Who needs a high-end nameplate?
There is an old adage that says that the more things change, the more they stay the same. This line became very real to me as I was cruising around in the completely redesigned 5th generation Jetta. I guess it is no longer a secret at this point but I like the way a Volkswagen drives. I have had the opportunity to a Jetta and a Golf from every generation on multiple occasions. It was an odd feeling when I realised that this mk5 Jetta was talking to me the way an mk2 (1985-92) and mk3 (1993-1998) did and does. This car is all-new from the ground up yet, it feels more like a 20 year-old than a 2 year-old.
The Jetta is the best selling car in Volkswagen's line-up in North America. It is therefore very important for the struggling car builder to make this car as good as it can be to ensure that they do not loose any of their thin market share.
The Jetta's pricing starts at $24,975. A 2.0T model has a base price of $27,700. With options, the car maxes out at $35,500.
Styling
The new New Jetta has once again grown in size and girth. An important key factor for Volkswagen fans is that the mk5 Jetta shares the same front end treatment with the Golf and GTI. There are subtle differences though. All Jettas have a chromed Volkswagen Group horse-collar grill. The GTI sports the same fascia although it is blacked out as the GLI's will be. The plain-Jane Golf does not have the ornate decorations however it still carries the same headlight design as well as the bumper shape.
By far, the best part about the Jetta's appearance is ahead of the "C" pillars. The look of the car's hind quarters lack the fluidity and edgy motif of the nose. The wide selection of alloy wheels improves the finished product's manifestation exponentially as the price of the car rises. My tester was shod with great looking BBS-Style 17" wheels which really elevated the presence of the car when compared to the basic 16" alloys. As far as the exterior build quality of the car is concerned, the gaps between the panels are perfectly even. Oddly, I found an odd spot of rust on the rear portion of the door frame.
The occupants of the Jetta are treated to quality and near-luxury that no other car maker can deliver in this price rang. Although Honda is getting close, the strong design of the Volkswagen's dashboard leaves the impression that this car really should be priced higher. The fit and finish of the notable plastics is excellent as is the ease of use of all of the audio and HVAC controls.
The seats are an enigma to me. Their comfort level is fair although both the seatback and lower cushion are extremely firm. Lateral support is minor however sufficient for day-to-day driving. It is as though I was expecting more from the seats but they did not disappoint me. I guess I am hung up on the incredible buckets of the GLI I drove in late 2004. If travelling with three passengers, all will find plenty of legroom and elbow room. The increase in length has primarily benefited those that will be sitting in the rear.
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| 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T (Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com) |
The Jetta is the best selling car in Volkswagen's line-up in North America. It is therefore very important for the struggling car builder to make this car as good as it can be to ensure that they do not loose any of their thin market share.
The Jetta's pricing starts at $24,975. A 2.0T model has a base price of $27,700. With options, the car maxes out at $35,500.
Styling
 |
| 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T (Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com) |
By far, the best part about the Jetta's appearance is ahead of the "C" pillars. The look of the car's hind quarters lack the fluidity and edgy motif of the nose. The wide selection of alloy wheels improves the finished product's manifestation exponentially as the price of the car rises. My tester was shod with great looking BBS-Style 17" wheels which really elevated the presence of the car when compared to the basic 16" alloys. As far as the exterior build quality of the car is concerned, the gaps between the panels are perfectly even. Oddly, I found an odd spot of rust on the rear portion of the door frame.
 |
| 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T (Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com) |
The seats are an enigma to me. Their comfort level is fair although both the seatback and lower cushion are extremely firm. Lateral support is minor however sufficient for day-to-day driving. It is as though I was expecting more from the seats but they did not disappoint me. I guess I am hung up on the incredible buckets of the GLI I drove in late 2004. If travelling with three passengers, all will find plenty of legroom and elbow room. The increase in length has primarily benefited those that will be sitting in the rear.