Focus Or Jetta?

Anyone has been in similar situation deciding on these 2 cars? Any thoughts to share?

I test drove both. The Focus has great handling, but the engine and gearbox of the Jetta trumps the Focus by a large margin. Features wise is the Focus but some of them are fancy but not needed in my opinion. In a dilemma right now.

In terms of spare parts, I suspect both will be similarly priced?

Looks like you already decided on Jetta. All points you listed are leaning towards Jetta.

The Jetta is definately a great car but suffer from realibility of the DSG7 and the twincharge engine.

What is the discount now?

The Jetta cost 20k to 30k more than the Focus depending on the variant. Maybe VW is giving serious discounts on this car now.

Not sure what is VW strategy here as Jetta is priced comparably with Civic, Altis and Focus in other part of the world.

Civic, Altis and Focus are under AFTA and therefore enjoys preferential tariffs whereas VW cars are not. So, in buying a VW one is actually paying higher tax than a comparable car.

VW Malaysia would like to sell their cars at a lower price but they can't. Remember not long ago when VW have to increase the price of their Polo GTi by something like 34k? Yes, that's 34,000. I bet the sales of this car just died.

I'll go for the Jetta just for the mechanical refinement of the engine paired with the gearbox. With the current engine in the Focus, you will not fully enjoy the handling that the car offers.

I'm not too fussed with the claimed "reliability issues" that plague the DSG7. Treat the gearbox well and it will hold, especially with the improved mechatronic.

Of course, the above only applies if the Jetta is selling at almost the same price as the Focus (which I heard it is). At their RRPs, I'll go for the Focus.

Thanks for the input guys. Jetta is going for ~10k disc which brings it nearer to the Focus price range, but still ~16k difference between the two. Although my heart is on the Jetta, my head told me to rethink if it's worth it with the 16k difference.

I do like the Focus handling a lot though.

I would take the Focus Non plus version ............more saving there.

The DSG7 is a real issue, if can be solve then no worries but it seems like a time bomb as it will happen anytime even after rectification.

So far personally, I have change clutch pack and also done some minor issue. SC not the best either as overflow with problematic unit and normal service car.

If the DSG7 and TSI engine were reliable, I agree is one of the best engine and transmission combination in the segment.

Another thing to note interior space of Jetta is way more spacious than the Focus

I saw you post in both Ford and VW, to get response from respective boy-fans.

Let me try: 1.4TSI and DSG7 is fun to drive. Sometimes I take a longer route just for the fun of it. Handling is good enough. If need more sporty, need to charge to bigger rims or harder suspension.

I test drove the previous gen Ford Focus using diesel engine. Therefore, I may not qualify to comment on the new Focus. What I know is, it uses dual-clutch also, hence my expectation, it should be similiar to the DSG7 (let's not talk about the other DSG6 here). Anyone who has driving it, please comment.

But here are some comments from my friend who is driving the new Focus 2.0
- comes with all features, accessories. e.g. bluetooth, sync with phone mp3 or phonebook, whatever parking, etc. Jetta ? nothing. empty
- a bit more thirsty than Toyota Innova 2.0, same driving style. Jetta should be less thirsty.
- price is cheaper than Jetta
- resale value - both also not that good if to compare with T/H fan boys club.
- roadtax more expensive, but if you can afford a >rm100k car, you won't look at the extra few hundred per year for road tax.

Therefore, it can be a tough call. I would like to test drive the new Focus 2.0 though.