Volkswagen Jetta facelift launched in Malaysia, priced from RM109k!



The Volkswagen Jetta first landed on our shores in 2011 and back then it was literally miles ahead of its competitors thanks to its TSI and DSG combination. Sales were going up so much so that Volkswagen Passenger Car Malaysia (VPCM) decided to assemble their C-segment sedan at their Pekan plant. However, five years down the road, the Jetta is in a dire need of a refresh.

After weeks of teasing of the facelifted Jetta, VPCMhas finally broke the covers here at Volkswagen Glenmarie. This time, in similar fashion as the Vento, VPCM has offered the Jetta in three different trims – Comfortline, Trendline and Highline.

QUICK FACTS

Name Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI Trendline Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI Comfortline Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI Highline
Engine

1,395cc; inline-4 turbo with BlueMotion technology

Transmission

7-speed DSG

Max Power

148 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm

Max Torque

250 Nm @ 1,500 – 3,500 rpm

0 – 100km/h; Top Speed

8.6 seconds; 220 km/h

Price (OTR without insurance) RM108,990 RM117,990 RM128,990

Although VPCM terms this Jetta as a facelift model, the sedan has gone through considerable amount of changes not only aesthetically but also mechanically. However, the dimensions of this Jetta dittos the pre-facelift model.

EXTERIOR

Like its younger sibling the Vento, the Jetta now sports a more matured design, similar to the D-segment Passat. The front now gets a three bar grille, reshaped front bumper that houses new halogen fog lamps and new design headlamps. At the rear, a pair of LED combination tail lights with new graphics can be found. Other subtler revisions include a new 280TSI badge located at the lower corner of the boot where the old TSI badge used to sit.

Standard across all variants are front and rear fog lamps, LED rear license plate lamps, twin exhaust tailpipes and power folding, heated side mirrors as well as heat insulated windows.

Only two ways to tell the three variants apart starting from the wheels and headlamps. The Trendline and Comfortline rides on 16-inch alloys (Sedona and Navarra design respectively) wrapped in 205/55 section rubbers. These two variants also get a simpler manual levelling halogen reflector headlamps with daytime running lights (halogen not LED). Only the Comfortline comes with automatic headlamps with “Leaving Home” function.

The more expensive Highline on the other hand gets a Passat-derived automatic Bi-Xenon headlamps with “U”-shaped LED daytime running lights. A 17-inch “Queensland” design alloys with low profile 225/45 section tyres are fitted on this variant instead.

INTERIOR

VPCM has done some minor updates to the interior to keep the Jetta relevant in today’s market. Starting from the Trendline, you get leather wrapped steering wheel, RCD 220 head unit with six speakers, rear air vents and fabric seats. Unfortunately, much of the pre-facelift Jetta’s equipment are not present in the Trendline. Among those omissions are steering wheel multifunction controls, cruise control and automatic climate control. However, remember that the Trendline costs almost RM22k cheaper than the outgoing model.

Stepping up onto Comfortline, the equipment levels are on par with the previous Jetta. On top of what the Trendline is equipped with, this middle spec Jetta adds on multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, cooled glovebox and an updated 5-inch RCD330G touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and MirrorLink.

Lastly in the highest trim, the Highline comes with a variety of additional features that puts it on par with its main rivals. First thing that stands out in this top spec model is the leather upholstery that comes with a 12-way powered adjustment for the driver seat. It also comes equipped with keyless entry and start. In typical Volkswagen fashion, the start button is located by the gear leaver. In addition to that, auto-dimming rear view mirror, cruise control and paddle shifters are added into the mix.

PERFORMANCE

Under the hood, the Jetta is updated with a new 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged engine similar to the Golf. Despite dropping the twincharge set up of the pre-facelift model, this turbocharged mill is capable of 148 hp and 250 Nm. In a straight line, this Jetta will hit the 100km/h mark in 8.6 seconds all the way to a top speed of 220 km/h.

These figures make the Jetta on par with the ninth-generation Audi A4 1.4 TFSI! It has the highest amount of torque in its class. Thanks to its BlueMotion technology, regenerative braking and auto start/stop function, all three Jetta will return 5.0 litres of fuel per 100 km. As such, this locally assembled Jetta is qualified for EEV incentives from the government.

SAFETY

While the Trendline and Comfortline see the omission of a good amount of equipment, VPCM certainly did not skim on safety features. As standard, all three variants will get six airbags, ABS with brake assist, ESC, hill-hold control, brake pad wear monitor, ISOFIX mounting points and Volkswagen Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS).

WHAT ELSE?

The asking prices of the Jetta you see here is already inclusive of EEV-incentives. Regardless of variant, buyers will have four exterior colours to choose from – Candy White, Platinum Grey, Reflex Silver and Deep Black.

Buyers will also have a peace of mind in their Jetta with a 5-Year manufacturer’s warranty and five-years roadside assistance in the event of an unfortunate breakdown. The service interval for the Jetta is also optimised to every 15,000 km.


IMAGE GALLERY

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.4TSI HIGHLINE