Volkswagen on July 17 launched the globally-popular Jetta sedan in India.
However, unlike previously believed, the Volkswagen Jetta is not priced to take on Honda City and Maruti SX4 in India. The cheapest Jetta 1.6L starts at 12.97 lakhs (petrol, Delhi), the Jetta Trendline diesel is priced at 13.22 lakh while the high end version, the 1.9 diesel TDI Comfortline model with DSG automatic transmission will cost as much at Rs 17 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi).
The Volkswagen Jetta comes with three variants and 2 engines in India. The first is a 1.6 litre petrol and the second a 1.9 litre diesel pump deuse engine. At the current price, Volkswagen Jetta will compete with the Honda Civic, the lower models of the Skoda and the Camry.
The Volkswagen Jetta can reach a top speed of 187 kmph, which we think is a bit slow when compared to other cars which can attain nearly the same speed for a few lakhs less. The Jetta will come in 2 versions Trendline and Comfortline. The petrol Trendline Jetta comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox while the higher version - diesel Comfortline - will sport a six-speed automatic gearshift. The petrol Jetta, claims Volkswagen, can accelerate from standstill to 100 kmph in just 12.2 seconds, while the diesel Jetta will reach the same speed in 11.8 seconds.
Airbags are standard in the Volkswagen Jetta, though the full set of eight airbags are reserved for the higher diesel Comfortline model only. There are arm rests in the front as well as the rear, a quiet comfort while you go on long drives. The retractable armrests have thoughtfully-integrated storage space and cupholders. The Jetta has 2 AC vents at the rear too, besides 2-zone climate control. For added convenience, the Jetta incorporates coming-home and leaving-home lighting and rain sensors on windshields.
For safety, Volkswagen has loaded the Jetta with anti-lock braking system (ABS) and the Electronic Stabilisation Program with steering assist. The car comes with a built-in anti-theft system.
The design of the Jetta mostly sticks to the model being sold abroad. The Jetta has a sporty radiator grille, elegant chrome trim on the side windows (Comfortline) and colour-keyed bumpers, door handles and door mirror housings with integral twin signals.
Functions like opening and closing windows, boot etc can be done with a remote control in the Jetta. The interiors are spacious and the glove box come with a cooling facility. The VW Jetta’s digital display gives information about average speed, fuel consumption and range. The Jetta boot can hold a total of 527 litres.
Though a good car in many respects, we feel the Volkswagen Jetta is overpriced. The high price has more to do with the fact that components of Jetta are imported from Mexico and assembled at Skoda’s Aurangabad factory. Once Volkswagen completes its Chakan plant and start sourcing spares from Indian suppliers, as it has promised, we feel the Jetta can be priced lower to offer strong competition in the Rs 9 lakh- Rs 11 lakh segment. It’s a good car, which deserves to be sold to a lot more people.
July 18th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
love to own volkswagon jetta..but wat abt mileage?
July 18th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
well i think the price for 1.6l petrol is quite high as compared too other cars b’coz the top speed and the bhp power is more or less equal to honda city, but there’s a lot of variation b/w their price, this will put the sales down in indian market., what the indians expect is cheap and best., looking for ur reply!!!
July 20th, 2008 at 6:02 am
its definitely overpriced…. the features seems standard… still looking for a value proposition / differentiation to buy this car….
July 20th, 2008 at 7:46 am
The price is a killer, I was looking for a price range in between 9-11Lks. I will settle for a Honda Civic.
July 20th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
looking for a automatic petrol car in the price range of honda civic.i would have gone in for the civic other than its low ground clearence and i feel its become a bit too common a sight on the roads and is losing the exclusivity that im looking for.i was expecting the jetta petrol to be a automatic (the upper end diesel is automatic),but will await the launch in delhi which is on the 23rd before deciding which of the two.
i think the price is right ,its a german product.wld like your advice too.
July 21st, 2008 at 12:19 pm
The Prices of Both the Petrol and Diesel Versions relesed in India are very very Exorbitant to say the least. At least with these Prices, it will be very difficult to make an impact in the C-Segment in India.Already this segment is crowded and with this kind of Pricing Strategy,the future of Jetta looks pretty tough.Incidentally VW Passat,I was told, also could not make much impact.
Any reduction in price is expected?
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:30 am
Volkswagen managers seem to realize that they can extract more money than justifiable from the Indian customers. Abroad a Jetta is priced around Rs.7-9 lakhs. This is no accidence considering that they positioned the Czech Skoda - a no frills car in Europe - also positioned as a premium luxury machine in India with a matching price tag.
July 25th, 2008 at 6:21 am
I have received any indication about a reduction in the Price.Also 10 th generation Toyata Corolla with 1.8 Ltr Engine is Debuing in Sept08 with a price tag indicated at below 13.00 lacs with amazing features.
Paying 13.00 lacs for a 1.6 Ltr enngine car is an unwise decission somebody has to make,considering the new cars coming to India very shortly.
August 5th, 2008 at 10:23 am
I agree that its a Volkswagen and that its an international Brand. But the pricing is a little too high for the Indian Market. I feel the price range should be 9-13 lakhs to make it highly viable.
August 12th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Jetta looks interestings and has some cool new features, but then it is priced way too high….i have a budget of 11-13 lakhs. i m confused amongst the Honda Civic, The VW Jetta and the next gen Corolla..which is about to lauch in sept. kindly advise me for the best buy, performance, looks,exclusivity and luxury is what i m looking for…
August 14th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I really doubt, if the VW will reduce the cost of the current variants.
Interestingly they have placed it just below Laura. Their target thus is very clear.
Jetta, in my opinion, would offer a very safe ride. You will not feel bad about the components used in the car. They are of high quality. There are quite a few differential pluses like these.
However, VW should consider offering better package for the Trendline variants, especially the Petrol to compensate for the lack of a powerful engine.