ഫോക്‌സ്‌വാഗൺ ജെറ്റ 2.0L TDI comfortline

Volkswagen India has launched the updated version of their Jetta sedan with major changes to its exteriors and interiors. In terms of external appearance, this facelifted version comes with a redesigned bumper that has fog lamps and a new three slat chrome grille. The rear end gets a revised tail light cluster with LED lamps, while its side profile remains the same. Moreover, the company has added a new exterior paint option named as sparkling Blue silk to the existing color lineup. At the same time, its internal section is offered with a new flat bottomed steering wheel with a piano black insert, fatigue detection system and updated infotainment. Among the variants available, the Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI Comfortline is the mid range variant in its model lineup. It is fitted with a 1968cc diesel power plant, which has the ability of producing a decent mileage 98.6bhp along with a peak torque output of 320Nm. Its braking mechanism is further enhanced by ABS along with electronic brake force distribution, which prevents from wheel locking in case of sudden braking. This trim is equipped with a lot of features, which gives the occupants a stress free driving experience. It has a rigid body structure with crumple zones that reduces the impact of collision. In addition to these, it also has SRS airbags, engine immobilizer, seat belt pretensioner, fatigue detection and many other such aspects. This sedan will compete against the likes of Skoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla Altis, Hyundai Elantra, Chevrolet Cruze, Renault Fluence, Hyundai Sonata and others in this segment.

Exteriors:

The designers of the company have done a fabulous job in giving this sedan an amazing appearance. Its frontage is decorated with a bold radiator grille with three chrome plated slats and a company badge engraved in the center. This grille is surrounded by a well crafted headlight cluster, which gives the frontage a distinct look. It is incorporated with high intensity halogen lamps and side turn indicator. The body colored bumper is neatly designed with a wide air dam for cooling the engine. It is flanked by a pair of newly designed fog lamps with chrome insert. It has a couple of visible character lines on the bonnet, which creates a dynamic look to the frontage. The large windscreen is made of green tinted glass, which is integrated with a set of intermittent wipers. Coming to its side profile, the company has given it pronounced wheel arches, which are fitted with an elegant set of 16-inch 'Sedona' alloy wheels, which gives the side profile a decent look. These rims are further fitted with 205/55 R16 sized tubeless radial tyres. It has body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors, which are electrically adjustable and integrated with side turn blinker. The chrome finished window sill and side moldings gives the sides an appealing look. The company has neatly designed its rear end with curvy boot lid, which is embossed with variant badging and a thick chrome strip. Apart from these, it is equipped with body colored bumper, windscreen with a defogger, a couple of exhaust pipes, radiant tail light cluster and a roof mounted antenna.

Interiors:

The insides of this wonderful Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI Comfortline variant has been done up very stylishly with extremely smooth surfaces. Its seating arrangement is very comfortable with well cushioned seats that are covered with good quality leatherette upholstery. Its driver and front co-passenger seats are electrically adjustable along with proper lumbar support that adds to the convenience. While the rear seat comes with 60:40 split foldable facility, which helps in increasing the boot volume of car. It has an advanced multi-functional display with quite a few notifications, which gives every minute information to the driver. The power steering wheel is very responsive and it makes it easier to maneuver the sedan. The smooth dashboard is equipped with various features like chrome accentuated AC vents, a large glove box with cooling effect, an instrument panel and a new flat bottomed steering wheel. The company has given it a number of utility based aspects like map pockets in all doors, electric trunk opener, illuminated vanity mirrors, ceiling lens holder, cup holders, adjustable front armrest with bottle holders and so on.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is equipped with a 2.0-litre, In-line turbocharged diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1968cc. It is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which helps in generating a maximum mileage of 19.33 Kmpl on the bigger roads and 16.18 Kmpl within the city limits. This engine carries four cylinders and sixteen valves using a DOHC (double overhead camshaft) based valve configuration. It has the ability to generate 138.1bhp at 4200rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 320Nm between 1750 to 2500rpm. This diesel motor is cleverly mated with a six speed manual transmission gear box, which enables it to zoom towards a top speed of 210 Kmph that is quite remarkable for this segment. At the same time, it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 12 seconds from a standstill.

Braking and Handling:

Its front and rear wheels are fitted with reliable disc braking mechanism. It is augmented by anti lock braking system along with brake assist and electronic differential lock (EDL). It also comes with anti slip regulation system that helps in handling the sedan on slippery roads. On the other hand, the company has given it a rack and pinion based power steering system, which is tilt and telescopic adjustable. It makes the handling quite easier even in the heavy traffic conditions. It supports a minimum turning radius of 5.5 meters, which is quite good for this segment. The front axle of this sedan is assembled with a stabilizer along with coil spring and shock absorbers. While, the rear axle has a multi link suspension with a similar stabilizer. The car maker has given this sedan an ESC (electronic stability control) system, which is an added advantage.

Comfort Features:

For giving a pleasurable driving experience, the company has given this refurbished Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI Comfortline variant a number of best in class features. The inventory of some features comprises of an advanced Climatronic dual zone air conditioning unit with rear AC blowers, electric power steering with tilt and telescopic adjustment function, height adjustable front seats, all four power windows with driver side auto down function and many other such aspects. It also has park distance control and rear mounted proximity sensors, which helps in simplifying the parking of this marvelous sedan. Its highly developed parking system is equipped with front and rear view camera. It also has sensors with an acoustic warning along with crystal clear display, which shows up on the central infotainment system on the central console. Its external wing mirrors are power adjustable, heated and can be electrically folded that adds to the comfort level. It has a sophisticated RCD 320 touchscreen audio system, which has a six CD changer along with input options like an SD card reader, an Aux-in port and eight speakers as well. It has been integrated with a cruise control system, which maintains a steady speed on the highways.

Safety Features:

The list of features include electronic stability control, anti-slip regulation, electronic differential lock, six airbags, a high mounted stop lamp, rear defogger, front fog lamps and so on. It also has intelligent crash response system that releases door locks, power cut into the fuel tank turn on the lights. Apart from these, it is equipped with brake pad wear indicator, retro reflector in all doors, front passenger airbag deactivation, electronic immobilizer with engine and transmission guard, central locking system with two remote control folding keys and couple of ISOFIX points.

Pros:

1. Power packed engine performance with decent acceleration and pick up.

2. Spacious boot compartment is a big plus point.

Cons:

1. Lack of navigation system and sunroof.

2. Interiors can still be made better.