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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Little Volkswagen Jetta offers big value


The Jetta is completely redesigned for 2006 and looks to keep its
Greg Zyla King Features Syndicate

This week, we’re test-driving the popular Volkswagen Jetta 2.5, a lower-priced compact that gets up to 30 mpg highway. The Jetta is completely redesigned for 2006 and looks to keep its “most popular European” moniker, as Jetta is still the No. 1-selling European nameplate in North America with more than 2.2 million sold in the U.S. and Canada since 1980.

The new Jetta is sportier-looking, thanks to its imposing front grille, although the rest of the car is somewhat tame for a complete makeover. It’s in its dimensions, however, where this VW really shines. The new Jetta is 7 inches longer and 1 inch wider that its predecessor, resulting in more head- and legroom for all passengers (although a fifth passenger in the rear seat makes it tight for all three). The wheelbase is extended by 2.5 inches over last year, and the added comfort in ride and extra cargo space is welcome.

Under the hood sits a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder inline engine that produces 150 horsepower.

It’s much better than the previous 2-liter four-cylinder, which was considerably down on power. With 151 cubic-inches of fuel-injected power available, this front-wheel-drive Jetta moves out quite well, especially when mated to the five-speed manual transmission our tester offered. The bottom line is a responsive, although not overly powerful engine that can merge, accelerate and pass other vehicles well while still producing impressive 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway EPA numbers. If you choose an automatic, you’ll lose some of this performance.

We were especially pleased with what VW engineers have done with the chassis. A high-tech, fully independent front and rear suspension replaces the old twist-beam rear axle that was responsible for less-than-noteworthy handling. Add four-wheel ABS disc brakes, electronic stabilization, anti-slip rear and nice 15-inch wheels and tires, and you’ve got a Jetta that holds in the corners like never before.

The cabin is also well-done. We liked the fit and finish of the accessories, the look of the instrumentation and the comfortable seating. Standard features are numerous, including climate control with under seat ducts (cooling or heating), a premium AM/FM stereo with in-dash six-disc CD/MP3 player, 10 speakers, cruise control, all the powers, integrated key/remote, keyless entry, three 12-volt power outlets and rear defroster.

The Jetta’s safety features are most impressive, including dual front and side airbags, Side Curtain Protection for first- and second-row passengers, overhead airbags and more. Other important safety features include deformable front and rear crush zones, active front head restraints, foot pedals designed to move downward during an impact and height-adjustable head restraints for all passengers.

Our tester came with a $1,600 Option Package, featuring a power sunroof, cold-weather package (heated seats) and XM Satellite radio. With $615 added for destination, the final tally came in at $22,505. This is a very fair price for what you get to park in your driveway.

Important numbers include 16 cubic-feet of cargo space, a 102-inch wheelbase, 17.9-foot turning radius and a 3,230-pound curb weight.

VW’s new Jetta five-cylinder receives an 8.5 on a scale of one to 10. We’re impressed.

Likes: More power, good mileage, lots of air-bag safety, front grille.

Dislikes: Front seat armrest too small, more options could price it too high for compact class.