very, very advanced car for its class and actually punches higher up the power and refinement scale. Need I say more about how one should go about maintaining such machinery?

Initial purchase price might be similar to a fully loaded Honda Civic 2.0 but you get a car that is well equipped, very high tech and since its German, it does the high speed Autobahn-stormin' quite well - high speed stability and comfort should be ne of the best, if not the best in class. But with great power, comes great responsibility to keep such a car working as it should.



PRESS RELEASE
THE VOLKSWAGEN JETTA: MALAYSIAN-ASSEMBLED
AND MORE COMPELLING THAN EVER

  • Sporty German sedan designed for aspirational Malaysians
  • Superior performance and class leading fuel efficiency
  • Even more competitively priced for discerning drivers
  • Volkswagen Group Malaysia’s fourth locally assembled model

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 April 2014 – Volkswagen Group Malaysia together with partner DRB-HICOM Berhad presented the media with its fourth and latest German-engineered, Malaysian-assembled model, the Volkswagen Jetta in an exclusive preview today.

Since its introduction in Malaysia in 2011, the Jetta has been one of the most popular Volkswagen models and amongst the best mid-size sedans available in the Malaysian market.

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.

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.”

The Jetta is Volkswagen’s modern interpretation of sporty design on a classic body style. Since its birth in 1979, the Jetta has been popular with its very own distinctive character. Its unique style coupled with its pure design and innovative features have the potential to attract a broad range of customers desiring style and sportiness in mobility.

Speaking during the media presentation, Simon Loasby, Director of Design, Volkswagen Group China shared the design principle adopted by the Volkswagen design team.

The Jetta possesses a design that is perfectly poised between sporty and elegant supported by a unique, thought-through and consistent sedan interior and exterior design language. While its stylish and distinctive design is attractive whilst being understated, the Jetta also promises the pleasure of driving and at the same time provides an assurance of security and environmental friendliness,” said Loasby.

Engine and Performance
A car that truly inspires confidence with its power and poise, the Jetta combines a 1.4l twin-charged direct petrol injection TSI engine with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox that gives 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.

The only car in its segment with a 7-speed gearbox, this sedan is also able to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 8.3 seconds and capable in reaching a top speed of 221kph – further underlining its athletic credentials. Despite its sporty performance, the Jetta features a combined fuel consumption of approximately 6.0l/100 km (16.7 km per litre) on a Euro 5 emission standard, making it the segment class-leader in fuel efficiency and emissions.

Enhanced entertainment features
The Jetta’s entertainment features have been carefully selected for the Malaysian market. Presenting Malaysians an extensive range of connectivity options, this elegant sedan is installed 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.

Safety Features
Safety features are of utmost importance in the Jetta. Equipped with dual front airbags with front passenger airbag deactivation, dual front side airbags and curtain airbags for front and rear passengers; Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA) as well as hill-hold control and rain sensor is installed in the Jetta. The locally assembled Jetta also comes with safety-optimized front head restraints and child seat anchorage points (ISOFIX system).

Interior


Inside the Jetta, there is an assortment of aesthetic and functional features such as 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.

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.

Exterior
The Jetta truly encompasses the Volkswagen design DNA, featuring dynamic design lines that truly bring out the essence of this sedan. Fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome grille and twin exhaust tailpipes, the car is further kitted with front and rear fog lights, in case of fog. 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.

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.

For more information on the Volkswagen Jetta, please log on to www.volkswagen.com.my or visit your nearest Volkswagen authorised dealer.




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