2014 Volkswagen Jetta CKD Test Drive Review

2014 Volkswagen Jetta CKD Test Drive Review

by -

It’s been four years since the CKD deal between Volkswagen and DRB-Hicom was signed, and the first wave of locally-assembled Volkswagen models promised during that signing ceremony are now complete, with the Jetta this year finally rolling out from Pekan alongside the Passat, Polo Sedan, and Polo 1.6 Hatchback.

To recap, Volkswagen had earlier launched the Jetta in Malaysia as a fully-imported model back in 2012 together with the Passat CBU and CrossTouran. It was a time when the Volkswagen brand was on a high, riding an irresistible wave of momentum generated by double-digit growths. The CKD Jetta unfortunately arrives in more tumultuous times for the brand, which is being besieged with customer complaints on reliability issues and less-than-prompt after sales.

One of the last models of VW’s PQ35 platform that’s being superseded by the Golf 7 MQB platform.


Initiatives are currently in place to address these issues; 10 certified master technicians were recently flown in from HQ in Germany to help local technicians solve customer issues more effectively. The company also recently announced heavily discounted parts replacement prices for DSG-related maintenance items to help ease burden on the owners. Time will ultimately judge the long term effectiveness of these measures, and we wish the company and customers well on this matter.

Coming back to the Jetta, its switch to local assembly this year has brought about a RM20,000 price reduction that places it smack dab in C-segment heartland going head on against 2.0-litre variants of the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. Discounted pre-reg models go for even less and DSG problems notwithstanding, the question we now ask is whether the Jetta is worth a punt or if it is wiser to stick to established choices.

VW claims to have resolved issues with its DSG, but time will tell if they have been effective.


CKD vs CBU

Externally, there is no way to tell the new Jetta CKD from its CBU predecessor. Actual difference manifests itself in your bank account where, as mentioned earlier, savings to the tune of RM20,000 are yours to enjoy. From RM150k previously, you can now have a Jetta parked on your driveway for RM135k thereabouts with insurance factored in – that’s less money than both the Toyota Corolla Altis and Honda Civic in their most expensive guises.

Mechanical elements are unaltered with the venerable PQ35 platform continuing to underpin its architecture. Rear suspension is independent, which makes its measured boot space of 510 litres a very remarkable packaging feat indeed. Not all Jettas around the world are independently sprung however – North American examples utilize rear torsion beams, before a recent facelift anyway. The Malaysia-spec Jetta more closely mirrors its European counterparts in comparison, which is fine by us.

Tail end has uncanny resemblance to the Audi A4.


The sole engine offered with the Jetta in our market requires little introduction by now. Volkswagen’s EA111 1.4-litre twincharged direct injection mill has access to a fairly potent 158hp and 240Nm – making it comfortably the most powerful engine in the Jetta’s price range. Owing to its associated complexities and high cost, Volkswagen is actually phasing this engine out. It is nevertheless noteworthy that successive iterations of the International Engine of the Year Awards continue to pick the EA111 over its EA211 replacement in the 1.0- to 1.4-litre category award.

Amenities package of the Jetta CKD is largely similar to its CBU predecessor. Pekan-built Jettas have to make do without paddle shifters that were previously provided, but an uprated audio head unit now provides USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Safety is comprehensively covered with six airbags, electronic stability control, and ISOFIX mounts provided as standard, and items of convenience include auto-dimming rear view mirror, cruise control, and dual-zone climate control with rear vents.

Chest and feet blowers for rear passengers.


Driving Experience

The Jetta’s unassuming looks makes it easy for one to dismiss its talents, but doing so would be a monumental mistake indeed – remember that this car brings class-leading outputs to the table. A claimed 8.3-second century sprint tells only half the tale – the ridiculous ease which the Jetta propels itself to unfeasible speeds is utterly hilarious and if you drive it with a leaden foot, acceleration is both instantaneous and relentless.

There is a school of thought that one of the underlying reasons behind Volkswagen’s DSG woes is that the transmission is not suited for low speed stop-and-go driving and such transmissions are actually best driven at the scruff of their proverbial necks. Like housewife’s remedies, such claims are not backed by any scientific proof, but there is no denying that the DSG really shines in the way it channels the engine’s rich vein of torque into a seamless stream of acceleration.

The suspension feels masterfully tuned as well; it shows some rough edges if compared to the newer MQB-based Golf 7 but against the competition, only the Ford Focus and perhaps the new Mazda3 has the prerequisite to trouble the Jetta’s dynamics. The chassis demonstrates admirable poise and composure, although the aging Continental CPC2 tyres of our test car were found struggling for grip when pushed hard around corners. The suspension also demonstrates good pliancy over poor surfaces, a trait surely aided by a sensible selection in tyre size – 205/55 R16.

Halogen reflector headlamps looking outdated in a time when xenon projectors are in vogue.


Verdict

Many cars in the market today have looks that write cheques that their engines and chassis can’t cash; they end up disappointing when the driving experience do not tally with their provocative looks. The Jetta is the anti-thesis of that scenario; in a day and age where most car makers try to tempt customers with promises of verve and dynamism, Volkswagen seem almost methodical in attempting to steer the Jetta in the opposite direction.

A lack of flair in its design thoroughly masks the abundance of driving talent at the Jetta’s disposal. From a mechanical standpoint, its combination of explosive performance and frugal economy with finely calibrated dynamics is the Jetta’s biggest USP and makes it a difficult package to ignore for anyone who enjoys a good driving experience.


1 COMMENT

Leave a Reply