|
|
|
2006 Volkswagen Jetta
Whoever you are, wherever you go
Gary Witzenburg / autoMedia.com
|
Important active (crash avoidance) systems include standard 4-wheel ABS brakes, Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Locking (EDL), plus the stability-assisting power steering. In addition, a sophisticated new Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is an option on the base Value Edition model and standard on all others.
Standard passive safety systems include six airbags (dual front and front side thorax plus front and rear side head curtains), crash-optimized front head restraints and foot pedals, daytime running lights (DRLs) and 3-point belts and adjustable head restraints for all three potential rear passengers. All belts have emergency locking retractors, and the fronts use pretensioners with load limiters.
We were not enamored at first with VW's new corporate face, which is similar to Audi's except for sharp vs. rounded upper corners and a big shiny plastic "chrome" piece separating the upper and lower air intakes. The more we see it on the road, however, the better it's starting to look. The GLI sport version wears a glossy black (instead of bright) plastic divider section. The rest of the car is crisp and handsome, with its sculpted wedge profile, strong upper and lower character lines and contemporary taillamps.
Performance
The roomier new interior is attractively designed and beautifully assembled from premium materials throughout. Even the Value Edition model has high-quality velour fabric on 8-way adjustable manual seats, a 3-spoke steering wheel and bright accents on the door handles, parking brake, shifter and gauge surrounds. Uplevel versions add leatherette and leather seating and trim and either "ash" wood or "micro-tech" metallic accents.
Shoulder, hip, head and legroom is increased front and rear compared to previous Jettas, with the added rear legroom especially noticeable to back-seat-riding adults. Trunk access and capacity are also much improved, with non-intruding hinges, a removable storage divider, tie-down hooks, a fold-down package hook, and a standard 60/40 split rear seat that folds flat to open a pass-through suitable for large and wide cargo items. We especially appreciated the deep and wide door panel bins that easily accommodated our sunglasses, a half-dozen CD cases and more.
Copyright autoMedia.com 2000-2008
|
|
|
|
|
Official: 2010 Lotus Evora 2+2Lotus’ first all-new model in 13 years was unveiled at the British International Motor Show this week, the Evora. (We’re partial to the “Project Eagle ... more... |
|
|
Re: engine smokehe is right. Piston ring migth have not been the same. are they genuine parts? or its timing belt was'nt did right. ______________________ ... more... |
|
|