I'm a Sucker for Good Looks and a Sweet Personality
There's really nothing quite like the Volkswagen Jetta in the marketplace. While Japanese compact sedans are good on average, none feels as solidly put together, looks as beautifully finished inside or offers as much fun behind the wheel than Germany's most popular four-door.
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| The high quality interior of the Jetta GLI rivals that of the BMW 3-Series, especially when equipped with the optional leather package. (Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Really, in GLI trim, especially when finished with the $825 optional leather package that incidentally includes driver's seat lumbar support, it's almost the equivalent of a BMW 3-Series inside. Its doesn't necessarily have anything to do with interior styling, which is probably in need of an update, but how all the high quality parts come together in a way that puts many premium brands to shame.
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| Starting at over $31,000, the Jetta GLI is powered by a sweet 2.8-L VR6 engine producing 200-hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
Of course the Jetta isn't cheap. Even in base GLS 2.0 trim it starts at $24,260, hardly Honda Civic territory. A fully loaded GLX begins at $37,890. That's a lot of money even factoring in its luxurious array of features. The GLI, starting out at $31,150 and maxing at $33,150, leather included, is probably the best value of the bunch.
At the heart of the matter is a delectably sweet 2.8-L VR6 engine, tuned to a very healthy 200-hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Considering the GLI's reasonably light 1,442 kg (3,179 lb) curb weight, that's a lot of power driving the front wheels. Amazingly, torque steer is hardly noticeable.