TEST DRIVE: 2014 Volkswagen Jetta 1.4TSI CKD - The wolf in sheepskin

A Volkswagen Jetta is simply the iconic Volkswagen Golf with a boot. But it actually isn't as straight forward as that in the first place because Volkswagen does not simply slap on a boot onto the Golf. Take for example the current CKD (locally assembled) Jetta 1.4TSI that I tested here, it is actually based on the previous generation Volkswagen Golf Mk6 chassis with a longer wheelbase and totally different body panels. The Jetta also does not drive like the Mk6 Golf 1.4TSI nor does it feel like a Mk7 Golf 1.4TSI. But I'll get to that in a bit.

The current Volkswagen Jetta has been around since 2010 in Europe and has been sold in these parts since 2012. This time Volkswagen has decided to locally assemble the Jetta in Malaysia and this is the model that I tested. The first thing you'd notice as you circle the Jetta is that is it is an unassuming, unimposing and but quite a good looking contemporary sedan with some nice light clusters front which coupled with the front grille make the car look wider than it is. A nice but simple styling touch. It comes with 16inch wheels and the interior gets cloth seats and the usual refinements that you would get in a C-segment or small family sedan sized car.

It is unmistakably Volkswagen in its DNA and it would never be mistaken for anything other than a traditional four-door sedan with a large boot. I suppose this is what Jetta buyers would want on the surface but in this 1.4TSI form, the Jetta is a surprising creature indeed.

The Engine & Drivetrain

Now when you get into its innards, the Volkswagen Jetta 1.4TSI has 160ps and 240Nm torque from its 1.4liter Twincharged (supercharged & turbocharged) engine. This is basically the same engine that you would find in the Volkswagen Polo GTI, but it has been detuned for the Jetta (the Polo GTI makes 180PS/250NM). The current Mk7 Golf uses a less powerful, but newer and smoother 140ps turbocharged 1.4liter engine which makes the same amount of torque. The reason why you still get the enigmatic Twincharged engine here in the Jetta is that the Jetta simply came out prior to the Mk7 Golf and it is based on the Mk6 Golf platform. It also means that it actually is more potent a car than the Mk7 Golf in terms of performance.

In terms of overall smoothness, the supercharger equipped Jetta is slightly less smooth than the Mk7 Golf due to the supercharger. It is slightly throaty compared to the turbocharged only newer 1.4liter and it isn't as fuel sipping as the Mk7 TSI engine too. I suppose this is because of the state of tune the Jetta Twincharged engine makes – a good twenty PS up on the Golf TSI. Of course, when you make power, you tend to consume more fuel. It is pretty straightforward isn't it? Oh yes, I have to state again that this is the most high tech engine that you can buy in Malaysia for RM130K or thereabouts.

The Jetta, according to what I have researched has MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup at the rear. It runs on 205/55/16 sized tyres.

The Interior

As for the interior build, material and trim, the Jetta 14TSI feels good. It is a little plain in its execution but the ergonomics are above average with some tiny switchgear on the steering wheel  (as with any other Volkswagen I've driven these days) and a slightly fiddly side mirror adjuster located at the driver's door

. There are soft touch materials used throughout the cabin but compared to the Mk7 Golf, it feels slightly more sedate and conservative (garnishing is minimal with a strip of something located above the glovebox). This does not mean that the interior is bad, it still sets the example of what cars of this size and range should have. Even the meters are very easy to read in all conditions. If you compare how legible the lettering on the meters with, say a Proton Suprima S, you can tell why the Germans are at the forefront in interior design. Almost everything is logically placed and clear to the eye.

The seats are cloth, but the steering wheel and gear knob are leather wrapped. As is usually the case in most cars of this class nowadays. It is easy to get comfortable in the driver's seat and I couldn't find any glaring faults with the interior of the car. Rear seating space is good for a C-segment car. No complaints from me as if you really want more space, buy a Honda Accord or a VW Passat or a MPV. And yes, the boot would swallow items easily.

Driving the Darn Thing

Ken, Looking good old chap!

As stated above, the driving position is good and you get comfortable easily with everything within easy reach. Once on the move you'd notice that the car is bloody quiet for what is supposed to be a small family sedan. It is only if you are heavy on the throttle that you can the engine working hard. It isn't noisy in an irritating way, it is as stated earlier, very throaty but in a nice sporty way. Much like the sounds in the Polo GTI but slightly more muted in line with its family car status. But still with sporty pretension.

Tyre roar and road noise suppression is very good and I have to say that it is on par with last generation's B7 Audi A4. This is surprisingly a very refined small family car as normal speeds. The ride whilst on the firm side is comfortable even in the city and on the highway. Bumps and ripples are well absorbed in most cases. It also feels more tied down than the Mk7 Golf TSI and rides just as well. If one were to compare it with a Japanese competitor of the same price – say the entry level Honda Accord 2.0VTI (at RM135,900 otr) it rides better and handles better too (and is much faster). In other words, the car is extremely refined for its price and size.

As for handling, everything feels cohesive everywhere. In the city, on the highways and on the twisty roads too. The steering is nicely weighted and exhibits good accuracy (with feel somewhere better than average but not really great). At higher than usual speeds, the Jetta is simply fabulous. Even on the standard 205 width and16 inch wheels it feels planted and secure. Take a sharp corner at around 100km/h and the car simply tucks its nose and finishes off the corner in an instant. At 150km/h on a sweeping left hander all you need is a simple lift off the throttle and the car falls in line without any complaints. High speed lane changes are handled with ease. Yes, the Jetta's handling is of the nose led matter, like most front wheel drives out there, but the thing is that this car is so easy to drive fast as understeer is really kept in check and the chassis has no unpredictable traits that I could really think of. The Jetta's handling would actually suit most Malaysians who drive fast.

I have said earlier when reviewing the Volkswagen Polo GTI that the 1.4liter Twincharged engine as well as the 7 speed dry clutch DSG is a cracker. Even in this slightly detuned state it still packs a wallop. Yes you do feel that it could do with that extra twenty horses as it does feel like Volkswagen has stuck in a banana in the Jetta's exhaust pipe making it feel a little tighter than the Polo in terms of outright power.

The DSG however feels better than the one in the Polo GTI but not as smooth as it is in the MK7 Golf TSI. It still has that slightly raw feeling when you've just started moving unlike the newer Golf. But what the DSG allows you to do is that if you're into spirited driving, that DSG as well as the engine gives it all its got and will hold nothing back. Throttle response is also quite good due to the supercharger too.

Conclusion

The Jetta 1.4TSI is a surprisingly good car in terms of driving pleasure. Yes, some may be worried that the high tech engine (a twincharger; supercharger & turbocharger combo) as well as that DSG transmission unit may cause headaches in the long run but as I said earlier, this gives you everything you want in terms of performance and drivability. There is no other 4 door sedan in the RM130k category that would give you such a smile on your face or allow you to chase down 3.0liter sports saloons with ease (trust me, I know). IF the price to pay is some maintenance costs, so be it. If you sat in a Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis or even a Mazda 3 2.0 this will knock the socks out of these cars. Really.

Of course, if you're buying this new, Volkswagen has that 5 year warranty (3+2 years) and if you're wise, you'd service the car on time and ensure that you have a budget to actually maintain the darn thing before you actually buy. Just make sure you know that you're buying a European car. It may be priced down to be affordable, but maintenance WILL cost slightly more than what you'd expect. Once that is in your head, only then should you jump in.

In short, the Volkswagen Jetta 1.4TSI is shockingly good to drive really fast. It may look like a straight laced gentleman, but it can become a ruffian in a split second. Bloody good fun if I may say so myself.

CKD Volkswagen Jetta1.4TSI Specifications

Base Price: From RM130,888 (without insurance)

Body: 4-door sedan
Mechanical Orientation: Front Wheel Drive

Engine: 4 cylinder 16 valve fuel injected 1.4-litre Supercharged and Turbocharged
Power: 160ps (5800rpm)
Torque: 240 NM (1500-4500rpm)
Transmission: 7 speed Dual Clutch Gearbox

Weight: 1380kg

0-100 km/h: 8.4 seconds (tested)
Top Speed: 221kmh (manufacturer's claim)

Fuel Consumption: I got an average of around 8.9ltr/100km even after really going for it.

For: An all rounder, comfortable ride, overall refinement, extremely sporty handling, grippy chassis, nicely weighted and accurate steering, sterling performance from the 1.4 twincharger, DSG gearbox performance, ergonomic interior

Against: Twincharged engine may be too high tech for some, DSG gearbox isn't as smooth as the Mk7 Golf TSI, sedate styling

Conclusion: A real surprise. Excellent in terms of driving pleasure, dynamics, grip and sportiness. It is a wolf in sheepskin. I.e it bites and it is still comfortable. My choice if I wanted performance over everything else (including maintenance costs) in the RM130K four door sedan price range .

Engine & Gearbox		1.4l 160PS TSI twincharged direct petrol injection 4-cylinder engine DSG 7-speed direct shift gearbox
Interior		12v socket in centre console, front and rear and in luggage compartment 510 litres of trunk space Auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror 'Black Pyramid' decorative inserts for dashboard and door trim panel 'Climatronic' air-conditioning system with 2-zone temperature control Glove compartment with cooling function Height adjustable front centre armrest Height adjustable front seats Leather gearshift knob Leather handbrake lever Multi-function display 'Plus' Multi-function leather steering wheel with control for MFD and radio Height and reach adjustable steering wheel Mobile device interface MEDIA-IN with USB adapter cable Radio ‘RCD 320’ with USB and iPod interface, SD card slot, AUX-IN, Bluetooth and 6 speakers Radio remote controlled central locking with 2 folding keys Rear air conditioning vents ‘Sienna’ fabric seat upholstery Split-folding rear backrest with centre armrest with load-through provision Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
Exterior		Automatic headlight activation with ‘Leaving Home’ and manual ‘Coming Home’ function Chrome grille Electrically adjustable, foldable and heated exterior mirrors with environment lighting and curb view Exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals Front fog lights Heat insulated windshield, side and rear windows 'Navarra' alloy wheels 6.5J x 16", tyres 205/55 R16 Door mirrors with integrated turn signals Park distance control PDC (Front & Rear) Rear fog lights Twin exhaust tailpipes
Safety		3-point front seat belts with height adjustment and belt tensioners Anti-lock braking system ABS with brake assist BA Anti-theft alarm system Child seat anchor for child seat system ISOFIX Curtain airbags for front and rear passengers Dual front airbags with front passenger airbag deactivation Dual front side airbags Electronic stability control ESC Hill-hold control Rain sensor Safety-optimised front head restraints Speed sensitive electromechanical power steering Three 3-point rear seat belts