2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Review

Everybody on our staff who took the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI for a spin loved driving it. Some didn’t like looking at it, others didn’t like sitting in it, but everyone loved driving it, which is exactly the reaction that a German sports sedan is supposed to evoke. The latest in a long line of fun-to-drive Volkswagen sedans, the new Jetta GLI is, all at the same time, a performance bargain, an economical family sedan, a European car with pride-inspiring brand cachet, and, if you’ve been watching TV lately and been jarred from your reverie by the unmistakable crunching sounds of a car wreck, you know that the Jetta is safe, too. Sure, there were things we didn’t like much, like the grabby brakes, the sticky gearing, the stiff seat bolstering, and the way the interior squeaked and rattled. But the 2006 VW Jetta GLI is so much fun to drive, so supremely competent in most of the areas that matter, that its pros far outweigh the cons. If you love to drive but you’re in need of a $25,000 sedan with a big trunk, good crash-test scores, room for the kids, and real-world fuel economy greater than 20 mpg no matter how hard you flog the thing, we can’t think of a better car for you to buy. That’s the short story. If you’re interested, here are the specifics. The Volkswagen Jetta debuted in America for the 1980 model year, essentially a Rabbit hatchback with a trunk and an extra set of headlights up front. It came as a two- or four-door, and featured a gasoline or diesel engine. The first Jetta GLI arrived in 1984 sporting blacked-out trim with red surrounds, powered by the same 1.8-liter, 90-horsepower four-banger as the Rabbit GTI, and using the same sport-tuned steering, exhaust, suspension, and transmission as that iconic pocket rocket. Since then, the Jetta has been redesigned four times, and the GLI performance model was replaced by the GLX performance-luxury trim for the third-generation version. It returned again for the 2003 model year, and is now the top Jetta trim level. What makes the Jetta GLI unique is its blue tinted glass, black honeycomb grille with red trim, xenon high-intensity headlights, projector-lens fog lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels with summer performance tires connected to a sport-tuned suspension. The GLI also comes with eight-way adjustable sport seats, a three-spoke sport leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated satellite controls, alloy metal trim and pedals, and classic plaid fabric seat inserts as standard. That’s not much to differentiate it from the new 2006 Jetta 2.0T, which is stealing some of the GLI’s thunder when it comes to hardware, but it’s enough to justify the few hundred extra dollars on the window sticker. The GLI shares its 2.0-liter, turbocharged and direct fuel injected four-cylinder engine with the Jetta 2.0T, so if straight-line speed is your thing and you want a cushier ride quality with less restrictive seating, maybe you should shop that car instead of this performance-oriented ride. This engine is a gem, making 200 horsepower between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm. That might not sound impressive, but when you factor in the 207 lb.-ft. of torque, which peaks at just 1,800 rpm and is available across a flat power band all the way to 4,700 rpm, you can understand why the Jetta GLI feels like it flies from the driver’s seat. Turbo lag is almost non-existent, and once you get into that thick, broad wad of torque, the car instantly picks up steam and feels like it’s never gonna quit. Highly addictive, this engine, and though it requires pricey premium fuel, we averaged 21.4 mpg during a week of driving with our right feet planted solidly on the accelerator. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Jetta GLI, but we’d recommend the optional Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), a sequential manual that operates just like an automatic in traffic but can be shifted using the gear selector or paddles mounted to the steering wheel when the driver wants manual control of change points. VW’s DSG is among the best of its kind, responsive and flexible with four different ways of changing gears: Normal or Sport modes for automatic shifting, and use of the shifter or paddles for manual shifting. Other goodies include a sport-tuned MacPherson strut front and four-link rear independent suspension, four-wheel-disc ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist, an electronic differential lock, speed-dependent electromechanical rack-and-pinion steering, and 17-inch wheels wearing 225/45 summer-tread performance tires. All-season 17-inch performance rubber is available, or you can upgrade to a beautiful set of 18-inch wheels wearing 225/40 summer tires. Prices start at an impressive $24,420 for the base car, including the $630 destination charge, and rise from there. You can add the DSG transmission ($1,075), the 18-inch wheels and tires ($750), rear side-impact airbags for back seat occupants ($350), and a navigation system ($1,800). Two option packages are available: Package 1 ($1,460) includes a sunroof and your choice of XM or Sirius satellite radio, while Package 2 ($3,200) includes those items plus leather upholstery, Climatronic dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and heated windshield washer nozzles. Satellite radio is also available as a stand-alone option ($375), and you can buy a handful of cosmetic upgrades such as a rear spoiler ($475) and a ground-effects styling kit ($1,650). Our Reflex Silver test car had plenty of these upgrades, and a sticker price of nearly $30,000. But you don’t really need any of this extra stuff. If we were buying a 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI tomorrow, we’d be rocking the 18-inch wheels, and fly out the door for just over $25,000. The extra cash would be reserved for speeding tickets, bail money, high-risk insurance premiums, and other expenses almost certain to accompany GLI ownership.

Driving Impressions

Christian Wardlaw’s 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Driving Impressions: Honestly, I’m surprised I still have a driver’s license. The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI begs to be driven hard, everywhere you go, and I’ve been more than happy to oblige it, turning into one of the biggest A-holes on southern California roadways as a result. Never before have I traveled a buck-ten on the 405 freeway. Rarely do I slice and dice through traffic during my commute. And on the day it was raining hard, I found myself sailing through Huntington Beach on the Pacific Coast Highway at 75 mph – 30 over the limit, on wet roads. The Jetta GLI is trouble waiting to happen. Trouble for you, your driving record, and your wallet – except at the gas pump. Though I filled it with the recommended premium at $3 a gallon in downtown Long Beach, I averaged 21.4 mpg during the week despite my leaden right foot, so taking the hit for higher octane fuel wasn’t bad. Here’s what I don’t like about driving the Volkswagen Jetta GLI. There’s a hint of turbo lag off the line or when passing with the Direct Shift Gearbox in normal mode. And, well, that’s pretty much it. The blown four-banger has a thick wad of torque running between 1,800 rpm and 4,700 rpm, and gets into it quickly, threatening to turn the front tires into slicks if you stay in the throttle. Torque steer isn’t much of a problem here; just point, squirt, and go. Brakes require fine inputs to work smoothly without grabbing, but the steering is always a model of perfection, and the meaty square-bottomed wheel features chunky grips at the 10-and-2 and 7-and-5 positions, perfect whether you shuffle steer through the S-curves or not. The optional 18-inch performance tires offer phenomenal grip, the suspension soaks up every road rut and zit, and body roll is under control. From behind the wheel, on a favorite back road, you just cannot believe that it’s a front-wheel-drive sedan you’re ripping along in. This car is an incredibly capable handler with stability and traction systems that feature high thresholds and minimum intrusion. But it’s not just a canyon carver. You can use this thing as a daily driver, too, and enjoy the benefits of European suspension tuning, room for four adults, and a huge trunk complete with a handy grocery bag hook. I am so in love with this car, you don’t have any idea… Liz Kim’s 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Driving Impressions: There are cars that can go fast. Then there are cars that make you want to go fast. The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a vehicle of both persuasions. As if a long, straight stretch of road with no discernable obstacles was not enough to taunt you into stretching the muscles of your right ankle, the turbocharged and Teutonic-bred powerplant, with its enthusiastic buildup of power and torque, will most certainly be cause for arguments with the Significant Other about exactly why it is that you need to launch so aggressively, every single time. Also impressive is the DSG gearbox, although it seemed better-behaved and more seamless in Sport mode than in the regular Drive mode. Overall, the VW Jetta GLI is a hoot to drive, with pleasingly communicative road dynamics, a taut suspension and an eagerness to show off its rotational balance. Thom Blackett’s 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Driving Impressions: Having spent a good deal of time with the new Volkswagen GTI, I had an idea about what to expect from the 2006 VW Jetta GLI. These two athletic rides share the same basic platform and the same turbocharged powertrain. And, as expected, the GLI proved to be just as fun as the boosted Golf, only with a more family-friendly four-door configuration (though a five-door GTI is coming soon). With the Direct Shift Gearbox transmission set in regular ol’ Drive mode, the 2006 VW Jetta GLI is a smooth operator during routine driving, though the throttle is a bit touchy and has a tendency to unleash a bit more power than sometimes anticipated. Dropping the shifter to Sport mode only exacerbates this condition, digging in for more power sooner and holder revs up longer for more performance. It’s a great setup when spirited driving is on the agenda, but taking a gentle approach with the accelerator and selecting Drive is best for the everyday commute. There’s also a third option – click the shift knob over to manual mode and use the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. That’s a good way to add more fun to what’s already a fun ride, and the rev-matching feature prevents sudden jolts on downshifts. Along with the GLI’s improved powertrain come tighter, more responsive suspension and steering systems. Given the deluge of rain we’ve been seeing in Southern California, I wasn’t able to introduce the GLI to my favorite twisty roads, though I did find a big empty parking lot that was set up with orange cones (no kidding – how’s that for luck?). High-speed maneuvers through the cones showed that this Jetta is rock-solid stable, lacking any significant body roll and using a stability control system that intervenes only when absolutely necessary. Try as I might, I couldn’t get the GLI to break loose, which is noteworthy considering the heavy rain. Had I been able to gain more speed on a dry day, the results may have differed, though I doubt by much. Mandy Ison’s 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Driving Impressions: Do you remember the days when having a “bug” could mean more than finding one in your hair? Volkswagens were the inexpensive and quirky car of choice for angst-ridden teenagers. Friends would pull up to my door in these rattle traps and we’d pile in for a day at the beach or around town. These were the same friends who knew how to take the air-cooled engines apart in two seconds flat. Why? Because those “bugs” often broke down and needed every bit of the loving attention a teenager could save up between him and his buddies. So my lasting impression of a Volkswagen was one of “See ya, but I wouldn’t want to be ya.” I vowed that when I grew up, I would never own a Volkswagen. That’s why driving the 2006 Jetta GLI blew my misconceptions out of the water. Boy, has Volkswagen come a long way since the original “bug”! With nimble steering, a tight turning radius, and acceleration that is more than adequate for merging into freeway traffic, I found myself loving the little car. The only drawbacks were the touchy brakes at low speeds and the stiff ride quality, but the Jetta handled turns and freeway maneuvering like a shark among minnows. After making a wrong turn during the test drive, I did a quick U-turn on a crowded, under construction, two-lane street and this baby made it with room to spare. Absolutely kickin’!

Comfort

Christian Wardlaw’s Opinion of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s Comfort: People who like to shift around while driving will not like the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s sport-bolstered seats. They are extremely comfortable, with proper supports in all the right places, and adjustable in multiple ways. But they force you to sit up straight and drive, which is not what many people wish to do when they’re behind the wheel. Combine the front seating with a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and a backrest adjuster with infinite variability, and it’s almost impossible not to find a perfect driving position. The center console armrest adjusts fore and aft as well as for height, and can be dropped away when driving hard to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with your right elbow. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is sheer joy to grip. If I have any comfort complaint at all, it’s with the hard upper door panels where I occasionally rest my left elbow. They’re covered in a pliable material, but hard nonetheless. Rear seat comfort is adequate. This is a huge improvement, believe it or not, over the previous Jetta, which was a torture chamber in the back. I actually got stuck in one once because I couldn’t extract my size-12 feet from under the front seats. No getting stuck in this car, but my legs were flush against the soft front seatbacks and I thought the bottom cushion was too low for proper support. There is, however, a ton of space for feet under the front seats. Liz Kim’s Opinion of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s Comfort: Female, 5-feet 6-inches, of medium build. Usually, I’m right smack in the middle of the 90th percentile in which carmakers strive to find an ideal fit with the driver and seat. As such, I’m usually able to find a perfectly comfortable driving position from which to point my steed. But I’ve found that Volkswagen vehicles with manual seat adjustments rarely provide me with a comfortable stance. Fit was not an issue with the 2006 Volkswagen GLI, as the aggressively bolstered sides and thigh support were able to comfortably cradle me and hold me whilst maneuvering. Rather, it’s a problem with the tilt of the seat and the seat height, neither of which is adjustable enough for me to find an ideal balance of comfort, visibility and reach to the controls. Thom Blackett’s Opinion of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s Comfort: Unlike many sporty cars, the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI wins in its effort to combine a comfortable, usable interior with impressive driving dynamics. Quality leather covers the seats, and the padded armrests are well positioned with the front center perch proving adjustable fore and aft. Rear passengers get the same treatment, with a padded fold-down center armrest of their own. Those up front enjoy spacious accommodations, with power lumbar and a tilt and telescoping steering wheel for the driver. The back can be spacious as long as those up front are fairly short; otherwise, leg and foot room get tight, and knees will be pressed against the soft front seat backs. All seats are well padded and feature big headrests, and the rear split bench is comfortably reclined. Mandy Ison’s Opinion of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s Comfort: As a busy girl, I want to be able to drop into the driver’s seat and go, whether I’m wearing a skirt or jeans. The leather interior is pure luxury, with a sinfully comfortable driver’s seat. However, I really, really, really don’t like severe side seat bolsters, which consistently hit the back of my thighs when getting into a car. Call me a wimp, call it a girl thing, but it hurts. Leg and foot space was more than adequate for my 5-foot, 6.5-inch frame and the driver’s side door had a comfortable niche for my elbow, as did the padded center console. Even better, the window controls were conveniently situated on the driver’s side door. Clambering into the back seat, the leg room is cramped and for a compact sedan, it’s not surprising. The outstanding feature was the flip down center console padded with leather and which opened to provide a flat square storage space, as well as flip-out cup holders which were a bit flimsy, but definitely fed my love for gizmos. With leather in every direction, the seats were just as plush and as comfortable as those in the front, ignoring the lack of leg room.

Quality

Christian Wardlaw’s Opinion of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s Quality: Volkswagens are not known, historically, for quality. Look at , and you’ll see several VW models on the “used cars to Avoid” list. But, as a new car, with a warranty, this 2006 VW Jetta GLI stands up to scrutiny. Inside, I found just one major panel joint flaw, and it wasn’t visible since the errant seam was tucked underneath the climate controls. Outside, there were a few panel gap variations, but no glaring assembly problems. However, the driver’s seat did squeak every time my weight shifted on it, and on rough pavement the cabin was filled with a cacophony of buzzes and rattles – a common VW trait, especially over time. As for the materials used inside the Jetta, I thought they gave off a little too much glare, but otherwise found nothing downmarket or cheap about the controls, the stalks, the switches, the plastics, or the leather upholstery. And that aluminum is real, not fake stuff. Not bad for a car that starts for about $24,000. Liz Kim’s Opinion of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s Quality: Inside the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, you’ll find the typical accoutrements of German persuasion, with controls that aren’t as friendly to use as some Japanese counterparts. Pleasing to the eye are the VW red-and-blue inset gauges and inviting to the touch are its high-quality interior materials. Of note was the excellent steering wheel, with its substantial thickness and grips where the hands naturally rest, and the cool flat bottom edge. Raising some concerns were the abundance of squeaks and rattles that permeated the cabin of this relatively new vehicle, which would serve as a daily reminder of how VW cars in general have suffered from build quality issues in the past. The conventional wisdom is that you should lease a VW then swap it out as soon as the warranty expires. That’s not a good way to build customer loyalty. Thom Blackett’s Opinion of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s Quality: Volkswagen has long been recognized for offering interiors that simply outclass the competition. In keeping with that vein, the 2006 VW Jetta GLI features quality materials throughout that are only rivaled in terms of how well they’ve been assembled. Interior plastics, from the padded panels on the dash to the harder stuff on the doors and console, offer matching grains and are consistent in color. The leather upholstery, as well as the material on the door inserts, shift lever, and steering wheel, feels soft and luxurious. A quality mesh headliner features clean seams around the sunroof and is matched by material used on the upper pillars. Alloy decorates the doors, center dash, and shifter plate, while gauge rings and control knobs have a metallic finish. It’s all put together extremely well, with the only noticeable points being inconsistent gaps on the sides of the dash. The exterior had a few more issues, such as a front fascia and rear door panels that didn’t sit quite flush with the body and very slight gap differences on the bottom of the trunk lid. Mandy Ison’s Opinion of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s Quality: Although I found the exterior to be pleasing, the Jetta’s truly outstanding features are within. The car oozes class, from its all leather interior to the refined plastics and metals used for the dials, switches, and readouts. Volkswagen packs as many features as it can into the fully loaded version of the Jetta GLI, appealing to those who may not be able to afford a luxury vehicle but could spring the down payment for this stacked and well appointed vehicle. There’s no skimping on materials, or overall comfort and design. Admittedly, I didn’t examine the fit and finish of body panels, interior pieces, etc., but most women really don’t care about that stuff. Seriously, when I begin to read what Blackett and Wardlaw wrote about how this or that didn’t fit “just so,” my eyes rolled into the back of my head. The car looked good, period, and that’s what matters. To top it off, if you love the little features that make a car convenient for a lot more than driving, the Jetta GLI has them by the handful.

Design

Christian Wardlaw’s Opinion of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s Design: The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI isn’t going to win any beauty awards, even with these gorgeous 18-inch wheels. After driving the car for a few days, I sent a friend an email: “I’m in love again, and it’s funny – she’s kinda ugly.” Of course, this friend, knowing that I’ve finally found the one woman who makes my knees go weak, instantly called to find out what was up. When I explained that I was talking about the Jetta GLI, he said: “Oh, the car that looks like J Lo with an overbite?” My reply: “Well, you can’t see what’s outside from the inside.” Inside, the Jetta would put you in a somber mood were it not so damn fun to drive. All that breaks the darkness is a few strips of real aluminum trim and some polished metal accents here and there. Black leather seats. Black headliner. Black dashboard. Black door panels. Black carpet. Hope you like seeing every speck of dust, lint, and dirt inside your ride. At the very least, I’d stick a gray headliner and pillar covers in this thing. As for the control layout, it’s perfect. Everything is right where you expect to find it, is clearly labeled, and operates intuitively. Even the trip computer controls on the steering wheel take just a few seconds of acclimation. And VW has equipped with Jetta with lots of storage spots, including handy bottle holders molded into the front door panels that securely held a one-liter vessel of Aquafina during my most spirited driving stints. Liz Kim’s Opinion of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s Design: The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta has lost, to its detriment, its once sleek yet muscular demeanor, with sheetmetal tautly and elegantly stretched over its framework. In its place are a seemingly flabby skin and a fascia with features of cartoonish proportions. Still, the brightwork around the exaggerated grille and the front and side sills go a long way toward giving the Corolla…er, Jetta, a more athletic appearance, and the optional 18-inch sport wheels delivers a good measure of gravitas. Add the GLI model’s blacked-out trim and bigger wheels, and the new Jetta is about as appealing as it’s gonna get. Nevertheless, I haven’t been particularly pleased with the design direction that VW has been pursuing as of late; hopefully they can find the same style mojo that led to the sales spurt of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Thom Blackett’s Opinion of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s Design: Volkswagen uses the pre-tuned, subtle design approach in its marketing of the Jetta GLI’s sibling, the GTI. It’s meant to be the antithesis of those overdone, hopped-up import econoboxes that every street racer seems insistent about coveting. With the GTI, as well as the GLI, VW is more about and less about an obnoxious . Thankfully absent are the garish and useless (unless you consider lessening visibility useful) rear wings, the nonfunctional scoops, an exhaust note that’ll wake the dead, wheels that are ridiculously large, and the various assortment of neon lights and clear tail lamps. Instead, buyers of the 2006 VW Jetta GLI get a sophisticated sedan, one that the CEO could be seen in, with aggressive wheels, just enough tweaking to the fascias, and a honeycomb, blackened grille that adds some sport to the overall package. Mandy Ison’s Opinion of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s Design: What didn’t I love about its looks? Walking around the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, the car has a shortened front end with a bubble-like appearance, faintly reminiscent of hybrids I’ve seen on the road. Overall, I thought the car was CUTE, and I mean that in a girl way, which translates to “Good Looking!” After flipping open the trunk, I was delighted to discover a very spacious cargo area with a 12-volt plug as well as a flip-down two-sided grocery hook. Ah, my inner gizmo fiend was happy. Sitting in the driver’s seat, the dashboard is situated high, as is the steering wheel, which obstructed my view out just a tad, but not enough to bother me. The steering wheel has comfortably thick grips, but the gas and oil pressure gauges were hidden behind them just below my line of sight. Maybe if I had jacked up the seat, this would have resolved the problem. One of the most noticeable features is the large, rectangular readout in the center of the instrument panel. At a glance, you can ascertain the time, fuel economy, odometer, trip meter, outside temperature, what doors are open, and more. Nice! What I really would have loved is to see a digital display of miles per hour as part of the readout. Strangely enough, or maybe this is common to imported cars, the Jetta is yet another car I’ve driven recently where the “AC Off” button turns off the AC, the little green light turns on. So, you depress the button, the light comes on, and the AC turns off. A bit of counterintuitive design that is just plain strange to me. After figuring this out, the vents for the air are placed at the top of the dashboard, so I had to point the vanes as far down and to the left as they would go to hit me with some air, at which point the vents were almost closed. That was a minor annoyance that didn’t prevent me from and over the two 12-volt plug-ins by the driver’s seat, the sunglasses holder in the ceiling, and the pop-out cupholders in the center stack.

Advice

Christian Wardlaw’s Advice about the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Every time I drove the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, whether on a mountain road, on a freeway, during a commute, or to the local grocery store, I had a blast. This car is an incredibly fun sedan, a true performance bargain, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs four doors and a trunk but still loves to drive. It’s not much to look at, that’s true, but as I told that buddy of mine: from behind the wheel, you can’t see what it looks like on the outside. Liz Kim’s Advice about the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: The Jetta used to be a fun, stylish, affordable alternative for perky, college-bound types who wanted something more meaningful than the predictable Civic or Corolla. It’s still chortle-inducing fun, but it loses points on the exterior style equation. Also, this particular model scarily approaches, and some models even exceed, the $30K mark, which kind of seems to defeat the purpose of considering a Jetta. There are currently a wide array of options, such as the 2006 Honda Civic Si and Subaru Impreza WRX, which can give you better bang for your bucks. The car market is also lousy with brand new compact economy cars that are much livelier and cleverly packaged than the plain-Jane econoboxes of years past. Parents who spring for the Jetta GLI over a Jetta 2.5 for precious Junior will be well advised that they will breed intimate familiarity between their offspring and local law enforcement officials. Thom Blackett’s Advice about the 2006 Volkswagen GLI: There are lots of cars that look good, lots that handle well, and even more that go fast. However, the numbers start to drop exponentially when you look for a ride that not only does all three, but excels at it. The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is one of those cars. Unfortunately, with an as-tested price of about $30,000, this VW gets up into territory where the competition grows in numbers, but keep the options to a minimum and the price down, and the GLI promises to deliver big entertainment bang for your buck. Mandy Ison’s Advice about the 2006 Volkswagen GLI: All you fanatic Volkswagen loyalists aside, if you’ve ever had an interesting but, ultimately, unfavorable opinion about VWs, I suggest you give this car a test drive. The 2006 Jetta GLI will change your mind. Though I like my cars bigger (my rebellion against the small, and underpowered, vehicles I drove throughout college), this compact “luxury-like” sedan with its few drawbacks and many outstanding qualities make it an agile and powerful machine that easily manages byways or the highway.

Specifications

Test Vehicle: 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Price of Test Vehicle: $29,445 (including the $630 destination charge) Engine Size and Type: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder Engine Horsepower: 200 between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm Engine Torque: 207 between 1,800 and 4,700 rpm Transmission: Six-speed sequential manual gearbox Curb weight, lbs.: 3,352 EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 25/31 mpg Observed Fuel Economy: 21.4 mpg Length: 179.3 inches Width: 70.1 inches Wheelbase: 101.5 inches Height: 57.4 inches Leg room (front/rear): 41.2/35.4 inches Head room (front/rear): 38.5/37.2 inches Max. Seating Capacity: Five Max. Cargo Volume: 16 cu.-ft. Competitors: Acura TSX, BMW 325i, Chevrolet Malibu SS, Dodge Stratus R/T, Honda Accord EX V6 6M, Lexus IS 250, Mazda 6, Mazdaspeed 6, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Nissan Altima 3.5SE, Nissan Altima SE-R, Pontiac G6 GTP, Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Saab 9-3 Aero, Subaru Legacy 2.5GT spec.B, Subaru WRX, Toyota Camry SE, Volkswagen Passat, Volvo S40 T5

Photos by Ron Perry