2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI First Drive

Safety and Technology


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TO THE POINT What’s New? The performance-oriented 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gets a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a choice between two excellent transmissions, beefed-up suspension bits, 17-inch wheels, xenon headlights, and several important interior tweaks over the standard Jetta 2.5.
Selling Points: Excellent drivetrain and sport-tuned suspension, and attractive, well laid-out interior, a roomier back seat and perfectly sculpted race car-style steering wheel.
Deal Breakers: The driving position may not suit everyone, and the ride may be too firm for some.
Our Advice: If you’re looking for an affordable sports sedan, the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI deserves your strong consideration.

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Click to enlarge. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Safety and Technology With plenty of safety technology on board, the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gets a “Best Pick” safety rating from the IIHS.

Speaking of schlepping and shuttling, we’re pleased to report that you can go about your taxi duties with added peace-of-mind thanks to the fact that Volkswagen product planners decided not to scrimp on safety features in the 2006 Jetta GLI.

For starters, they’ve made electronic stability control a standard feature. The computer-controlled system uses a host of sensors to detect an impending skid and then intervenes automatically to bring things back under control with a minimum of fuss.

Inside you’ll find standard torso-protecting side-impact airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger, and side-curtain airbags designed to protect the heads of both front and rear seat occupants. Whiplash-reducing “active” head restraints atop the front seats, LATCH child seat anchors in back, and available rear seat side-impact airbags – a rare but, in our opinion, extremely worthwhile option – round out the long list of occupant protection technologies.

How much of a real-world difference might all these bells-and-whistles make? In two important measures – the tough offset frontal- and side-impact crash tests performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – the Jetta GLI received a rare perfect score and has earned the organization’s coveted “Best Pick” designation.