Good bye Q-Ship.
A Q-Ship, for those who are unfamiliar with the term, is a vehicle that looks like a regular run-of-the-mill car but that has a few tricks up its sleeve. Now then, take a 2004 Jetta, put a 24 valve VR6 engine under the bonnet and do nothing to the body except add some 17" wheels: a perfect stealth machine. The following text is more of a salute to an admirable driver's car than an actual evaluation since it will no longer be offered for 2005. Much has been written on the Jetta over the years, mostly positive, occasionally negative. The Jetta is the best selling Volkswagen on the North American market: it regularly outsells the Golf, GTi and the New Beetle combined. This car remains for many, an entry-level luxury car that gives many, if not all the amenities, including above all driving enjoyment, that are found in cars that are much pricier. The tested GLI was equipped with all available options (leather, sunroof, side curtain airbags) but without Onstar; an option that will no longer be offered in 2005. It retailed for 33 770$.
Exterior styling
Even after 7 model years, the lines of the Jetta remain classic and elegant. Many manufacturers are working on building an image and a brand. Volkswagen did this over a half century ago. A Jetta could never be mistaken for anything else (except for maybe a small Passat). There is nothing exciting about the exterior of the car itself but one cannot help but approve of Volkswagen's design. Panel assembly is flawless and paint is even and smooth. The doors that close with a satisfying thump and the trunk lid struts are two simple details that further the perception of quality. Like the other late-model VWs, there is a sense of luxury and substance that encompasses the car.
Interior styling
The interior, however unchanged it may be, still looks modern. The dash is a series of forms following function. In the case of the tester, there is an ambience of serenity with its many square yards of limber black leather and choice plastics within the cabin. The impression even rings true for the gauges which are large, clear and chromed rimmed. The seats are very supportive with high bolsters and adaptable lumbar support as well as being height adjustable. I personally appreciate the rotary knob for the seatback adjustment: it allows for nearly an unlimited amount of arrangements making it virtually impossible not to find a proper driving position.
Interior volume is tight, especially in the rear quarters. The trunk is quite deep but the small opening hampers the ability to actually lodge larger objects without folding the seats. As always for Volkswagen, the finish inside the trunk is without reproach and nicer than most cars' interiors. There were a few squeaks and rattles in this Volkswagen but nothing major. There is some noticeable wind noise, especially from the mirrors. Otherwise the cabin is very quiet. Outward visibility in every direction is relatively good.
It is very difficult to add more to a package such as this one, which has not already been said over the past 7 years. I expect that Volkswagen will continue along this road when the next generation hits our showrooms.
A Q-Ship, for those who are unfamiliar with the term, is a vehicle that looks like a regular run-of-the-mill car but that has a few tricks up its sleeve. Now then, take a 2004 Jetta, put a 24 valve VR6 engine under the bonnet and do nothing to the body except add some 17" wheels: a perfect stealth machine. The following text is more of a salute to an admirable driver's car than an actual evaluation since it will no longer be offered for 2005. Much has been written on the Jetta over the years, mostly positive, occasionally negative. The Jetta is the best selling Volkswagen on the North American market: it regularly outsells the Golf, GTi and the New Beetle combined. This car remains for many, an entry-level luxury car that gives many, if not all the amenities, including above all driving enjoyment, that are found in cars that are much pricier. The tested GLI was equipped with all available options (leather, sunroof, side curtain airbags) but without Onstar; an option that will no longer be offered in 2005. It retailed for 33 770$.
Exterior styling
 |
Interior styling
The interior, however unchanged it may be, still looks modern. The dash is a series of forms following function. In the case of the tester, there is an ambience of serenity with its many square yards of limber black leather and choice plastics within the cabin. The impression even rings true for the gauges which are large, clear and chromed rimmed. The seats are very supportive with high bolsters and adaptable lumbar support as well as being height adjustable. I personally appreciate the rotary knob for the seatback adjustment: it allows for nearly an unlimited amount of arrangements making it virtually impossible not to find a proper driving position.
Interior volume is tight, especially in the rear quarters. The trunk is quite deep but the small opening hampers the ability to actually lodge larger objects without folding the seats. As always for Volkswagen, the finish inside the trunk is without reproach and nicer than most cars' interiors. There were a few squeaks and rattles in this Volkswagen but nothing major. There is some noticeable wind noise, especially from the mirrors. Otherwise the cabin is very quiet. Outward visibility in every direction is relatively good. It is very difficult to add more to a package such as this one, which has not already been said over the past 7 years. I expect that Volkswagen will continue along this road when the next generation hits our showrooms.