Technical

2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T (Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com)

For the sake of specs, the Jetta has three available engines. It begins with the 150hp 2.5L inline 5-cylinder and carries on with the turbocharged turbo-diesel 1.9L 4-pot that produces 100hp. The real source of smiles and grins is the 200 hp 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder that also whips out 207 lb/ft of torque thanks in part to direct injection. Four transmissions can be ordered with the Jetta. The 2.5 and TDi have the option of the 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Should you select the 2.0T, the option will be between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed direct shift sequential manual with an automatic mode. Each corner caries a disc brake and one independent component of the suspension. Steering is electromechanical power-assisted with variable speed intelligence, also known as variable assistance.

On the road

This is now the 4th car that I drive that sports the turbocharged 2.0L engine. In the Passat with the 6-speed autobox, it felt great. In the Audi A3 with the DSG transmission, it had heart. In the GTI, well, the GTI is back! In the Jetta, the engine is just as invigorating. Not only does it perform impressively with sub-seven second 0-100 km/h, but it sounds powerful and assertive. Throttle response is immediate, lag is non-existent and the car goes and goes.

2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T (Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com)

The other workings involved in the drive of the car are nearly as impressive. The brakes solid as are the short stopping distances. The pedal, on the other hand, is much softer than I would have liked. Repeated pumping of said pedal firmed up nicely but it occasionally got mushy in the course of the test-drive. The large steering wheel communicates quite well with the driver and vice-versa. Every input transmitted to wheel by the pilot is immediately converted into positive and rewarding actions.

Although the tested Jetta 2.0T include the sport suspension, it was clear to me when driving the car that it is not as focused as the GTI. Both cars were equipped with aggressive winter tires so it is clear to me that they were not a factor in the car's behaviour. The GTI's turn-in was crisper and overall, the sporty hatchback was more response. Otherwise, the ride of the Jetta is competent and pleasant.

I thought it odd that the car's redline, as indicated on the tachometer,

2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T (Photo: Amyot Bachand, Auto123.com)

began at 5 750 rpm. First of all, max horsepower is reached between 5 500 and 6 000 rpm and secondly, the motor merrily revved to 7 000 rpm. I am missing something? Was this car mistakenly equipped with TDi tach?

Safety

The Volkswagen Jetta has standard dual front and side air bags, optional rear side and side curtain air bags, ABS brakes, traction control and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 5 out of 5 stars (a perfect result) for a frontal impact for both driver and passenger and 4 out of 5 stars for the front and rear passengers in lateral impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it "Good" for frontal impact and "Good" for lateral and a best pick.