Focus Or Jetta?

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.

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'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.

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.

DC18, you own a Jetta? You are right on the Focus rear space being quite cramped compared to Jetta.

Yar i have both Jetta and MK2 Focus.

If u have young family then focus if u have teenage child then jetta

So far I have not change the mechatronic yet for Jetta.

What year is your Jetta? You have the DSG issue?

I have young kids but they will be teenagers later as I would like to keep the car for about 10 years. Another reason to bend towards Jetta.

Thanks boboi. Indeed a tough call. That's why I hope to get some opinions here before I decide. The main thing bothering me about the Jetta is the potential DSG issue, but so far I don't hear much for Jetta. Touch wood.

Main setback on the Focus (at least to me) is the lack of rear passenger space. The hatchback looks better than the sedan, but it has quite a miserable boot for a family. I also hear some complains about juddering at low speed. Not sure if that's related to dual-clutch issues similar to DSG.

Kevin, there's still a gap in price, about 16k. I am worried about the DSG issue. What I heard is that 2013 models will have the new mechatronic SW in place, hence should solve the problem, but I can't confirm this.

Do you own a VW? Which model?

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.