The Volkswagen Jetta, America's number one selling European car, is the car of choice for drivers who desire the precision and performance of German engineering but still demand value for their money.
With continuous upgrades over the years, Volkswagen has kept its best seller fresh and inviting. And for 2004, the Jetta receives new standard features, new exterior and interior elements, and a more powerful TDI diesel engine option.
The 2004 Volkswagen Jetta sedan and Jetta wagon are available in GL and GLS trim, with the sedan also offering a sporty GLI version.
Exterior changes are minor and include new chrome treatment for the front grille and bumpers, aluminum side body moldings, re-designed taillights, and a sportier trunk-lid edge.
My Jetta tester was a sedan in GLS trim with the 1.9-liter TDI turbo-diesel engine. The TDI is obviously known for its fuel efficiency, delivering 46 miles per gallon in highway driving and 38 mpg city driving when combined with a five-speed manual transmission.
With ever-changing fuel prices, it certainly is a benefit to be able to drive for miles between fill-ups. And diesel fuel isn't as difficult to find these days as it once was. European-made diesel-powered cars are on the rise here in the U.S.
With performance numbers of 100 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, you might not expect the TDI to be able to get out of its own way, but that wasn't the case.
Acceleration was actually better than expected with only a slight bit of noise. The five-speed manual gearbox in my tester allowed me to get the most out of the very efficient TDI.
On the road, the Jetta is fairly agile and provides a comfortable ride. As a driver, the Jetta feels well connected to the road. The suspension in our Jetta Sedan GLS TDI did well at softening bumps without being too mushy.
Inside, subtle additions to the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta interior include an enhanced instrument panel with new aluminum-plated instrument cluster rings that make the driver display information easier to read.
The dashboard surface itself has a finely textured treatment. Jetta GLS models will feature new "Opera" velour fabric upholstery. All models also have a newly redesigned, convenient console cup holder.
New as standard equipment in 2004 Jetta GLS models is an eight-speaker Monsoon Sound System with amplifier. This system also is available as part of an option package on Jetta GLI.
Jetta GLS models also offer a Leather Package option that includes sporty leather-covered seat cushions, a leather-wrapped shift knob and handbrake grip and a four-spoke, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. In addition, this package adds heated front seats with adjustable lumbar support and heated windshield washer nozzles.
Our tester's black velour seats were supportive and comfortable. But tall folks will find Jetta's back seat to be short on legroom. While Jetta is a five-seater, a family of four will be quite comfortable.
One of our favorite VW features is something simple, the key. We like the fact that the key folds up neatly like a switchblade alongside the remote transmitter, making it less bulky.
The Jetta sedan has a decent-sized trunk and all Jettas are loaded with safety features, too. The Jetta was the first compact sedan to offer Volkswagen's highly advanced side-impact safety system called Side Curtain Protection, an airbag system that helps protect the heads of front and rear passengers in a severe side-impact collision.
The Side Curtain Protection system deploys a protective curtain of air from the rear pillar of the car and spans the length of both side windows.
Even if you've never considered a diesel-powered car, you really ought to take the Jetta TDI for a spin. We're sure you'll be pleasantly surprised.
2004 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI
Engine: 1.9-liter (100 hp) I4 Turbo-Diesel
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive Type: FWD
Body Style: 4-door, 5-passenger
Fuel Economy: 38 city/46 highway
Base Price: $20,480
As Tested: $21,055 (includes $575 for destination)
Website: www.vw.com |
