India-bound VW Jetta facelift launched - South Africa

India-bound in 2015.

The VW Jetta facelift has been launched in South Africa with the prices ranging from R 258,000 (around INR 13.93 lakhs) to R 358,000 (around INR 19.33 lakhs).

The refreshed sedan features mild revisions to the grille, bumper, foglights, LED daytime running lights and the optional bi-xenon adaptive headlights. The sedan remains untouched in profile save for the new alloy wheel design.

The rear features reworked taillights, bootlid and bumper. The design changes are claimed to have improved the sedan's aerodynamic drag by 10%.

Inside, the dashboard design has been retained but there is a new flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel and revised seat fabrics. The South African model sports high gloss black accents throughout the cabin.

Under the skin, the Jetta stays intact and carries forward the existing powertrains. The SA-spec model is available with three turbocharged direct injection petrol engines (1.2-litre TSI and 1.4-litre TSI in two states of tune) and two diesel engines 1.6-litre TDI and 2.0-litre TDI.

The power outputs of the petrol engines range from 103.2 bhp to 158.2 bhp while the outputs of the diesel engines range from 103.2 bhp to 138.1 bhp. Transmission options include a 5-speed MT (1.6 TDI), 6-speed MT (1.2 TSI), 6-speed DSG (2.0-TDI) and 7-speed DSG (1.4 TSI and 1.6 TDI).

Standard features include front and side airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, Hill Hold, Cruise Control, 16-inch alloy wheels, power windows, 8-speaker audio system, etc.

Also read: VW celebrates 7 years in India with year-end discounts

The VW Jetta facelift would be launched in India sometime next year. Like the current car, it will be assembled locally from CKD kits.

Competitors: Skoda Octavia, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Renault Fluence, Chevrolet Cruze
Expected Price: INR 13.75 - 20 lakhs, ex-showroom
Launch Date: Early 2015 in India