Interior |
| 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T (Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com) |
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| 2006 Acura CSX Premium (Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com) |
The Acura offers a rather dark cabin, yet it's attractive and futuristic. We appreciate the nice textures and materials used. The small-diameter wheel pleased us, and constitutes a work of art. But does the CSX manage to set itself apart from the Civic? The Volkswagen, however, disposes of a simple cabin with dark textures, and black is dominant. A little contrasting colour in here wouldn't hurt.
Both cars have instruments that are easy to use, and the CSX has audio controls mounted on the steering wheel. Its digital speedometer can be consulted without taking your eyes off the road. The Jetta, on the other hand, has a tachometer that's rather confusing; the redline is marked at 5,500 rpm, but we could rev the engine well over that limit.
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| 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T (Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com) |
The Jetta's seats are as hard as a rock. Certain people will like this, but we have a little difficulty getting comfortable. The tilt and telescopic wheel helps us find a good driving position, however. The Acura offers very comfortable seats, even if they don't have a multitude of adjustments. In addition, front-seat space is impressive. The A-pillars of the CSX are large, and their rakish angle hurts visibility.
In back, access is easy in both vehicles. Once in place, we're comfy, although the middle seat should be kept for the passenger that you like less; the center fold-down armrests make the seatback uncomfortable. The CSX benefits from a completely flat floor. As for the trunks, both offer a wide opening, but the Jetta's is bigger. And when we have young kids, that's important for hauling their stuff...
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| 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T (Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com) |
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| 2006 Acura CSX Premium (Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com) |
The Acura has front and side airbags as well as side curtains. The Volkswagen has front and side airbags, stability control, and offers inflatable curtains for an extra $250.
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| 2006 Acura CSX Premium (Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com) |
The 6-CD sound system with MP3 and WMA playback is fantastic, and also provides a slot to insert your memory cards to make transferring music from your computer to your car easy. The CSX also has the optional
navigation system that works well. The audio system in the Volkswagen also reads MP3 files, but can only accept one CD at a time. However, it does have 10 speakers (4 more than the CSX) to fill your eardrums. As for soundproofing, it could be better in the Jetta, because we hear a lot of tire noise, especially on the highway. The Pirelli winter tires might be to blame, but still.
