2006 VW Jetta 2.5 with Tiptronic and Luxury Leather Package
Price as tested: CDN$29675

Performance: Given this 2.5L straight-5 DOHC 20-valver is an engine that replaces the anemic 2.0L 8-valver in previous car, the performance is more than acceptable in Jetta’s application. Although you won’t called its response breathtaking, its far improved over its predecessor. The 170 lb/ft of torque available at 3750 rpm ensures plenty of bottom-end response while 150 ponies at 5000 rpm isn’t too shabby. The refinement also has taken into a new level with much better engine note, unlike the old car which sounds kind of wimpy. The 6-speed Tiptronic works relatively well with this engine, for the most parts. It shifts are crisp and responsive. The engine rpm tends to hang on at 3 grand before it starts to rev again. The gear ratios between 1st and 2nd gears are too far apart. On the other hand, it doesn’t allow driver to rev into redline before upshifting for engine protection. While driving in economical mode, the tachometer is revving at 2100 rpm at 120 km/h which is a far cry from ancient 2.0′s 3 grand at 100 km in Mk4.

Handling: With the stiffer, more advanced chassis with new independent rear suspensions. New Jetta’s handling has improved a lot over its previous car. Gone is the softly sprung feel when pushed into corners. It feels much more well-planted and less understeer during enthuisastic driving. It also has probably the best electric power steering I have ever driven in my recent memory. There are plenty of feedback and very precise without the artifical feel usually assoicated with EPS. In terms of ride comfort, it rates at the top with luxury car that costing twice as much. The suspension absorbs washboard pavements and expansion joints with ease. It has enough rebound damping for aggressive driving without losing the comfortness of being a good daily driver.

Brakes: With standard 4-wheel discs, ABS and EBD. Jetta’s brake system has to be the finest in its class. The stops are short and straight, even fade-free after a couple of hard stops.

Interior: VW has always been highly regarded for its interior, and its true for new Jetta for the most parts. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog, with a neat trip computer in the center for all the legible informations. Leather seats are very comfortable. It also covered with supple and soft leather seats which no longer feel like vinyl, as in previous car. Both leg and headrooms have been improved due to the additional size. The driving position is easily found with tilt/telescope steering and multi-adjustable seats with power seatbelt control. The biggest disappointment is the use of the material in the center console. There are plenty of hard plastic surrouding the center console. It no longer feels as luxurious as a mini-luxury car as Mk4 Jetta did. Despite that, the switchgears for climate control are stereo remain of very high-quality.

Back seat has to be the biggest improvement in the new Jetta. All the insufficient leg and headrooms have been greatly solved thanks to the extra 1-inch of wheelbase.

In terms of trunk space, its large with 70/30 split fold-down rear seats. However, the somewhat high liftover is a little pet peeve.

Conclusion: I always have a soft spot for Jetta, the first European car I owned was a 99 Mk4 Jetta. The transformation from an European form-follows-function, classy and minimalist looks on all previous 4 iterations, to a generic and blend appearance without any VW character in Mk5 will generate plenty of debates for years to come. This transformation is also risking of losing loyal customers who treat Jetta as a baby luxury car without the badge baggage of a BMW or Mercedes-Benz.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 VW JETTA 2.5
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-f0r-money: 4/5

Overall rating: 4/5