2000 Volkswagen Jetta VR6 - Value-Packed Performer
I liked the newly designed Jetta when I first laid eyes on it last year. It seemed as if it was cut from a single block of billet aluminum, especially when seen in silver, as is our test car. Its pronounced grille juts out over its front bumper between body flush headlights. In the rear, angular taillights are large and purposeful, and similar to the updated Passat's lenses, yet somehow flow better in this execution. Its arched roofline gives it an extremely tall appearance, even though its handsome six-spoke rims shod with low profile speed rated tires reduce its ride height from conventional wheel/tire combinations.
Overall, the design looks solid and well proportioned. This well-executed design theme continues as you step inside. The new Jetta raises the stakes not only from its predecessors, but for all of its competitors. Truly, nothing in this class comes close to feeling as well built. The plastics used are of such high quality that I had to check if I was in an Audi.
With that in mind I found myself wondering, would the Volkswagen group start to loose sales in its more profitable Audi brand by producing such a high quality product in the lower end of the market? It's not just that the materials are so wonderful to the touch, but the fit and finish is pretty well perfect, and the overall design is extremely attractive.