It’s been spotted, confirmed, spotted again and teased, and now it’s finally ready for its big reveal – Volkswagen Malaysia has introduced the locally-assembled Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI at the Damansara Performing Arts Centre (DPAC) this evening. Unlike the CKD Polo 1.6 sedan and hatchback, the new model brings a still sizeable drop in price with virtually no reduction in equipment.
From the outside, the CKD Jetta appears virtually identical to the fully-imported model. Standard exterior kit includes 16-inch “Navarra” five-spoke alloy wheels, basic reflector headlights and front and rear fog lights – the same as before.
There have been a couple of equipment changes to the interior, however. Firstly, the RCD 310 audio system used on the CBU model has been replaced by the newer RCD 320 system from the locally-assembled Polos, gaining Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The controls for the Climatronic dual-zone climate control have also changed from the twin knobs of the current car to the triple knobs from the Mk7 Golf.
Otherwise, the inside sports the same equipment as on the CBU model, with “Black Pyramid” decorative inserts for the dashboard and door trim panel, “Sienna” fabric seat upholstery, a multi-function leather steering wheel and rear air-conditioning vents. The only major omission concerns the paddle shifters for the DSG transmission, which have been dropped from the CKD spec.
Under the bonnet remains the familiar 1.4 supercharged and turbocharged TSI four-cylinder producing 160 PS at 5,800 rpm and 240 Nm from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm, mated to the same seven-speed DSG transmission. As before, the 0-100 km/h sprint is done in 8.3 seconds and the top speed is 221 km/h, while the combined fuel consumption is 6.0 litres per 100 km.
Also unchanged is the safety kit, so the CKD Jetta retains six airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, ESP, hill-hold control, three-point seat belts for all occupants and ISOFIX child seat anchors on the rear seats.
Available in dealers from May 2 onwards, the locally-assembled Volkswagen Jetta retails at a fairly competitive RM130,888 nett, a reduction of RM21,000 over the imported model. As with all Volkswagens sold in Malaysia, the Jetta comes with a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty and a five-year 24-hour roadside assistance package.
Volkswagen Malaysia expects the C-segment sedan to be a significant contributor to its 2014 sales target of 20,000 units, with a projected full-year target of 3,300 units for the Jetta alone. The company claims the aforementioned 6.0 litres per 100 km fuel consumption figure would make the car eligible for Efficient Energy Vehicle (EEV) status, sliding under the Small Family Car category limit of 6.5 litres per 100 km
