While the audio system was above adequate I'd have to say that I was most impressed by the way VW's 5-speed manual transmission synchronized with the rev happy 180-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 20-valve intercooled turbo I-4 engine with SMPI. Wow, try and say that all in one breath. The tiny engine left me breathless too. This thing just goes and goes. I found myself driving along and then all of a sudden I was flying. It was almost a little too much sometimes as I like to be the one in control, and I felt that it often took control of me. But with a crack of the foot whip, I tamed the turbo beast. With taming comes braking. The Wolfsburg, 4-wheel discs, standard ABS and electronic brake force distribution slow it down in a flash.
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| I was most impressed by the way VW's 5-speed manual transmission synchronized with the rev happy 180-horsepower 1.8-liter DOHC 20-valve intercooled turbo I-4 engine. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
So, what makes the Jetta Wolfsburg any different than the 1.8T GLS? I found the Wolfsburg to be a nice blend of "sports car meets sedan". There is no sacrifice of comfort or convenience for the sake of styling. Included in the package are front sport seats, 16-inch BBS alloy rims, a sport suspension, a leather sport steering wheel, leather hand brake, a rear lip spoiler and Wolfsburg Edition badging. Also included are 5-way heated front seats (probably more appreciated during colder months), halogen headlights, remote power door locks with 2-stage unlock and illuminated entry, and body-color door mirrors, bumpers and bodyside moldings.
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| The interior of the Jetta Wolfsburg is a perfect balance between technology and simplicity. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
What I found to be one of the Jetta Wolfsburg's strongest points was the simplicity of its interior. VW managed to create a technologically advanced cabin without all the high-tech hassles. Translation, I hate tons of buttons. I fancy interiors that are simple and "ready-to-use" without forcing the need to look it the owner's manual to figure out what button does what. Maybe I am impatient, but it just makes my life easier.
When I say there is no sacrifice of comfort for styling, I can use the rear lip spoiler as an example. Naturally, spoilers have the tendency to obstruct the vision of drivers when looking behind them. Rather than the current whale-tail trend, the Wolfsburg wing was modest, with just the right amount of flare. It was close enough to the trunk to not impede my visual path out the rear window, but perky enough to advertise that this is no mere mortal Jetta. The trunk underneath that spoiler is roomy too.