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I have one very interesting question. I would like to purchase new Volkswagen Jetta TDI 1.6 2015-2016. I found new car in official dealer store. But there is one problem - These cars were constructed in Mexico for Turkey. For some reason they were denied in Turkey and moved for selling to Ukraine. This car is cheaper than cars constructed for Ukraine.

I heard that there is some difference between cars for hot countries and European countries. I mean special features like seat heater and engine coolant, etc. And here is the question. Is that true? Will this car's engine work fine in Ukraine climate at winter (may be -20 C degrees)? Will it be warm inside?

Is there Volkswagen support to answer this question?

JPhi1618
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Nick
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4 Answers4

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The engine will be fine - cars are designed to work in all conditions anywhere in the world. VW has a testing center that can theoretically test their cars and engines to work from -40 to 150C (saves on flying development cars to Finland and the Sahara)

There will be some differences in the car trim levels; for example, cars in hot countries probably wouldn't come with block heaters, while cars destined for cold countries wouldn't come with air conditioning (don't fact-check this, it's just an example!).

The biggest problem with a car from a different area could be lights - e.g if I was in the UK and purchased a car in France, all the lights would be biased to the wrong side, because the UK drives on the left.

In your specific case, I'd talk to the dealer, and make sure that the car has a full warranty. Ask them about a block heater if you feel you need one - and negotiate for it if one is not already fitted. I think with full dealer support, you have little to worry about.

PeteCon
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I'd imagine that just swapping the coolant and potentially installing a block heater would be good enough, even if there were differences. Like purchasing any other vehicle, though, it certainly wouldn't hurt to have it inspected, and make sure that it runs without issue prior to purchasing it.

Joel Bennett
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As far as I know all car engines and features are the same, but different ECU(engine control unit) mapping. ECU mapping can be customized for different regional markets. Most people may not know the different ecu setting as it is not visible. e.g. the europe and export market version for (SEA) south east asia (tropical countries) is different. This also subject to respective regional dealers request. The main variable factors beside hot climate are the grade of fuel, quality and fuel additives are different in different countries. Some car manufacturers does a good job to get the right variance but some are not which may lead to longevity and reliability issues in future..

alex
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New cars are good in hot or cold like others have said .Most old american stuff is good because the USA has big temperature extremes .Car manufacturers wanted the cars to go to Texas or Canada .Old British cars were primarilary designed for the British Isles .When they went to warmer climates like NZ and Australia there were overheating problems .Some British engines had smaller cooling passages which might have been fine in liverpool but not in Darwin .Such engines have been shown to be good in boats .Early BMC front wheel drive stuff had the rediators pointing at the front wheel which made overheating bad .

Autistic
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