High on Volkswagen owner priority lists is performance, and the '94 Jetta delivered a lot for the money. Initially there were only three trim designations in Canada, with the lowest priced CL offering a 1.8-L 4-cylinder engine and better outfitted GL sporting a 2.0-L 4-cylinder - a 1.9-L turbodiesel was also available and fetches the most on the used market. All engines came standard with a 5-speed manual transmission while a 4-speed automatic was also available.
 |
| The '94 Jetta came in three models, 1.8 CL, 2.0 GL and 1.9 GL Diesel. (Photo: Volkswagen) |
While power was hardly spectacular, even in GL gasoline trim its 115-hp seems anemic compared even to today's compact cars - most of which offer base power units in the 125 to 140 horsepower range - it was zippy for 1994. More impressive was the Jetta's handling dynamics and superb braking, due to an updated four-wheel independent suspension and larger disc brakes than the previous model.
In 1995 the bottom line CL was shelved making the GL the base model, while a new GLX VR6 promised to fulfill Volkswagen enthusiast's performance dreams. The 2.8-L engine featured a 15-degree V configuration, allowing it to fit into a much smaller engine bay than a conventional inline or V6. With 171-hp on tap and 177 lb-ft of torque, the VR6 proved entertaining, albeit the added weight interfered slightly with the car's balance.
 |
| The unique GLX VR6 joined the lineup in 1995 after the CL version was cut. (Photo: Volkswagen) |
For model year 1996 all Jetta models received a modified grille and body-color side moldings, plus a new premium upscale GLS joined the line. A performance-oriented GT model became available in 1997, featuring fog lamps, unique alloy wheels and a rear decklid spoiler, while Trek and Jazz special editions were also offered. In 1998, its final year of production, the 3rd generation Jetta remained relatively unchanged.