Volkswagen Jetta (CKD 2014) Launch


[Automobiles]

 
Headed over to the newly opened Damansara Performing Arts Centre in Damansara Perdana, Kuala Lumpur on 28 April 2014 for the launch of Volkswagen Group Malaysia and DRB-HICOM Berhad’s fourth and latest (CKD) Malaysian-assembled model, the Volkswagen Jetta .
The (CBU) Jetta has been one of the most popular Volkswagen models since its introduction in Malaysia in 2011 and with the launch of the new CKD Jetta, Volkswagen expects to capture even greater share of the Malaysian automobile 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.”
 
Volkswagen is gaining market share globally and in Malaysia
 
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”.
Simon then led us through the evolution of the Golf (which shares the same DNA as the Jetta) showing us the changes from the very first generation all the way up to the current generation.
 

Simon explaining the Golden Ratio which is integral to any successful design
We were then treated to a live sketch of the design of the car
The launch gambit featured a little musical performance which was quite entertaining
 
                                                                                       
Exterior
The Jetta holds true to the Volkswagen design DNA, featuring dynamic design lines that gives the car its sporty yet classy design. 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.
 
Engine and Performance
The Jetta combines a 1.4l twin-charged direct petrol injection TSI engine (same as the Golf TSI) with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (the only car in its class with a 7-speed gearbox) that gives an impressive output of 160PS and a torque of 240Nm between 1,500 to 4,500rpm. I’ve actually test driven the Golf TSI before and it offers very generous amounts of torque. Of course the Jetta is slightly heavier but I expect the performance to be almost similar. Will confirm this fact once I’ve had the chance to test drive this new Jetta. 
Volkswagen claims that the Jetta is able to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 8.3 seconds and capable of reaching a top speed of 221kphT. he 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 pretty fuel efficient.
 
                                            
 
Enhanced Entertainment Features
The Jetta’s entertainment features 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 quality speakers.
 
Safety Features
The Jetta is 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 Jetta also features safety-optimized front head restraints and child seat anchorage points (ISOFIX system).
 
Interior
The interior 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 Jetta also includes auto-dimming rear view mirror, cruise control, auto power windows for all four doors, glove compartment with cooling functions and 510 litres of trunk space.
The Jetta’s seats are furnished with ‘Sienna’ fabric seat upholstery, and the front seats are height adjustable, while the rear comes with 60/40 foldable seats. Other features include 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.
 

 
The Jetta is available in four colour choices: Candy White, Platinum Grey, Reflex Silver and Deep Black. 
The (CKD) Malaysian-assembled Jetta is available for booking at all Volkswagen dealerships in Peninsular Malaysia from 2 May 2014 priced at  RM130,888.00
For more information, head over to www.volkswagen.com.my
 
Photos taken with the Sony RX1. More info on the RX1 and other Sony cameras at http://bit.ly/1eLboU1