|
Page 2 of 12
Introduction, Continued
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.
|
