Volkswagen launches 3 new models in Malaysia

[Won]

Thanks to ZerotoHundred, I had the opportunity to participate in VW's media launch of three new models. You've probably seen the teasers in the newspapers already; the new models are the 1.8TSI Passat (RM184,888), 1.4TSI Cross Touran (RM166,888), and the 1.4TSI Jetta (RM149,888).

Whilst all three carry the TSI badge, only the Cross Touran and Jetta are twin-charged models. The Passat comes as a 1.8 turbo. The Passat's powerplant produces 160PS and 250Nm, whilst the Jetta has an identical 160PS, but a smidgen less torque, at 240Nm. The Cross Touran is the least powerful in this trio and has 'only' 140PS, 220Nm. All three have 7-speed DSG boxes, and will be CBU from Germany. As standard, they will come with a 2-year manufacturer warranty, plus 3-years extended warranty.

I've just gotten back from the media trip to Penang (and need some time to mentally process the events); stay tuned for updates on how all three models performed on the roads!

 

[Kevin Lee]

hey did u dropped by ipoh today, LOL

i think we might have missed each other

what i saw!

http://www.zerotohundred.com/newforums/your-shots/390578-vw-jetta-and-passat-shots.html

not to hijack ur thread anyways, but yeah

 

[lexus_6666]

So, this is it ??

 

[neo8255]

the price not really attractive...

 

[skazareth]

huh?!

 

[Won]

I'm working on a write-up of the drive and will have it up before the weekend is over.

Price-wise (at least for the Passat and Jetta); I feel that these will be serious competition of their Japanese rivals. Especially considering they are CBU from Germany. Plus, the 5-years warranty is definitely an attractive extra.

 

[Kevin Lee]

i had a look at the car in ipoh yesterday and i agree. the boot space, 510 litres , is very much attractive in the jetta! that trumps the honda city, civic and c-class as well. thats a price difference of 100k from a c200 cgi!! as long as u dont mind fabric seats and halogen lights.

0-100 acceleration is equal on the c200 and the jetta, so for 100k savings, for a car that looks like an a4, i think its worth it. 5 years warranty justify all the headache

 

[tiganasfx]

CKD version of the Passat and Jetta will be coming soon. Expect the price to come down. Last one will be the Polo Sedan which will compete with Vios/City.

 

[t_danker]

I went to the VW showroom last week and the lady told me that the CKD Jetta won't come with the 1.4TSI and DSG gearbox. It will come with a 1.8 instead. VW does not want to share certain technologies with DRB-Hicome.

Can someone vouch for this?

 

[Kevin Lee]

wah, that could be possibly true!! if that happens, then the first batch vw would be awesome buy

 

[tiganasfx]

I went to the VW showroom last week and the lady told me that the CKD Jetta won't come with the 1.4TSI and DSG gearbox. It will come with a 1.8 instead. VW does not want to share certain technologies with DRB-Hicome.

Can someone vouch for this?

Hmm if that's the case then it will be a big letdown. How to compete with the Japs and Koreans?

 

[t_danker]

Hmm if that's the case then it will be a big letdown. How to compete with the Japs and Koreans?

yup. but it is still mere speculation. maybe she said that just to boost the currently launched CBU models? we'll just have to wait.

 

[Won]

I suppose that will remain as speculation from now. This question was not posed to VW during the press conference, nor was it mentioned at all. I guess time will tell all.

As it is now, the Jetta and Passat are already priced at a RM10k-15k premium of it's Japanese rivals; giving consumers one extra option when considering to buy a Honda or Toyota.

 

[Kevin Lee]

were u guys allowed to break the speed limit during the drive? just asking

 

[Won]

We were not told to break the speed limit, but once we had some freedom, I know most of us tested this:

Will write more on this in my review.

 

[Kevin Lee]

thats something that caught u red handed and gonna be bad rep with the vw guys! LOL

but yeah, how was the suspension setup, floaty or firm?

 

[jimmyae101]

it hot...but over my budget...

 

[Ghomo_duck]

the left one look like the saga BLM new model. isnt it?

 

[Izso]

the left one look like the saga BLM new model. isnt it?

I think it's just a trick of the camera. It's not at all in person

 

[BE5RSK]

Good. At least got strong potential to break the stronghold dominance of Toyota-Honda in RM 130k-RM 180k range price.

Anyway, I am quite sad they didn't offer Passat and Jetta in diesel variant. For those who experienced drove VW with TDi engine before, will understand my disappointment. Nevertheless, TSI engine still offer a lot of driving excitement.

 

[Izso]

Besersk, the problem with diesel is our poor quality diesel. Not that they don't want to offer the car, its not economically viable to offer it since diesel cars will need pretty decent diesel fuel (specifically Euro level) otherwise car manufacturers will expect very high service / warranty issues

 

[tiganasfx]

I am at the sc at ttdi. SA told me the ckd version will use the same tsi engines but probably slightly cheaper. They dun have the full details yet.

Also the polo sedan will be approximately rm 90k.
Tested the passat, not bad solid, slightly sluggish but to be expected for a d segment. Better than a camry 2.4.

 

[Won]

On the subject of diesel, Iszo is absolutely spot on. This question was also raised by the media during the press conference. The official reply from VGM is that they are still in the midst of conducting their feasibility studies, and that current diesel quality offered here is not at a decent enough standard.

 

[BE5RSK]

Thanks Iszo and r3k4hsttub for the explanations

Perhaps now it's time for Petronas, Shell, BHP, etc starts to improve their diesel quality.

 

[kfchoo]

Had bought Jetta (RED colour) before CNY 2012.

A great car.

Just to share... A few good points and bad points of this Jetta.

Good pts:
- Euro Cert. Safety Car
- 1.4 CC Twin-Turbo Charged with 7 Speed TSI
We drove the car from KL-IPOH-PENANG-KL during CNY 2012, we spent total 7 days. We paid about RM300 for the fuel for the entire journey.

- Fuel efficient
- Feature packed.

Bad pts:
- Interior looks cheap as it looks like made of plastic.
- Soundproof not up to my expectation (110KM/h you can hear the noise of the wind)
- Non leather seat (considering the price at 150K)
- As big as Civic/Altis
- Customer Service no good. (hate their staff)



Overall, I am still highly recommend this car over Japanese car. With the price tag at 150K, it has more plus points than other Japanese/Korean Cars in the market.

---------- Post added at 01:45 PM ---------- 6 hour anti-bump limit - Previous post was at 01:24 PM ----------

I think it is still worth considering despite a 10-15K more expensive than Japanese car. It offers the best of its class like safety, technology, and quality. Btw, Jetta is imported from Mexico not Germany in case if you not aware.