Review: 2006 VW Jetta

[Perian]

http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/06jetta.htm

Very Impressive:
Six airbags are standard: dual front airbags, dual front side thorax airbags, and dual curtain airbags for both rows of passengers. New are optional rear side thorax airbags.

I am willing to bet this car picks up the coveted "Good" rating for front and side impact testing done by the Insurance Institute.

[pupp1]

Nice car, but I would take the cobalt over this any day.

[mgescuro]

How nice...

Its $24,750 base price is thousands higher than most of its compact rivals, yet its standard 115 horsepower 2.0 litre four cylinder engine is relatively underpowered, its 4-speed automatic transmission is no longer state of the art, and perhaps worst of all, there just isn't a lot of rear legroom in the current Jetta.

So that's about US$20,000 or so for the base version.... vs. $14,500 for the Cobalt. Ummm.... I know VW's got the perceived quality nailed down, but a price differential like that really gives you some pause to think about it twice.

Good luck VW. You'll need it.

[Perian]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

How nice...



So that's about US$20,000 or so for the base version.... vs. $14,500 for the Cobalt. Ummm.... I know VW's got the perceived quality nailed down, but a price differential like that really gives you some pause to think about it twice.

Good luck VW. You'll need it.

Bad news - the article is speaking of the old Jetta (Note the 115hp reference).

Car & Driver reported the new Jetta (2006) will start under $18,000 and will have the following standard features which the Cobalt calls optional:

-Dual front side airbags (Not even available on the Cobalt)
-Dual side air curtains.
-ASR Traction Control
-Anti-Lock Brakes
-Alarm System
-60/40 Rear Folding Seat
-Heated Power Mirrors w/LED Directional Signals
-Electronic Brake Pressure Distribution
-4 Year / 50K Warranty
-Sound system has amp and ten speakers.
-3.1" more rear leg room.
-The (optional) Jetta autotrans is a SIX speed unit.

However; The Cobalt has one major thing going for it:
IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE A TOYOTA COROLLA!!!

All kidding aside,
The Cobalt LS/LT and 2006 Jetta 2.5L Base will be direct competitors.

[Gr8ful1]

That qoute talks about the 2005 version. The 2006 has a 2.5 liter 5 cylinder with 150hp, with a six speed slushbox. Yet it's still overpriced $225 more than the 2005. Your right I would take a Cobalt LS, like the one in CarandDriver this month. 0-60 in 8.4 with a 4-speed slushbox, is alright with me. I wonder how quick a 5-speed Cobalt is.

[Perian]

I pulled these prices from a VW dealer website. Destination is included:

Jetta V 2.5 Manual Value Edition MSRP: $18515
Platinum Grey/Anthracite with no options
Blue Graphite/Anthracite with no options
Black/Anthracite with ESP - $280 option

Jetta V 2.5 Automatic Value EditionMSRP: $19590
Platinum Grey/Anthracite with no options

Just checked out the stock of two dealers. The 2006 Jettas they have all list between 25K and 27K. They all have "Package 2" and the 6-Speed auto.

Who is going to pay 27K for a Jetta?

[Taycron]

I think I like it........

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by Perian

Just checked out the stock of two dealers. The 2006 Jettas they have all list between 25K and 27K. They all have "Package 2" and the 6-Speed auto.

Who is going to pay 27K for a Jetta?

Might as well get a LaCrosse or a G6.

[s113]

Originally Posted by Perian

Just checked out the stock of two dealers. The 2006 Jettas they have all list between 25K and 27K. They all have "Package 2" and the 6-Speed auto.

Who is going to pay 27K for a Jetta?

I thought the new Jetta was a 2005 model?


Anyway, for $27,000, you could get a fully loaded Cobalt...actually you could get a fully loaded Malibu LT for that price. :P

[Perian]

One more thing:

The VW brochure states that Jetta gasoline models need premium fuel.

Better have some $$$ for prem gas after you spend the 27K!

[glen124]

The first paragraph is about the current Jetta. The all-new Jetta (also a 2005, known as the Jetta V [5th generation]) comes standard with the 2.5L inline 5. Optional is the 1.9L TDI diesel. After looking at 2 at the Kansas City International Auto Show last weekend, I am ready to put $$ down on the car. Two nearby dealers have incoming TDI's-- I want Package 1 (roof and alloy wheels). There are also value (stripped), base (everything except roof and wheels, inc. climate control, heated seats, etc), and Package 2 (leather and wood). My Package 1 TDI 5-spd has a price of approx. 23900, including about 1600 extra for the TDI. In person, it really doesn't look like a Corolla!! The new face of VW (and Audi), is unique, and the car is a size above a Corolla. I too have read good Cobalt reviews, but blandness in the 4-door styling, plus surely poor resale value, and rebates already?? No thanks.....

[glen124]

Also, for those who mentioned (an incorrect) price, this is a CANADIAN review-- do a little math for US dollars. Geez....

[Vintalage]

Um, the Jetta does not compete with the Cobalt first of all. It's a mid-size car. Or close to it at least. After all, it "has has more cabin space than an Acura TSX and more trunk space than Accord and Camry."

Secondly, the materials in the Jetta are more richer than that in the cobalt and the Jetta offers far more features.

[LAMRONH]

$25 grand for a base Jetta? Are those Canadian $$s? Even if so, it looks like VW is continuing down Clueless Avenue, along with Mercedes and the GM Pricing and Rebate Wizards. Lotsa Luck, Charlie!

[Perian]

Originally Posted by LAMRONH

$25 grand for a base Jetta? Are those Canadian $$s? Even if so, it looks like VW is continuing down Clueless Avenue, along with Mercedes and the GM Pricing and Rebate Wizards. Lotsa Luck, Charlie!

They are indeed Canadian prices.

You will find the American pricing structure here:

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2005/volk...gen*&x=53&y=18