2006 Volkswagen Jetta

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.