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Summary
The Volkswagen Jetta blends German-bred engineering and technology, good materials and build quality, and solid performance in a value-priced package. The base model comes well equipped, with a decent CD player and a host of safety features. Its 2.5-liter five-cylinder was bred for American tastes, with lots of low-rev torque, and makes for both a snappy runabout and a comfortable long-distance cruiser. The turbocharged GLI attains sports sedan status. Prices climb quickly, however. At the high-end, a loaded Jetta can nearly double the modest base price, and we're not sure there's twice as much value in that equation.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Greg Brown reported from Southern California and Santa Fe, New Mexico, with G.R. Whale reporting from Los Angeles.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Volkswagen Jetta S ($16,990); SE ($19,760); SEL ($22,825); Wolfsburg Edition 2.0T ($20,875); GLI ($24,230) |
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Engines:
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2.0-liter dohc 16v turbocharged inline-4 |
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Transmissions:
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6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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dual-stage front airbags; front passenger side-impact airbags; front and rear curtain-style head protection airbags; safety belt pre-tensioners with load limiters for the front seats; emergency locking retractors for every belt; four-channel ABS, with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist; traction control |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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Electronic Stability Program (ESP), rear side-impact airbags |
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Basic Warranty:
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4 years/50,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Puebla, Mexico |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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Volkswagen Jetta GLI with six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox automatic ($25,375) |
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Standard Equipment:
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cloth upholstery; eight-way manually adjustable front seats; air conditioning; manual tilt and telescopic 3-spoke steering wheel; power windows with one-touch and door-key operation; center console with two cup holders, sliding armrest and power outlet; alloy interior trim; AM/FM stereo with 10 speakers and in-dash six-CD changer; Sirius satellite radio; 60/40 split folding rear seat with center armrest and pass-through; 17-inch alloy wheels; high intensity gas-discharge bi-Xenon headlights with auto-leveling, washers, and automatic operation; integrated halogen foglamps; black mesh grille with red surround trim; carpeted trunk with tie-down hooks; full-size spare wheel/tire; blue tinted glass |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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Autobahn package ($3,020) includes heated front sport seats with partial leather upholstery, power sunroof, heated washer nozzles; 7.5x18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40R18H summer tires ($890); rear side airbags ($350) |
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Destination Charge:
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650 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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30285 |
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Layout:
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front-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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200 @ 5100-6000 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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207 @ 1800-5000 |
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Transmission:
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6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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22/29 |
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Wheelbase:
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101.5 |
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Length/width/height:
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179.3/70.1/57.4 |
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Track, f/r:
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60.6/59.8 |
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Turning circle:
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35.1 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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38.5/NA/41.2 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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37.2/NA/35.4 |
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Cargo volume:
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16.0 |
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Payload:
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955 |
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Towing capacity:
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Suspension, f:
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independent, MacPherson strut with lower A-arm, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
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Suspension, r:
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independent, four-link with separate coil springs and shocks, anti-roll bar |
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Ground clearance:
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5.4 |
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Curb weight:
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3334 |
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Tires:
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225/40RY18 summer performance |
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Brakes, f/r:
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vented disc/disc with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist |
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Fuel capacity:
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14.5 |
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