Jetta VS5: SUV for China in a quick check

D As the VS5 is based on VW's modular transverse matrix (MQB), it cannot be denied visually - its proportions are too similar to those of the VW Tiguan. Nevertheless, VW design chief Klaus Bischoff managed to create an independent look for the China model. Powerful upright chrome grills are well received by Chinese customers and apparently people in China prefer slightly rounded, flowing shapes. The headlights and rear lights have a distinctive graphic and there is a massive underrun protection optics at the front and rear. There are small flashing lights in the cute exterior mirrors. Tailpipes do not look out of the rear, which makes a redesign of the bumper unnecessary when switching to electric drive. Chic 18-inch alloy wheels seem to be part of the standard equipment of the Jetta VS5.

Great seats, chic but tough surfaces

Inside there is no smell of glue and solvents and the surfaces all look right good. It is only when you touch it that you notice that the dashboard and door panels are made of the toughest kind of plastic - that's how real graining works. The seat covers also look more expensive than they are - and you sit really well both in the front and in the back. Above all, the good side support is noticeable in the front, and people who are 1.88 meters tall still have plenty of air over their heads. Both sun visors house mirrors, in front of the driver with a hinged cover, in front of the passenger the mirror remains unprotected.

Classic instruments and modern touchscreen

There is a small storage compartment to the left of the steering wheel - in the Jetta sedan called AS3, customers have to do without it. The multifunction steering wheel is flattened at the bottom and sits comfortably in the hand. The instruments in front of it still work with real dials and pointers, and there is only a screen at the top of the center console. The large touchscreen is surrounded by a noble piano lacquer frame, under it sits the simple control unit for the air conditioning - with real rotary and push buttons. The Chinese first-time buyer attaches great importance to functionality, emphasizes Bischoff. Further down in the center console there is a deep, dark compartment in which a blue-illuminated USB socket is located. This is followed by the massive gear selector lever for the DSG and a classic plastic-clad handbrake lever. The front passenger can open a generously dimensioned glove compartment.

Lots of storage space, one engine, one gearbox

The large trunk can be opened as standard thanks to the asymmetrical 40 to 60 percent ratioExpand the split backrest. The loading sill is low, but the loading threshold is high. A spare wheel sits under the trunk floor - tire repair kits are currently not very popular in China.

The 1.4 TSI is always used as the engine, the power of which is routed to the front axle via a seven-speed DSG as standard. Other engines or transmissions are just as unavailable as various equipment packages - after all, the low price has to come from somewhere. Insiders report that the model will cost the equivalent of only 15,000 euros.

The Jetta AS5 rolls off the assembly line at FAW-Volkswagen in Chengdu. VW Sales Director Jürgen Stackmann is pleased that VW's joint venture partner is very keen on the new Jetta models. Deliveries will begin in the third quarter of 2019, the AS5 is only available on the Chinese market.