Summary of "Если и ПОКУПАТЬ КИТАЙЦА, то вот ТАКОГО | Jetta"

Short overview

Jetta is Volkswagen’s low-cost sub-brand created for the Chinese market (launched around 2019). The initial lineup included three models: VA3 (sedan), VS5 (compact crossover) and VS7 (crossover). The VS5 is built on VW’s MQB platform and shares architecture and many components with Seat/Skoda models (Seat Ateca lineage, Skoda Karoq family similarity).

The brand strategy: use proven VW Group components, remove nonessential luxury/trim, and target a much lower price point aimed at younger buyers in China.

Main features / specifications

Platform: MQB (standard VW Group underpinnings).
Engine: 1.4 L turbo (referred to as the 211 series) — about 150 hp.
Transmission: Aisin hydromechanical torque-converter automatic (not VW DSG).
Equipment (can be well-specced): keyless entry, LCD instrument cluster, rearview camera, optional 360° cameras, smart lighting, sunroof.
Brakes: smaller discs than some heavier VAG models but judged adequate; claimed to stop better than some Japanese rivals (example: Corolla).
Interior: VW-style ergonomics and seating, but cost-reduced materials (leatherette instead of real leather, cheaper trims).
NVH: generally acceptable at highway speeds; some cost-saving under-hood (missing seals/rubber) compared with higher-end VAG cars.
After-sales / servicing: uses standard VW Group units — serviceable at VW/Group service centers.
Production: separate plant in China (quoted capacity ~225,000 cars/year). Jetta brand production ~200k cars/year; VS5 sales in China ~80–90k/year.
Pricing: China launch price ~88,000 CNY (~$13,000). Local market (reviewer’s market) advertised around 2.3–2.6 million rubles.

Pros

Very strong value for money — close-to-VW tech at a much lower sticker price.
Proven VW/MQB mechanicals and components (good serviceability).
Modern turbo engine (150 hp) from an up-to-date engine family.
Comfortable seats and VW-style ergonomics.
Acceptable NVH and good ride/braking feel.
Can be equipped with many useful options despite being a budget sub-brand.
Aftermarket and upgrading potential: many parts cross-compatibility with other MQB cars (e.g., Karoq/Seat).

Cons / criticisms

Visible cost-cutting: lower-quality leatherette, cheaper trim finishes, stripped chrome.
Reduced under-hood refinement (missing seals and some insulation).
Aisin automatic’s tuning/behavior differs from DSG; some users may dislike it (negative reports from carsharing).
Some UI/dashboard styling is tailored for Chinese tastes and may look odd elsewhere.
Brand perception in China: “Jetta” associated with taxis (negative image).
Uncertainty about the JV legal/ownership status — potential implications for future availability or sanctions.
Not as refined as full-priced VAG models (e.g., Skoda Karoq) — expected trade-offs for the lower price.

Reviewer’s impressions (user experience)

Driving: Feels like a normal VAG/MQB car. Acceleration from the 150 hp 1.4 is modest — adequate but not very punchy.
NVH: Comfortable cabin at highway speeds; less insulated than higher-end counterparts but acceptable.
Brakes: Good pedal feel; possibly better stopping performance than some Japanese rivals.
Interior ergonomics: Armrest, steering wheel, and seating position follow typical VW layout and are comfortable despite cheaper materials.
Overall impression: A modern, reliable-feeling car with clear cost-saving choices in materials and small finishes.

Comparisons

Skoda Karoq: Karoq is more expensive (>4M rubles quoted) and more refined. VS5 costs roughly half in the reviewer’s market — trade-off between price and refinement.
Seat Ateca / “Alteka”: VS5 shares much of the platform/lineage with these models.
Generic Chinese crossovers: VS5 feels more like classic VW/European engineering and better integrated than many Chinese rivals, while remaining cheaper.
Gearboxes: VW DSG (robot) vs Aisin torque-converter automatic — the review discusses pros/cons (cost, refinement, and driving feel).

Numbers / ratings cited

VS5 China launch price: ~88,000 CNY (~$13,000).
VS5 China annual sales: ~80–90k units/year.
Jetta brand production: ~200k cars/year (three models).
Plant capacity mentioned: ~225k cars/year (new plant).
Engine output: ~150 hp.
Local market price (reviewer’s market): ~2.3–2.6 million rubles for base-ish models.

Overall verdict / recommendation

The Jetta VS5 is a solid value proposition: modern VW engineering (MQB platform, proven engines) at a significantly lower price. It’s deliberately simplified and budget-focused, not intended to replace higher-tier VAG offerings.
Recommendation summary:
- If you want an affordable compact crossover with VW-group reliability and easy servicing, the VS5 is a compelling buy.
- If you prioritize refinement, premium materials, or prefer DSG behavior and can afford it, consider pricier Skoda/Seat/VW models (Karoq/Tiguan).
The reviewer personally would choose a Karoq if budget allowed but recognizes the VS5 as a reasonable, well-executed budget VW product likely to be popular among cost-conscious buyers.

All unique points mentioned (compact list)

Jetta is a VW sub-brand created specifically for China (2019 launch).
Initial models: VA3 (sedan), VS5 (compact crossover), VS7 (crossover).
VS5 shares MQB platform and many components with Seat Ateca/Skoda Karoq/Tiguan lineage.
Designed to be as cheap as possible: stripped chrome, cheaper materials, simplified options.
China-targeted UI/dashboard styling may look odd outside China.
Engine: modern 1.4 turbo (150 hp, “211 series”).
Transmission: Aisin automatic used instead of VW DSG — different driving feel.
Brakes: smaller discs but adequate; compared favorably to some Japanese cars.
Interior: VW-derived ergonomics and comfortable seats; materials often leatherette (poor quality).
NVH: generally acceptable; cost-cutting under hood reduces refinement vs pricier VAG cars.
Equipment can be surprisingly rich despite low price (keyless, LCD cluster, cameras, smart lights).
Maintenance/service: uses standard VW Group parts — easy for VW service networks.
Aftermarket/mod potential: many parts cross-fit (e.g., Karoq seats); owners’ clubs forming.
Price differential: significantly cheaper than comparable Skoda/VW models in some markets.
Sales & production: ~80–90k VS5/year in China; Jetta brand ~200k/year; plant capacity ~225k/year.
Branding issue in China: “Jetta” associated with taxis.
Legal/ownership question about the JV (potential regulatory/sanctions implications).
Not originally intended for export, but dealers are bringing it to other markets.
Design trades global/VW refinement for local-market affordability.

Speakers / contributors in the video

Main reviewer/narrator (primary voice; likely Vyacheslav Astafyev or the channel host) — provides impressions, comparisons and verdict.
Brief sponsor reads: Tenkov Insurance and Ostrovok (not product commentary).
Occasional side comments or interlocutor remarks, but the review is essentially from one main presenter.

Concise takeaway: Jetta VS5 = VW-tech compact crossover made cheap for China. Good value and serviceability with modern mechanicals, but visible cost-cutting in materials and refinement; recommended if you want VW-group reliability on a budget, otherwise spring for a pricier Skoda/Seat/VW for greater refinement.