Previously known as the Vento and Bora, the VW Jetta arrived in the global car market in 1979. It was a sedan that bridged the gap with buyers looking for Golf build and drive dynamics but missing the added versatility of a large boot. So the Jetta was born as a Golf with a boot. Auto Dunia (the previous VW dealer, before the 1990’s) sold the Vento as a 1.6 auto and later a few Bora’s. Then some 6 years ago the Jetta 1.6 auto arrived with limited success as the Golf overshadowed its appeal with Malaysians. Now things are set to change.
In Europe, Jetta sales have never exceeded more than Golf sales, however among drivers of North America, the Middle East and China, the Jetta has been more enthusiastically received; in 32 years, more than 10 million have been sold. The name changes include: Atlantic, City Jetta, Jetta City, Sagitar, Fox and GLI.
Designed under the direction of Klaus Bischoff (head of design for the Volkswagen brand) and Walter de Silva (design chief for the entire Volkswagen Group), the latest version of the Jetta is 3.4 inches longer, 0.3 inch lower, and the same 70.1 inches wide. Volkwagen claims the extra length results in a 2.6-inch increase in rear-seat legroom. Built in Puebla, Mexico, the Jetta uses a lot of Golf in its construction, but with an additional 2.8in in its wheelbase and 3.5in of extra overall length, the cabin has more space. It’s a pretty spacious sort of car. The seats are comfortable, too. The rears even split and fold flat so you can pretend your Jetta is as useful and sexy as a Golf.
The cabin looks initially like the Golf’s, but close inspection will reveal a bigger space and more features. The 1.4-litre TSI engine puts out a decent 158bhp and shares its mechanicals with the Golf TSI. Priced now at RM149,888 a test drive will have you convinced. Rivals like the Nissan Slyphy, Toyota Altis, Honda Civic and the Lancer will have a hard time convincing buyers to ignore this Jetta.
