Volkswagen Jetta sedan sets a new standard for compact class
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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CORONADO, Calif. -- Volkswagen of Germany has restructured its staple compact car, Jetta, and in that process minted a new sedan rigged with precise manners, delightful interior appointments, multiple powertrain choices and more standard safety systems than anything else in the compact class.
New Jetta also comes with a retail price chart which, unlike most German vehicles, approaches the realm of reason.
Yet reasonable pricing has been a traditional hallmark of the cars which carry that round VW badge of Volkswagen. The name itself -- translating from German as "people's car" -- seems to suggest as much.
The Jetta, historical best-selling Volkswagen in North America, spins off a platform of the hatchback Golf, current worldly best-seller, along with a cute new Cabrio drop-top convertible version and the roly-poly New Beetle, a modern interpretation of the car that made this company's mark.
All save Cabrio come out of a Volkswagen assembly facility in Mexico, where extensive retooling of plant and processes set the stage for the new products.
A chance to sample the latest Jetta occurred recently during a romp across California, beginning in the desert at Palm Springs and concluding on a Pacific beach at Coronado, near San Diego. Several trims and engines were sampled along the trek, which traversed the Anza Borrego Desert from the Salton Sea to Ocotillo Wells, then climbed high through the Vallecito Mountains to Julian before a downhill run past Descanso and the final quick clip on I-8 into San Diego.
Throughout the drive, Jetta in its nuance variations felt so tight and precise and right that everything else on the road -- save ultra-expensive German touring sedans -- now seems loosy-goosy, flimsy and, well, not quite as right.
It made a cogent case for obedient performance, as the artful yet subdued styling and eloquent features merge into a savvy automotive package aimed at the hip seeking value.
Every superlative aspect of Jetta's performance traits link to its foundation on the rigid Golf platform, which was redesigned completely for new generational interpretations.
Tailored blanks of sheet metal for the structure vary in thickness, and through intelligent applications derived from computer modeling these various metals were used in selective means to increase strength of the platform but at the same time reduce overall weight.
In addition, laser welding and bonding of the materials were employed for the first time in mass production to forge a structure of unusual rigidity, which sets up a firm foundation for attachment of suspension components.
The resultant chassis, with wheelbase stretched for 1.5 inches over the previous Jetta, integrates energy-absorbing crumple zones fore and aft of a steel safety cage wrapping around the passenger compartment. Dual front air bags and side-impact air bags surround front riders, and height-adjustable 3-point safety belts pin them in place.
And get this: All editions of the new Jetta stock power disc brakes with computerized anti-lock controls.
What makes Jetta feel so good to drive?
Maybe it's the impressive mechanical mesh of all parts, the firmness of underpinnings for bucket seat bolsters, the quiet and efficient hum of a muscular engine, or the all-business attitude of Jetta's interior furnishings -- as a whole, it exudes an attitude of fine craftsmanship and automotive mastery.
Seats, for instance, fit comfortably with firm support, the way all good German automobiles feel. Driver sits in an elevated position like in a chair, which cultivates superior visibility and optimal command.
Mechanical controls -- precise and to the point with power rack and pinion steering and an independent suspension system plus the full disc brakes -- are the type that will appeal most to the enthusiast driver who wants to be a constant master in charge.
The multi-link independent front suspension manages the impossible for front-wheel-drive vehicles by virtually eliminating torque steer, whereby the car pulls to one side when rapidly accelerating or drifts to the other when braking hard. Cut the wheel and Jetta follows quickly in precise turns, balancing on that thin line separating characteristics of oversteer and understeer.
Drop a wheel in a pothole and you'll feel the effect transfer through steering wheel to arms to driver's mind, but your body will barely mind as the suspension seems to dampen all bumps.
And when stuffed with an optional V6 engine, Jetta delivers a powerful kick and can run at autobahn speeds.
The 2.8-liter V6 engine, available for Jetta's top two editions, produces 174 hp and delivers the bulk of its torque at relatively low rpms.
Prefer economy over action?
Then consider Jetta TDI. This is a Volkswagen which drinks diesel fuel but gets around that traditional diesel engine plague of washed-out performance by adding the novelty of turbo-charging by direct induction.
The TDI only produces 90 hp from a 1.9-liter four but achieves highway pace in short order. As a bonus on the road it travels for 49 miles on every gallon of fuel.
Jetta's engine parade begins with a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter 4-in-line Golf plant which musters 115 hp.
A nice manual 5-speed stick shifter applies to any Jetta, with an automatic 4-speed optional.
Models include a base GL, up-level GLS and ultimate GLX. Jetta GL and GLS get the Golf engine or TDI diesel, while the 2.8-liter V6 slips into GLS or GLX.
All contain superior appointments like side air bags and anti-lock brakes, heated remote mirrors, central remote locking and a deluxe stereo with eight speakers and CD deck. The GLS adds power windows and cruise control, while GLX stocks leather seats, automatic climate controls, fog lamps, self-dimming rearview mirror, plus windshield wipers equipped with rain sensors for automatic deployment.
Cockpit analog instruments, inspired from international air traffic controls for superior night visibility, display dazzling blue numbers and red needles on black faces.
Jetta provides respectable room for five adults to travel in comfort, then adds a bona fide trunk.
Among small sedans, consider this one the sophisticate.
1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA SEDAN
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| 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Compact notchback sedan |
| Model Options: |
Compact notchback sedan |
| Wheelbase: |
98.9 inches |
| Overall Length: |
172.3 inches
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| Engine Size: |
SOHC 1.9-L I4 TD
SOHC 2.0-L I4
DOHC 2.8-L V6
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power 4-disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 (front) + 2 (side) |
| Gas Mileage: |
1.9-L: 42/49 mpg
2.0-L: 23/31 mpg
2.8-L: 19/26 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 17,225 to $ 25,000 |
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