VW - two letters of the automotive world that just entered the Indian market. And how! Volkswagen introduced the oh-so-luxurious Passat in India and now is exploring its options to make an impact in the 'buzzing-with-activity' segments. Looked at as the maker of luxury cars, VW can surely stun everyone if they launch a mid-sized car, all packed up to battle it out against the likes of current hot favourite Maruti SX4 and the Honda City . And it seems like VW are ready to do it.
Jetta is the car which will be offered by Volkswagen in the mid-sized luxury car segment. To manufacture this car, VW is aiming at Skoda's Aurangabad facility. Ah, the joys of having a daughter company already in place!
There are cars like the Honda City and the Maruti SX4 which are ruling the roost these days. But formidable competition in the shape of Hyundai Verna , Chevy Aveo and Ford Fiesta cannot be discounted.
Having ignored India for a long time now, the European major has a difficult task ahead to make a mark for itself. Koreans and Japanese have established a stronghold and made merry while all VW did was introduce the Skoda brand in India to make life hell for the Corollas and the Elantras.
The Jetta looks subdued and understated. The front end of the car is marked by large headlamps and also the grille that looks like yet another inspired 'beard' effort. The large air dam below the grille gives it some character though. The rear looks staid and a bit like the current Corolla. The car in profile looks very balanced though. A 1.9L diesel motor packing in the latest technology will be offered along with a 1.6L petrol engine, the latter producing 115 horses. Expect solid build quality and good looking two-tone interior to complete the package. Equipment list will also be pretty comprehensive and will include airbags and ABS along with climate control etc.
With the competition already biting each other to gain market share, it is left to be seen how VW Jetta will perform when it gets launched next year.
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