It's hard to believe its been 25 years since Europe's largest automaker introduced the diminutive Jetta here in the states. Since its 1980 debut, the compact Jetta has evolved into one of the best-selling European nameplates in America with more than 2.2 million units sold. Another anniversary of sorts worth noting is that in 2005, Volkswagen celebrates 50 years of doing business here in the United States.
This past March, VW debuted the fifth-generation, front-wheel-drive Jetta four-door sedan, measuring in as the largest Jetta to date and featuring a more powerful standard gasoline engine. The fifth-generation Jetta has grown over seven inches in length.
The compact Jetta falls in between the slightly smaller Golf and mid-size Passat in VW's marketing mix. Also in the stable is the luxury-appointed Phaeton sedan, the mid-size Touareg sport utility and the very recognizable two-door new Beetle. Golf and Jetta represent two of the lowest-priced European vehicles available for sale in the United States; as a testament to globalization, both German-engineered vehicles are assembled outside Eurpoe and the U.S.
Potential 2005 Jetta shoppers need to keep a couple aspects in mind to help alleviate confusion. The larger fifth-generation Jetta was introduced this past March. Prior to the March arrival, smaller, fourth-generation Jetta's were also badged as 2005 model year offerings, so in effect, two completely different Jetta body styles share the same model year designation. Those interested in testing the larger version, which this article highlights, need to get behind the wheel of the fifth-generation body referred to as the " new Jetta" in press materials.
The fourth-generation Jetta's base engine was a slightly underpowered four-cylinder 115 horsepower variant. The fifth-generation base powertrain is a 2.5-liter, double overhead cam inline five cylinder version cranking out a much more respectable 150 horses. This engine, developed with the North American market in mind, requires regular unleaded fuel to fill the 14.5-gallon tank. Fuel economy checks in at 22 m.p.g. city and 30 m.p.g. highway with automatic transmission, a bit lower than other compact rivals which mostly feature a four-cylinder, not a five-cylinder engine. While afive-speed manual transmission comes standard, a six-speed automatic transmission is optional and features a tiptronic feature allowing drivers to manually change forward shift points without the use of a foot clutch. A five-speed automatic was available in the fourth-generation version.
This engine provides more than ample power for a traditional compact. Plenty of passing power is at a driver's disposal.
In addition to the upgraded in-line engine, a diesel-powered (TDI) engine built for the larger platform is now starting to arrive at area dealers. It's a 1.9-liter diesel delivering 100 horsepower. Also arriving this month is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the 2.0T, which will be badged as a 2006 Jetta.
The fifth-generation, 2005 Jetta starts at $17,900 for base value edition and $20,390 for the next trim up and our test vehicle this week, the 'new Jetta 2.5.' Both come with a nice array of standard features including a compact disc stereo system, air conditioning, cruise control power windows and mirrors and telescoping steering column. The new Jetta 2.5 adds dual climate zones, heated front seats a six-disc CD changer, leatherette seating and rain-sensing front wipers.
Volkswagen keeps the option parade relatively simple with two option packages. Our test model included 'Package 2" adding XM Satellite radio, wood trim interior, leather seating surfaces and 12-way power and passenger seats for an additional $4,660. Customers do have the option of adding the six-speed automatic transmission as one of the only stand-alone options for $1,075. Our test car included the automatic transmission for a bottom line of $26,740 with a $615 destination charge added.
Even though Jetta is classified as a compact vehicle, the trunk's whopping 16 cubic foot cargo volume measures up to that found in many mid-size competitors. Trunk volume is up substantially from 13 cubic feet in 2004. All models include a 60/40 split folding rear seat for increased cargo carrying capabilities.
When compared to its other two German automotive counterparts BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the lower-priced Volkswagen features more intuitive, user-friendly interiors with controls. Drivers will find the seating position veers towards the low side rather than a higher position found in some compact offerings. Between the front bucket seats are the transmission gear shift, an inline dual beverage holder and hand-operated parking brake. A small arm/rest storage bin combo is in the area as well. Towards the top of the center dash is the sound system. Situated below is the ventilation system withdials controlling fan speed and temperature and buttons monitoring direction.
Both front doors have map pockets with a molded area towards the front capable of holding a beverage. Fuel door and trunk release levers are down in this region on the driver's door. Higher up on this door are power window, mirror and sideview mirror controls all resting at the same angle as the arm rest.
The flat instrument panel has two large circular displays for the speedometer and tachometer, and two smaller circles with red and blue backlighting at night. Also included is a handy rectangular digital display with time, temperature and odometer read outs along with a secondary gearshift display and warning icons. At the far left end of the dashboard is a dial controlling the headlights. The front windshield wipers operate from a right hand side stalk.
Jetta's interior has plenty of head room in front and back. Thanks to its four door and decent-sized side windows, drivers have good views of the road in all four directions with minimal blind spots. While three pre-teens could fit in the back, two adults would travel in optimum comfort.
Exterior styling tends towards the conservative end of the spectrum. Straplike door handles are body colored as are the breakaway sideview mirrors. Jetta retains many of the visual cues from the previous fourth-generation models, just with noticeably longer dimensions.
Notable safety features include traction control, antilock brakes and daytime running lights. In addition, Jetta has a good array of airbags including front driver and passenger air bags along with side curtain protection and head air bags for front and rear passengers along with driver and front passenger side air bags. Another simple, yet effective nuance popular on many European entries are secondary turn signal lights built into the side view mirrors.
Volkswagen's powertrain warranty is good for five years or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first) while the limited warranty coverage is four years or 50,000 miles. The corrosion warranty is 12 years with unlimited mileage restrictions. Roadside assistance is good for four years with unlimited mileage.
In addition to the sedan, a 2005 Jetta wagon/hatchback is available, however, the 2005 wagon is built on the previous fourth-generation platform. Plans are for the Jetta wagon to receive fifth-generation update sometime in the near future.
While Jetta checks in as one of the most affordable European compact sedans, many domestic competitors and those from Japan and Korea start thousands of dollars less, which could be Jetta's biggest hurdle. That said, Jetta's five-cylinder powertrain and larger overall dimensions create an atmosphere that could easily be classified as a mid-size. |