The New Jetta 1.4 TSI launched - Three Variants and Prices start much lower than before - RM108,990.

New Jetta Highline

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today officially launched the new Volkswagen Jetta to the Malaysian market. The new Jetta is the first Volkswagen model to be launched by VPCM, since the company officially began operations in September. Taking over the sales and aftersales network from Volkswagen Group Malaysia who will concentrate on the assembly of Volkswagen cars in Pekan, Pahang and also Audi Malaysia. But today is the day of the new and improved Volkswagen Jetta.

 New Jetta Comfortline

There will be three variants of the new Jetta 1.4 TSI and they are priced at RM108,990 for the Trendline, RM117,990 for the Comfortline; and RM128,990 for the Highline. This is actually quite a drop in the priced offered compared to previously. Actually quite an unprecedented move for the German automotive brand here. 

The new Jetta gets Volkswagen's newer generation, 1.4L TSI single-turbocharged engine with also an improved 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) that delivers an impressive output of 150PS, and a torque of 250Nm between 1,500 to 3,500rpm. The engine replaces the previous 1.4liter Twincharger (supercharger/turbocharger equipped) engine which in my opinion was one of the most high tech engines that you could buy at the time. Of course such technology also came with a price. So I do think that this new engine improves reliability and ease of maintenance by a fair bit. Note that the DSG is also claimed to have been improved.

Also note that the Jetta is the only car in its segment with a 7-speed gearbox, which from experience shifts mighty fast. It allows the New Jetta to do 0 to 100kph in 8.6 seconds yet allow it a combined fuel consumption of approximately 5.0l/100 km on making it the segment leader in fuel efficiency.

The New Jetta also gets new bumpers from and rear, new dark wood trim inside (which does complement the interior in my opinion) and new audio/info head units. The new Jetta and other Volkswagen cars purchased after the 1st September will now enjoy 5-year manufacturer warranty along with 5-year roadside assistance. Four colours are available - Candy White, Platinum Grey, Reflex Silver and Deep Black.

More details of the car are in the Press Release published down below.

Meeting the folks from VPCM during the launch

 L-R :Deenan Nadar, Aftersales Director, Florian Steiner and Alin Tapalaga, Managing Directors at VPCM and Roland Ooi, Brand Director.

Now whilst a lot of the motoring websites have already posted on the launch of the New Jetta right away I was busy indulging with the food and drink....I mean busy getting to know the people who just took over the sales and distribution of Volkswagen Cars in Malaysia. I happened to be lucky enough to actually have a chat with the new man in charge of selling Volkswagen cars in Malaysia, Mr. Alin Tapalaga, Managing Director of VPCM, Mr. Florian Steiner, the other Managing Director of VPCM, Mr Roland Ooi, Brand Director and Mr Mohd Aslam D. S. Masahood, Head of Department - Product & Disposition. 

From the looks of it, My Tapalaga and Mr Steiner have a lot of experience in handling vehicle sales in emerging markets and in markets where the going gets tough for Volkswagen cars. From the conversation we had the countries where  Porsche Holding Salzburg took over from Volkswagen Group were China (where the DSG gearbox issues were brought up, like Malaysia) and Colombia (where there is a different perception on quality than what Volkswagen Group thought was quality). They managed to sort out the issues there and this is why the newly formed Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia may be well suited for the job in making the brand better than before. An enthusiastic and committed bunch of people have taken over actually. 

The two new (to Malaysia) Managing Directors are open to ideas and also bring in new ideas from markets where the brand had found the going pretty tough. You can see that the first step is making sure that the product comes in at the right price. Actually, their first proper step was make sure that all Volkswagen cars sold after 1st September gets a 5 year manufacturer's warranty. This ensures that customers get their claims done easier without any third party involvement that would slow things down. They have also continued with the three different variants in every new model launched. The Volkswagen Vento was the first and now the new Jetta has the same Trendline, Comfortline and Highline (expect the soon to be launched all-new Volkswagen Passat to have a similar line-up too).

I do believe that the Volkswagen brand needs a breath of fresh air to revitalise sales here in Malaysia. We shall see. I also think that there is only so much a manufacturer can do. On a personal note I have tried so many DSG equipped cars and have heard so many people use them with very little complaint. But sometimes I do believe in one simple thing - with great power, instantaneous gear shifts and ridiculously high levels of refinement requires some maintenance involved. There is no such thing as a free lunch these days actually.

But of course, let us watch how all of this plays out. In the meantime, let's just see if I can get my hands on a Jetta sometime soon.

 Comfortline

Comfortline

Highline interior - visible difference are the leather seats

If you're interested, here is the review of the Jetta prior to this facelift and new engine change. I actually enjoyed driving it. Well, with great power, comes some maintenance as I said in the article!

Here is a review of the Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI which uses the same powertrain as this New Jetta. 

If you want to read something more current, here is the review on the Volkswagen Vento 1.2 TSI

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia

Launches the New Jetta

KUALA LUMPUR, 26 Sept 2016 – Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) today officially launched the new Volkswagen Jetta to the Malaysian market.

Available in three variants, the new Jetta is priced at RM__________* for the Trendline, RM__________* for the Comfortline; and RM___________* for the Highline.

Since its introduction in Malaysia in 2011, the Jetta has been one of Volkswagen’s most popular models, ranking amongst the best mid-size sedans available in the market. It is also one of the most powerful cars in its class.

“This new, locally-assembled Jetta offers an aspirational drive that marries sportiness with performance and safety - all without compromising on its fuel efficient consumption levels. And with the option of a multiline, there is a Jetta to fit the different needs and budget of our customers,” said Mr. Alin Tapalaga, Managing Director of VPCM.

The new Jetta is the first Volkswagen model to be launched by VPCM, since the company officially began operations in September.

“VPCM will continue to offer Malaysians multiline options in future Volkswagen models – and, like the new Jetta, these will also be very competitively priced. Moreover, improving the overall ownership experience for Volkswagen owners remains a key focus for us - we have begun enhancement steps with the introduction of a 5-year manufacturer warranty which took effect on the 1^st of September,” added Alin.

The new Jetta and other Volkswagen cars purchased after the 1^st September will now enjoy 5-year manufacturer warranty along with 5-year roadside assistance.

Four colours are available - Candy White, Platinum Grey, Reflex Silver and Deep Black.

Bookings and test drive arrangements can be made at all authorized Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. For more information, please visit www.volkswagen.com.my

The New Jetta Highline

Engine and Performance

The new Jetta combines a new generation, 1.4L TSI single-turbocharged engine with an improved 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG) that delivers an impressive output of 150PS, and a torque of 250Nm between 1,500 to 3,500rpm – making it amongst the most powerful vehicles in its segment.

The only car in its segment with a 7-speed gearbox, the New Jetta accelerates from 0 to 100kph in 8.6 seconds. Despite its sporty performance, the Jetta features a combined fuel consumption of approximately 5.0l/100 km on making it the segment leader in fuel efficiency.

Energy Efficient Vehicle

The new Jetta is now EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle) certified thanks to features such as start stop function, regenerative braking and coasting function. As a result, fuel efficiency is increased, and the running costs for the new Jetta is lowered.

Start/Stop deactivates the engine when the car is at a standstill and reactivates when it starts moving, while regenerative braking recycles the lost energy by storing it and using it for acceleration. The coasting function allows the driver to roll over a longer distance once the driver’s foot is off the accelerator.

Safety Features

Safety is at the core of all Volkswagen vehicles. The new Jetta comes equipped with multi-collision brakes, brake disc wipers, six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA), Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) as well as hill-hold control.

Additionally, the locally assembled Jetta comes with safety-optimized front head restraints, anti-theft alarm system with interior surveillance system, anti-pinch power windows and ISOFIX anchorage point for child seats.

Interior

Inside the Jetta, there is an assortment of aesthetic and functional features such as a KESSY keyless entry and push start, leather multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters for easy maneuvering. Other functional features include auto-dimming rear view mirror, cruise control, auto power windows and cooled glove compartment.

For driver and passenger comfort, the Jetta is furnished with ‘Vienna’ leather seat upholstery, height adjustable armrest with rear aircond vents, 12-way driver electric seat and dual-Climatronic automatic air conditioning system for the comfort of all passengers.

Exterior

The new Jetta incorporates the Volkswagen design DNA, featuring elegant design lines and redefined aerodynamics with new front and bumper grilles with rear bumper tail lamps.

New highlights include 17-inch “Queensland” alloy wheels and chrome grilles, front and rear fog lights, and LED tail lamp. Its Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights comes with automatic headlight activation with ‘Leaving Home’ and manual ‘Coming Home’ functions, and exterior mirror with environment lighting to assist drivers in dark areas. An addition to this system is the headlamp washer system for convenience and improved visibility.

Enhanced entertainment features

The new RCD330G head unit offers a wide range of connectivity options through a capacitive touch display, single CD player (WMA/MP3 compatible), USB and iPod interface, AUX-IN support, SD card slot, and Bluetooth connectivity for mobile and audio streaming. Volkswagen’s MirrorLink function in the new Jetta simplifies smartphone operations, making it more convenient and hands free for drivers.

###