* Click HERE to see a video on the Volkswagen Jetta *
5th Generation goodness
The German car manufacturers have a tendency to make people wait a long time between "new" models. Life cycles can vary between 6 and even 8 years whereas, for the Japanese, Koreans and Americans, 4 years is usually the average. Few though, are as anticipated as the new Volkswagens.
On top of that, there is no denying that compact cars are popular. Most are purchased because of their low price, good fuel economy or simply because of their compact size. Some on the other hand are bought because of their performance and style. Volkswagens always come to mind for many who are looking for trendy transportation.
The all-new 2006 Jetta is Volkswagen's fifth generation or version of their best selling car in North America. The previous New Jetta has been in dealerships unchanged since 1999. As always, the Jetta and the Volkswagen Golf have many components in common. The next generation Golf will only make its way here sometime late next year though. The 2006 Jetta is bigger and more powerful than its predecessor and looking to please even more people, especially those that are looking at entry level luxury cars.
The base model is priced from $24,975 and will reach over $34,000 with
nearly all options. Our tester was a 2.5L with the automatic transmission and leather seats which retailed for $30,375.
Exterior styling
The 2006 Jetta carries many styling cues that are becoming more common and familiar in the family. The first such element is the large grille/bumper combo that is directly borrowed from the new Audi A3, A4 and A6 as well as the A8. The sharply angled headlights, with their VW logo atop the bulb housing, have an adventuress and sympathetic look. They blend in nicely with the creases in the hood, completing a loaded but pleasing front end.
The hind-quarters of the car is the portion that has received the most criticism. Many have said that it looks too Japanese; in other words, too generic. The taillights are also very reminiscent of those found on a Japanese car. It is clear that the entire extra overhang in the rear greatly increases the cargo capacity of the trunk, however it breaks with the tidiness of the front, also shared with the A5 Golf.
In my opinion, the lack of side mouldings un-clutters the Jetta's fine lines and gives the car a more upscale look. Many might remember that these mouldings have had in the past a strong tendency to fall off after a few years. Possibly, Volkswagen has now found the solution to that problem... The exterior body panels are perfectly aligned and assembled and the Platinum Grey paint is smooth and even.
Interior styling
Welcome to a straightforward, near-luxury inner sanctum. The dash is simply beautiful: it is artfully assembled and ideally laid out with spot-on ergonomics. The plastics are first-rate, smooth to the touch and good-looking. The radio controls are some of the simplest and most pleasing that I have ever used: they are large and feel like those found in other German cars that retail for $50,000 and more. The HVAC controls consist of three simple rotary knobs. The vent position knob can actually rotate 360 degrees, an unusual feature.
5th Generation goodness
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On top of that, there is no denying that compact cars are popular. Most are purchased because of their low price, good fuel economy or simply because of their compact size. Some on the other hand are bought because of their performance and style. Volkswagens always come to mind for many who are looking for trendy transportation.
The all-new 2006 Jetta is Volkswagen's fifth generation or version of their best selling car in North America. The previous New Jetta has been in dealerships unchanged since 1999. As always, the Jetta and the Volkswagen Golf have many components in common. The next generation Golf will only make its way here sometime late next year though. The 2006 Jetta is bigger and more powerful than its predecessor and looking to please even more people, especially those that are looking at entry level luxury cars.
The base model is priced from $24,975 and will reach over $34,000 with
 |
Exterior styling
The 2006 Jetta carries many styling cues that are becoming more common and familiar in the family. The first such element is the large grille/bumper combo that is directly borrowed from the new Audi A3, A4 and A6 as well as the A8. The sharply angled headlights, with their VW logo atop the bulb housing, have an adventuress and sympathetic look. They blend in nicely with the creases in the hood, completing a loaded but pleasing front end.
The hind-quarters of the car is the portion that has received the most criticism. Many have said that it looks too Japanese; in other words, too generic. The taillights are also very reminiscent of those found on a Japanese car. It is clear that the entire extra overhang in the rear greatly increases the cargo capacity of the trunk, however it breaks with the tidiness of the front, also shared with the A5 Golf.
 |
Interior styling
Welcome to a straightforward, near-luxury inner sanctum. The dash is simply beautiful: it is artfully assembled and ideally laid out with spot-on ergonomics. The plastics are first-rate, smooth to the touch and good-looking. The radio controls are some of the simplest and most pleasing that I have ever used: they are large and feel like those found in other German cars that retail for $50,000 and more. The HVAC controls consist of three simple rotary knobs. The vent position knob can actually rotate 360 degrees, an unusual feature.