Volkswagen Jetta: Know its alternatives

The Volkswagen Jetta was once the highest selling sedan. In North America that is. Americans apparently appreciated the stately looks of the Jetta, as well as were impressed, with the space and quality on offer. In fact, even now, Volkswagen USA does have some new editions of the Jetta on offer from time to time. In the Malaysian market though, the Jetta is no longer being sold. However, the rumour mills are abuzz that the previous generation of the Jetta didn’t find too many takers.

Hence, it is being taken off the shelves and the next generation is being preponed. The Jetta was sold with a DSG gearbox as well as fast spinning petrol and diesel motors. A new unveil is scheduled to take place next year. However, the reason for the Volkswagen Jetta sales decline is primarily due to the competition which has marched ahead by leaps and bounds.

Toyota Corolla Altis

The Corolla is seen all across the world as a symbol of trust. They say you can never go wrong with a Corolla. It is still the best selling sedan all over the world. It had a huge hand in the demise of the VW Jetta. The Corolla’s styling over the years has definitely become aggressive from the boring ones before. It can be said about the inside as well.

Things have definitely spruced up and they have become inviting from the functional theme earlier. One thing that is a constant and it is the 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine. Toyota believes that this engine is what has endeared the Corolla Altis to the masses and we couldn’t agree more. However, now there are several other engines on offer like a 1.5-litre turbo and more. In terms of safety as well, six airbags, as well as ABS, are standard across all the regions of the world. A no non-sense choice is what one will call the Toyota Corolla Altis.

Hyundai Elantra

The Korean carmaker has been making great strides in the auto industry. In fact, it is ranked amongst the top ten automakers in the world. We love the Elantra’s styling as well as feature list. Auto headlights, auto wipers, powered seats, ventilation for the seats, dual zone climate control and a lot more. Feature list in Hyundai cars, as they say, is endless. Then again, coming back to the style quotient.

The Hyundai Elantra boasts a sleek timeless design. While the facelift hasn’t made its way to the Malaysian market yet, it will be here in a matter of time. We also love the fact that the Hyundai Elantra isn’t as overpriced compared to the features list. A new 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol does duty here and along with it is the smooth 6-speed automatic. It may be no match to the Jetta’s DSG box but can be called a tad more reliable for sure.

Honda Civic

Another entrant that proclaims the Japanese reliability has got to be the Honda Civic. After being out of the market for some time (like the Jetta), the Civic is back with a bang. We liked the design and it is the most radical of the lot. It also will ensure that all those middle-aged executives who buy the car feel like a racer at heart. The Honda Civic is not only about looks this time. The interior will cocoon you into luxury and the features on offer will also boggle your minds. It has got a head-up display and a mix of red and black upholstery.

Honda has also given the Civic a much higher perch this time. The last generation model was criticised for being offensively low. This one doesn’t have an issue clearing speed humps with a full load as well. Speaking of which, the Honda Civic also has its 1.8-litre i-VTEC motor intact. This one is now paired with a turbocharged 1.5-litre unit that is the top dog. Performance is blistering but the economy hasn’t taken the brunt of the power outburst. Needless to say, Honda has priced the Civic sensibly as well.

Mazda 6

Well, the Mazda 6 is another Japanese that not only will be remembered for its reliability but also the equipment on offer. It also looks radical and can have a love or loathe it effect on the buyers. Mazda started the trend of offering head-up display on its cars and it has been a top to down approach for them.

The flagship Mazda 6 also has multiple engine options on offer. This includes the only diesel in this alternatives list as well. The engines are reasonably powerful as well as efficient. However, the Mazda is the costliest of all the vehicles here and we understand that it is primarily due to the tech on offer.

All in all, the Volkswagen Jetta when it comes back to the playing field, will have its work cut out. More and more competitors are joining in day-in and out. Hopefully, there should be a new Jetta on our shores early next year.