We announced earlier that the VW Jetta CKD will launch last month, and that didn’t happen. Volkswagen Group Malaysia finally unveiled the Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI CKD, priced at RM21,000 lower than the CBU model. The good news is, the engine and gearbox remain the same as the import model.
QUICK FACTS
Name | Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI – CKD |
Segment | C-segment Sedan |
Engine | 1,390cc In-line 4, TSI (twincharger) engine |
Max Power | 158hp @ 5,800 rpm |
Max Torque | 240Nm @ 1,500 – 4,500 rpm |
Price | RM 130,888 |
The long overdue locally-assembled C-segment car, which was initially said to be rolling out from the Pekan plant right after the Passat in 2012 is finally here. The VW Jetta is Volkswagen’s fourth CKD model in Malaysia. Joining in the already-crowded C-segment market, competition is stiff with mostly Japanese contenders leading the pack.
With its powerplant maintained, no significant changes are made to this Completely Knocked Down model. If you pay enough attention, you will realize the paddle shifters are no longer there and you do get a new RCD 320 radio with 6-speakers.Â
EXTERIOR
On the front, a pair of headlights with automatic activation, ‘Leaving Home’ and manual ‘Coming Home’ function. Chrome double-line grille, heated exterior mirror with integrated turn signals, 16-inch “Navarra” allow wheels, front & rear park distance control PDC and twin exhaust pipes.
INTERIOR
Inside the car is the conventional VW cabin design, that shouts simplicity with practicality. As mentioned earlier, the audio system is now “RCD 320” with USB port, iPod interface, SD card slot, Aux-in, Bluetooth and 6-speakers. The trunk space has 510 litres of space, there’s auto-dimming interior rear mirror, ‘Black Pyramid’ decorative inserts for dashboard and door trim panel, ‘Climatronic’ air conditioning system, cruise control, glove compartment with cooling function, leather shift knob and handbrake lever, and multi-function display ‘plus’.
The upholstery and seats are wrapped with ‘Sienna’ fabric and the steering wheel is multi-functional and wrapped in leather. Rear passengers get rear air conditioning vents as well.
SAFETY
The VW Jetta does come fitted with plenty of safety feature. First of, the VW Jetta is fitted with 6-airbags which is pretty impressive. It also has ABS with Brake Assist (BA), Electronic stability control (ESC), hill-hold control, rain sensor and speed sensitive electromechanical power steering.
PERFORMANCE
Under the hood is the 1.4-litre, 4-cylinder TSI engine, which is both turbocharged and supercharged. Together with its 7-speed DSG engine, it produces 158 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. This may give a slightly different driving feel as compared to Japanese and Koreans C-segment cars.
WHAT ELSE?
Volkswagen Group Malaysia invited Simon Loasby, Director of Design, VW Group China to give us an insight of how Volkswagen group come out with its unique identity in all their cars. He also sketched out the front facade of the Jetta, and at the same time explaining the importance of proportion and straight lines in VW’s car design.
The Malaysian-assembled Volkswagen Jetta 1.4 TSI is priced at RM130,888 which is RM21,000 lower than the CBU unit of RM151,888. With the introduction of the fourth CKD model in Malaysia, VGM reckons it will help elevate sales figures in Malaysia. The VW Jetta 1.4 TSI will be available in showrooms nationwide starting 2 May, 2014.
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