One thing that was great in and around town was the electromechanical steering, making negotiating tight turns and parking lots a cinch.
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| One thing that was great in and around town was the electromechanical steering, making negotiating tight turns and parking lots a cinch. (Photo: Maki Ikushima, Canadian Auto Press) |
Despite the power assistance, the wheel tended to feel a bit light and loose in hand when cruising at highway speeds, but I guess power-variable steering isn't really in this price point, really. I'm guessing the GLI's steering is tuned tighter across the board, another thing to take into consideration when cross-shopping.
Another slightly disconcerting thing was the wheel/tire and suspension package, which seems geared to simple cruising and city navigating, whereas the engine just begs to be pushed into that next corner or snapped into that fast lane and cranked past the semi that should not be cramping you in. Push it on highway cloverleaf ramps or though
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| What's not extreme is gas consumption. Despite my rather assertive driving style I managed about 10.4 L/100 km. (Photo: Maki Ikushima, Canadian Auto Press) |
some tight and winding roads and the body will lean while the tires feel like they're going to give in a bit early for my tastes, but my tastes tend to run a bit extreme, or at least so I'm told.
What's not extreme is
gas consumption. EPA estimates actually rate the 2.0T as a more fuel-efficient choice than the base 2.5, thanks in part to its FSI fuel injection, so technically you'd be helping to save the planet, or at least doing less damage. If you're really looking to save money on gas then you'll be shopping the TDI anyway. After a week with the Jetta I drove over 1,000 km of combined city and highway driving, and I managed about 10.4 L/100 km. EPA rates it at 9.4 and 6.9 for city and highway, so I guess that tells you something about my driving habits, although EPA ratings are not to be taken as literal real-world expectations, but as more of a comparative tool.
