Thursday, April 19, 2012
By Manoj Kumawat
Volkswagen Jetta, Passat petrol launch anytime now
After having played a long innings with the sole diesel models, Volkswagen Jetta and Volkswagen Passat are soon to be joined by their petrol siblings. Notably, Jetta and Passat are car offerings in India that were launched only in diesel. However, over a period of time it was felt that their low priced petrol offering is much needed. Also diesel or petrol hardly matters if one can afford a Jetta or Passat sedan. These are expected to be launched anytime this month. The new petrol Jetta will be able to equip the car to have a close competition with Skoda Laura, Toyota Corolla Altis and Renault Fluence while Passat petrol will be having a duel with Honda Accord and newly launched Hyundai Sonata.
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Expected to be powered by a 1.8 L TSi petrol motor, the Jetta petrol will be able to output 120 bhp power and thus will return high mileage. The VW Jetta petrol launch is more probable as Skoda has just launched the Skoda Superb Ambition low priced edition. Though launching a petrol car when diesel is in demand is going against the wing, or say storm as the diesel cars are in high demand in India but as the petrol Jetta will be priced lower than the present diesel offering it will fetch more sales. Similarly Passat petrol will have a 1.8 L TSi petrol motor but with 160 bhp power. All the trim lines of Jetta and Passat viz. Trendline, Comfortline and Highline will get petrol engine.
See More Volkswagen Passat Photos | Get Volkswagen Passat Price |
In comparison to Skoda Laura and Skoda Superb, the 1.4 L engine in the new VW Jetta petrol will seem to be less powerful but it will have an edge over its competitors as its price will be low. Furthermore, its high fuel efficiency will help further sales in India. The Jetta diesel has done well in the premium sedan segment following its German looks and comfort besides high fuel economy and above all an offering in diesel. Now that VW has decided to pitch in a petrol car, expect some extra up market features to come packed in the petrol car.