2006 Volkswagen Jetta Review

Specifications

Bigger VeeDub Sports Standard 5-Cylinder Power and Optional DSG Transmission

Yesterday Volkswagen officially released photos of its upcoming fifth-generation compact Jetta sedan, slated to go on sale in North American markets March of next year.

Jetta is the most popular Volkswagen, and perennially the most popular European car sold in North America, accounting for approximately 40 percent of VWs U.S. volume alone, and therefore the most critical vehicle debut for the German automaker in quite some time.

Being that the current 2005 model remains a crowd pleaser, Volkswagen hasnt taken radical steps in the redesign. Any import enthusiast who sees it driving down the road shouldnt have much trouble picking it out as the Jetta replacement, as it pulls forward many design cues from the current model. Still, there isnt any surface or trim detail, less the VW badge at the center grille position, thats carried over from the outgoing car.

If anything, the new Jetta derives its design language from the recently introduced Phaeton luxury sedan, which itself appears similar to the current Passat. Its grille is traditional VW fare, while larger headlamp clusters look inspired by the new Golf, introduced in Europe earlier this year but still not available in North America.

From the side it is wedge-like, at least more so than the current Jetta, while its horizontal taillight design features a circular dip at the outside center, making for a larger and therefore safer brake light lens area, as well as a nice statement of unique style.

Larger than its predecessor inside and out, with more head, hip, shoulder and legroom plus a larger trunk, the new Jetta will offer technologies that no category rival will feature, as well as a unique European character that elevates driving dynamics and highlights interior materials quality.

If youd ever driven a Jetta, you might find it difficult to believe it has never been offered with a fully-independent suspension. This will change next year with the inclusion of a multi-link rear setup and optimized front axle.

The models engine technology has never been backward thinking, however, with the first 5-valve head in the compact segment, the first common-rail direct-injection diesel, and the first, and only, narrow-angle V6. Jettas new base engine will feature an increase in displacement to 2.5-liters, from 2.0, and five-cylinders instead of four. The additional 500 cubic centimeters makes for 150 horsepower, a 35 horsepower leap from the outgoing 115 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. In case youre wondering where VW sourced the 5-cylinder powertrain, its essentially one bank of the Lamborghini Gallardos 5.0-liter V10. Not bad company Volkswagen keeps, no? If you didnt already know, VW AG owns Lamborghini, and much of the new V10s architecture, such as its 50-valve head, is derived from Volkswagen engineering.

Whats more, a 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual-mode and special “sport” mode selection will be available, instead of the standard 5-speed automatic. Another first for the compact segment, Volkswagen will offer its paddle-shift actuated sequential-manual transmission, dubbed DSG, in its TDI (turbodiesel) only. The DSG gearbox, currently only available in Audis 3.2-liter V6-powered TT coupe and roadster, is the best of its kind available, shifting quicker than Ferraris F1 or BMWs SMG sequential-manual transmissions. The benefit to the Jetta TDI will be improved performance, enhanced fuel economy and manual levels of acceleration combined with the ease of an automatics operation.

Another high-tech driving aid will be the inclusion of a standard electro-mechanical steering system. The Jetta will also feature Boschs electronic stability program (ESP), as well as 4-wheel disc brakes assisted by a new-generation ABS system.

While avoiding an accident is a good thing, Volkswagen stocks its upcoming model with top-tier passive safety equipment as well. Included will be front side-thorax airbags, Side Curtain (head) Protection in front and rear, crash-active front headrests, crash-optimized foot pedals that descend upon serious impact, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), three-point safety belts at all five seating positions, adjustable headrests for each occupant, front belt pretensioners with load limiters, and safety belts with emergency locking retractors.

As important for crash safety as for driving dynamics, fit and finish, plus reducing unwanted noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, the upcoming Jetta will feature a stronger body than the current car, doubling its dynamic and torsional rigidity. Volkswagens engineers achieved this via more high-strength steel body panels, design and engineering enhancements, and an advanced, automated, laser-welding system. Now there are about fourteen times more welds than before, and the outgoing car is pretty tight as it is.

Once again the Jetta will be Mexican made, which is no bad thing as the Puebla facility is ranked among Volkswagen Groups top manufacturing plants in internal quality audits. Still, VW vehicles suffer from quality glitches no matter which plant builds them, causing an extremely poor ranking in J. D. Powers and Associates 2004 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and Initial Quality Study (IQS).

But like British cars of yore, Jetta fans seem to keep coming back over and over to trade up to the new model. There is nothing similar in the compact class, and despite costing slightly more than its compact competitors the Jetta offers interior quality, features and performance that rival luxury brands costing tens of thousands more.

Silver should remain a popular color, not merely because customers of all cars choose it over all other hues and tones one out of every three times, but also because 2005 marks the Jettas silver or 25th anniversary in the U.S. and Canada. Since 1980 the sporty little sedan has sold more than 2.2 million units in both markets total. Thats a significant fan base for Volkswagen to sell into, a fact that should make the new car a European best-seller once again.

Despite other reports that designate it a 2005 model, the new Jetta will either be a 2005.5 or a 2006 model when it debuts, as the current fourth generation car is now being sold as a 2005 model. Either way, Volkswagen will announce its price when it makes its first world appearance in the metal on January 5th at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

When it goes on sale in March, the new Jetta will be exactly what VW needs to boost sagging sales.