2006 Volkswagen Jetta Review

Specifications

Looks Can Be Deceiving

Many auto journalists have opined about the visual resemblance the all-new 2006 Volkswagen Jetta has with Toyotas latest Corolla design. Although I dont disagree, I had decided to not draw such a conclusion in my review; that was, until this unsolicited exchange with a passerby who saw me photographing the Jetta.

Passerby: Excuse me, what kind of a car is that?
Me: Its the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta.
Passerby: Thats a Jetta?? (inflection in voice suggests disbelief). I thought it was a new Corolla or Camry. It definitely looks like a Corolla.

The passerby was a well-dressed, middle-aged man who, as it happens, is in the market for a new economy car. I am not sure Volkswagen stylists were aiming for a Toyota association when they penned the new Jetta, but they got it nonetheless. Hopefully they also gained Toyotas legendary reliability in the process. I must admit to really liking the design of the previous generation (1999 - 2005) Jetta. It was, in my opinion, the smartest, most sophisticated-looking four-door compact on the market. Ah, but we cant allow ourselves to become mired in the past. As they say in Fortune 500 boardrooms, “its time to move forward and embrace change,” so thats just what Ill do.

The new Jetta is significantly larger in size than its predecessor. In fact its seven inches longer and one inch wider. Interestingly, to my eye, the extra sheet metal isnt really evident, perhaps due to the dramatic rake of the sloping nose which tends to diminish the vehicles visual presence. I cant help but think that VW wanted to North Americanize the Jetta by attaching a substantial chrome grille to its nose. I dont think the ultra-expensive but doomed Phaeton exhibited so much front-end glitz.

Logically, the enhanced exterior dimensions have resulted in a marvelously comfortable, roomier cabin. As with all modern VW products, the Jettas interior is solidly assembled with the use of better-than-average materials. No, its not Mercedes-Benz-perfect or as visually appealing, but it is straightforward, business-like and functional. Typifying the functionality is a basic, three-dial setup for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning settings. Another fine example of simplicity is the Jettas audio unit. It utilizes elemental, large-sized buttons to access preset stations and contour the sound quality.

The seats in my tester were clothed in soft leather, with those in the front being heated. These buckets were tremendously comfortable and supportive without being as granite-hard as some VW perches my derriere has met. They also provided extensive fore-and-aft travel to suit varying leg lengths without stealing it from those seated in the split-bench, fold-down rear seat. Both legroom and headroom in the rear have expanded for 2006, alleviating the oft-heard complaint of cramped rear quarters.

Dropping the rear seat backs reveals an opening into the trunk much larger than on many other sedans featuring fold-down rear seating. The capacity of the Jettas deep trunk of 16 cubic feet is up there with many mid-size offerings - very impressive in view of its compact class rating. Also impressive is its comfortable driving position, aided by a telescoping/tilting steering column. With driving in mind, its time to fire up the new 2.5-liter (153 cu in) transversely-mounted inline five-cylinder powerplant and check out the Jetta on the road.

The new five-banger was engineered with plenty of low-end torque specifically for the North American market - remember the chrome grille. It utilizes a total of 20 valves and a head design borrowed from the Lamborghini Gallardo V10 (VW didnt think Jetta customers would object). The little beast twists out 150 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 170 pounds-feet of torque at a pleasing 3,750 rpm. It outguns most four-bangers in both power and operational refinement; however, on both counts, it falls short of the better V6s on todays market. Despite the I-5s refinement shortcomings, it scoots the roomy compact about with enthusiasm - often feeling stronger than its ratings would suggest.

The new-for-2005, six-speed autobox no doubt contributes to the Jettas punchiness by reliably slotting the most suitable cog into the drivetrain when tasked with highway passing or hill climbing. The sixth cog ought to maximize fuel economy as well, yet the Jetta 2.5 only achieves reasonable fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway rather than class-leading mileage. I suppose obtaining the latter requires a TDI designation, representative of VWs Turbo-Direct-Injection diesel power, which remains available in the Jetta.

Fuel economy aside, combining the new 2.5 I-5 powerplant with the smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission leads to a very satisfying powertrain, which propels the Jettas front wheels without imposing the much-cursed bane of torque steer. The console-mounted shift lever can be placed into a manual-mode shift gate should the desire to involve oneself in gear selection arise. Well matched to such a desire is the Jettas braking prowess and its spirited handling.

Freezing the Jetta to the tarmac is made simple with its standard equipment, four-wheel antilock disc brakes. These binders utilize Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA) to ensure a stomp on the pedal initiates a rapid, but easily- controlled, stop. Thanks to these advanced braking supplements, very little pedal effort is needed to securely stop the Jetta from any speed. Completing the specter of electronic control aids is the availability of an Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) capable of helping correct under- and over-steer situations and preventing skidding.

The Jettas completely revised, fully-independent suspension incorporates MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup out back, along with an anti-roll bar at each end. This apparatus is affixed to a much stiffer chassis than previously, which elevates the Jettas admirable cornering and control thresholds to new heights. The sedan is quite “tossable,” remaining stable and predictable through switchbacks and emergency maneuvers.

Volkswagen claims the Jettas electromechanical power steering technology reduces fuel consumption by eliminating an engine-driven power steering pump. It also delivers improved steering control, reducing the constant need to perform minor corrections to keep the vehicle in line when exposed to cross winds and pavement undulations. Undoubtedly, the precision and responsiveness of the Jettas steering contributes to its effortless maneuverability, and highway tracking that is straight and true; however, I cant say that I specifically detected the benefit touted by VW. What I did detect and appreciate though, was the Jettas incredibly tight turning radius of only 17.9 feet, making parking a cinch.

In achieving the Jettas spirited handling, VW engineers did not sacrifice its ability to absorb potholes and road decay. The typically European ride is one of stability and control, sans mushiness. Although the new Jetta does a commendable job of limiting road noise, I detected slightly more wind noise than I had expected its slippery new shape to generate at highway speeds. All things considered though, it imparts a sense of solidity and quality not often found in moderately priced compact sedans.

Also not found in many of these offerings is the front and side airbags that Volkswagen installs in the Jetta as standard equipment. For maximum in airbag protection, side curtain and rear side airbags are also available. Head restraint has not been overlooked either. Standard equipment includes Active Head Restraint technology built into the front and rear seats. It helps reduce whiplash and hyperextension of the neck in the event of a crash. While on this topic, the Jetta performed very well in crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in the U.S. It scored top marks in all categories of testing when equipped with the optional side curtain and rear side airbags.

And its not just airbags that populate the Jettas cabin. Its five-seat living space is well stocked with standard equipment including air conditioning, speed control, power windows and door locks, illuminated entry, manual tilt/telescopic steering, eight-way adjustable drivers seat, six-way adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, AM/FM CD ten-speaker audio, speed sensitive wipers, outside temperature gauge, and security system with immobilizer.

For those hoping to simulate prestigious German marques with their assembled-in- Mexico Jetta, stand-alone options and option packages are available to do so. The new model can be upholstered in leather and equipped with all the premium trappings, including dual-zone climate control, power moonroof, multi-disc premium audio with steering wheel controls and a multi-function trip computer.

With or without the extras, the impressive new Jetta improves upon the previous generation in most ways. I say “most” because the jury is still deadlocked on whether its styling befits its German heritage, and on the expected reliability of a VW product, which has not been anything to brag about as of late. However, if my time behind the wheel is any indicator, the jury is leaning toward “not guilty” on both counts - assuming its a Santa Maria jury in California.