BY THE time this article goes to print, I will be on my way to Penang with a large group of motoring and lifestyle journalists who have been invited to test out the three exciting new Volkswagen models.
If you are on the way back from Penang today, you might see a huge convoy of the new Jetta, Passat B7 and the large Cross Touran MPV cruising down the highway.
Volkswagen Group Malaysia is showing its aggressive business stance by launching not one or two but three models at the same time.
Prices are not announced as yet, and there was a media embargo until Oct 19 – so this news comes as fresh as fresh can be.
The Jetta
The new Volkswagen Jetta is a totally new design and is a compact four-door sedan set to give the likes of the Honda Civic and Toyota Altis a run for customers’ pocketbooks.
What it offers is seating for four or five, and top-of-the-class engineering and technology.
The Jetta for Malaysia comes with the same 160 horsepower, 240Nm torque TSi engine and transmission found in the Golf and Scirocco TSi.
This means an uncommon combination of outstanding fuel economy coupled with equally outstanding acceleration.
The seven-speed DSG transmission is actually a manual gearbox that behaves like an automatic – without the fuel-consuming transmission slip usually associated with automatics.
Standard equipment includes ESP (electronic stability programme), TCS (traction control system) and EDL (electronic differential lock).
Top speed is mooted at 221kph, with a zero to 100kph sprint done in 8.3 seconds.
With a kerb weight of 1,417kg, the promise is 5.2 litres per 100km for extra-urban usage, 7.5 litres per 100km for urban usage, and 6.0 litres per 100km for combined usage.
Wheelbase is 2,651mm and the car is shod with 205/55 R16 tyres.
The Passat B7
The new Passat B7 is mooted to be the most comfortable Passat ever, and is a four-door C-segment sedan, and promises to be a good car for long hauls.
Fitted with a 1.8-litre turbocharged engine, it has a power output of 180 horsepower and 250Nm of torque. Mated to this engine is a seven-speed DSG, and the good news is, it comes with paddle shifters.
This level of performance makes it an exciting car for people who love to drive but want to have a sedan for respectability.
Safety-wise, there is a multitude of airbags for front, side and rear passengers. Not to be left out is the ESP, EDL, ABS and EBD.
Convenience features such as park distance control, rain sensor and electrically-controlled front seats come as standard equipment with the Passat.
Top speed is claimed at 220kph, with zero to 100kph acceleration time of 8.5 seconds.
It is shod with 17-inch wheels and tips the scales at 1,587kg.
The Cross Touran
The Cross Touran is a sporty MPV with sporty SUV-type looks, high-ground clearance and yet promises sedan-like behaviour when driving.
Seating capacity is for seven, with possibilities for countless seat configurations – something that people with extended families or who need to carry stuff would appreciate.
Its most gung-ho feature will probably be its panoramic glass sunroof, always a hit with children.
The 17-inch wheels give it a sporty look besides enhancing driving dynamics.
Bi-xenon lights are standard, as are six airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP and EDL.
The heart of the Cross Touran is a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine but it is de-tuned to 140 horsepower, with maximum torque rated at 220Nm available from as low as 1,250rpm through to 4,500rpm.
Drive is transmitted to the wheels through a seven-speed DSG. Acceleration from zero to 100kph is claimed at 9.8 seconds with a top speed of 194kph.
Beginning today, the new models will be displayed at all Volkswagen showrooms in the country – so make an effort to go check these lovelies out.
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