Volkswagen Launches New Jetta and Previews Golf GTI

New Car Unveiling and Strategy Introduction at the '2022 Volkswagen Atelier' Event
Accelerating the 'Accessible Premium' Strategy with an Expanded Portfolio

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Volkswagen Korea announced the official customer delivery of the facelifted new Jetta and gave a preview of the ‘new Golf GTI,’ the epitome of hot hatches, at the ‘2022 Volkswagen Atelier’ event held on the 16th at Mark69 in Seongsu-dong.

Sasha Askizian, President of Volkswagen Korea, said, “The past year has been a year in which Volkswagen Korea has regained the brand’s original identity in Korea. Currently, we are filling our model portfolio more balanced and diverse than ever before, and we are doing our best to provide customers with various options.” He also stated, “Next year, we will continue the ‘accessible premium’ strategy by gradually introducing models with enhanced product appeal, creating Volkswagen’s diverse lineup with various body types and powertrains.”

In particular, the event attracted attention as the ‘new Golf GTI,’ scheduled for release at the end of the year, was unveiled for the first time in Korea. Additionally, the premium compact sedan ‘new Jetta,’ priced in the 30 million KRW range and available for pre-order since October, began its official customer delivery.

The 7th generation facelifted ‘new Jetta,’ which started pre-orders last October, is a core model of Volkswagen Korea’s ‘accessible premium’ strategy. The new Jetta is a model that has demonstrated strong leadership in the imported compact market by offering the best value for its price based on uncompromising product appeal. This facelift not only enhances the design but also significantly improves the product appeal.

The new Jetta features a more stylish exterior design and is equipped with a 4-cylinder 1.5 TSI gasoline turbo engine replacing the previous 1.4-liter engine, delivering stronger performance and improved fuel efficiency. It produces a maximum output of 160 horsepower (5500rpm) and a maximum torque of 25.5 kg.m in the practical range of 1750-4000rpm. Combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the driving experience is upgraded to be more relaxed and comfortable. The official fuel efficiency is 14.1 km/l (12.3 km/l city, 17.1 km/l highway).

The model that marks the finale of Volkswagen Korea’s 2022 new car lineup is the high-performance gasoline hot hatch model, the ‘new Golf GTI.’ First launched in 1976, the Golf GTI is a model that popularized sports cars at a reasonable price and pioneered a new segment called ‘hot hatch,’ becoming an iconic symbol. The performance know-how and technology accumulated since the 1st generation have formed a global GTI fandom. The 8th generation new Golf GTI, launched in Korea after evolution and innovation, offers the best dynamic driving performance available in a compact car through a turbocharged direct injection gasoline engine and an evolved drivetrain system.

The new Golf GTI is equipped with the most advanced EA888 evo4 2.0 TSI high-performance turbocharged direct injection gasoline engine, delivering a maximum output of 245 horsepower and maximum torque of 37.8 kg.m. It is paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission optimized for sporty driving, providing drivers with genuine driving pleasure.

The exterior design features GTI’s dynamic DNA with GTI-exclusive red strips, red chrome lettering, honeycomb-style air intakes, red brake calipers, black side skirts, and 19” Adelaide alloy wheels.

The interior exudes GTI’s sporty charisma with Vienna leather premium sports seats, a GTI emblem on the steering wheel, black metal chrome decorative trims, and an engine start button that lights up as if the heart is beating.

The new Golf GTI is scheduled for official release next month, with detailed product information and pricing to be announced on the official launch date.

Volkswagen Korea announced the achievements of the one year since President Sasha Askizian’s appointment at the event. Volkswagen Korea accelerated its ‘accessible premium’ strategy, building a diverse model lineup that meets the various needs of Korean customers, surpassing 10,000 cumulative sales in 2022 within just three quarters.

Since resuming business in 2018, Volkswagen Korea has secured the most diverse model lineup. It expanded trims across various body types including SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks, with 5-seater and 7-seater options, front-wheel and all-wheel drive, and broadened the choice of drivetrains with three gasoline models, three diesel models, and one pure electric vehicle.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.