Since its introduction in Malaysia in 2011, the Volkswagen Jetta has been one of Volkswagen’s most popular models among Malaysians, ranking amongst the best mid-size sedans available in the market.
Although they are not built to satisfy your performance cravings like the Golf R, it’s hard to deny the fact that they’re awfully vanilla even by vanilla standards.
Let’s face it, for as reliable as they are, the Jetta was long overdue for a refresh, especially when its rivals are tempting buyers with more compelling products, like the new Honda Civic for instance.
Last month, Volkswagen Malaysia brought in the refreshed Jetta into our local market, that comes with a restyled look, added equipment, as well as the introduction of a new 1.4 TSI engine. Available in three trim levels; Highline, Comfortline and Trendline, the locally assembled Jetta is now priced between RM108,990 to RM128,990.
At first glance, it’s hard to notice much difference in the new Jetta and even with a makeover, the Jetta continues to appear like a vanilla ride with its subtle and understated look. However, upon closer inspection of the car and after spending a couple of hours driving behind a half dozen new Jettas, I started to notice some aesthetic changes.
The top-of-the-line Jetta (Highline) as tested here comes with a redesigned front grille, new Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, new front and rear fog lights, new LED tail lamps, and a set of new 17-inch alloy wheels.
Aside from that, Volkswagen also added some new nifty features in the new Jetta like automatic headlight activation with ‘Leaving Home’ and manual ‘Coming Home’ functions, exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, headlamp washer system and heat insulated windshield, side and rear windows.
Under the hood, all variants are powered by a new 1.4-litre TSI single-turbocharged engine that delivers a total output of 147hp and 250Nm of torque between 1,500 to 3,500rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via an improved 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG). As a result, the Jetta can perform the century sprint in 8.6 seconds while top speed is limited at 220km/h.
In comparison, the previous model it replaces features a 4-litre twin-charged unit (a supercharger and a turbocharger) direct petrol injection TSI engine, paired with a 7-speed direct shift gearbox (DSG). It churns out 157hp and a torque of 240Nm between 1,500 to 4,500rpm and it performs much quicker 0-100 km/h sprint in just 8.3 seconds, while top speed is limited at 221 km/h.
I can still remember having tested the previous Jetta model back in 2014. About two years later at the present time, it was my turn again to test the new Jetta. This time around, Volkswagen Malaysia organized selected motoring journalists on a day trip test drive from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca and back covering more than 200km.
Although the new Jetta is down 10hp compared to its predecessor, the new engine didn’t feel underpowered at all, in fact, it is much torquier than before thanks to the 10Nm of additional torque.
It proved to be quite enjoyable to be driven vigorously on the highway where my driving partner, who’s a motoring journalist from a well-known publication pushed the sedan all the way to its top speed on our way back from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur. Whilst I was clinging on my seat and praying for dear life, I could tell that my co-driver (below) certainly had the best time of his life from behind the wheel of the Jetta from his huge grin.
The Jetta also did a great job when tackling corners, with excellent grip and handle turns effortlessly with minimal body roll. The brakes and the steering wheel response are relatively quick, however, I noticed a lag in gear changing where the transmission may stay in high gear too long before it shifts to a low gear.
The rest of the driving experience is pretty much similar to its predecessors. The overall ride is extremely comfortable where the Jetta was able to soak up major road bumps and rough patches I’ve encountered during my test drive session with aplomb.
In terms of fuel economy, the new Jetta is built to meet the needs of the buyers looking for a frugal fuel consumption and low running cost. According to the automaker, the Jetta is EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle) certified thanks to features such as start stop function, regenerative braking and coasting function.
Volkswagen claims the new Jetta’s combined fuel consumption has been improved to approximately 5.0l/100 km, compared to 6.0l/100 km for the model it replaces, of course, only if it is driven moderately.
Inside the cabin, there are a few changes and added features found in the new Jetta such as a KESSY (Keyless Entry & Smart Start System) and leather multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters.
Perhaps the most important improvements found inside the cabin are the new infotainment system, because let’s face it, in this day and age, technologies can become obsolete over a night time. Volkswagen has replaced the previous infotainment system found in the previous model and replace it with a new 5-inch touch screen display with MirrorLink that enables you to access some apps, music, podcast and etc. from your smartphone. Aside from that, the Jetta also comes with USB and iPod interface and Bluetooth connectivity for mobile and audio streaming.
Elsewhere inside the cabin, the Jetta is largely unchanged compared to its predecessor. Standard to the Jetta includes auto-dimming rear view mirror, cruise control, auto power windows and cooled glove compartment.
In terms of creature comforts, the new Jetta remains a comfortable and relaxing sedan to be driven thanks to its plush seats that now offers leather upholstery and a 12-way electric driving adjustment. Rear seat passengers will also be able to enjoy a pleasant journey thanks to the height adjustable armrest with rear air- conditioner vents that will cool you down quickly especially when entering the car in a sunny afternoon.
Safety wise, Volkswagen offers a much more comprehensive passive and active safety package in the new Jetta to keep its driver and occupants safe at all times. This includes multi-collision brakes, brake disc wipers, 6 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, it also 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 as a standard feature in all trim levels.
If you’re the type of consumer who aren’t conscious about style and seeking for a comfortable C-segment sedan that’s fuel-efficient at the same time, the Volkswagen Jetta might be just right up your alley. It may lack of the performance driving factor but it isn’t underpowered either, good enough for you to overtake someone when in a hurry.
Combine all that with a more affordable price tag than the previous Jetta introduced 2014, this newly refreshed Jetta, especially the Highline trim as tested here is surely a great value for money and worth a look.
