. For 2006, the
has grown in proportion to comfortably seat four adults (with most of the additional space going to the rear seat passengers), gotten a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, received an improved suspension, and sports new styling. Take all these attributes, include them in an already popular and respected vehicle like the Jetta GLI, aggressively price it, and what you get is a car that will be sought after by both VW enthusiasts and new buyers as well.
When it comes to mid-sized sport sedans, the 2006 Volkswagen GLI is well respected in its class. Already an accomplished competitor, Volkswagen has raised the bar with the new 2006 Jetta GLI by adding more power, room and sporty styling to create a vehicle that scores favorably in every category.
StylingAlthough somewhat generically styled, the 2006 Volkswagen GLI sports small but significant design cues that separate it from the base Jetta. No Jetta badging, larger wheels, a black front air dam and side sills, a blacked-out grille trimmed with red and blue tinted glass are among the exterior differences.
PowerThe 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s motor delivers 20 more horsepower and 34 more lb.-ft. of torque than last year’s engine. With 200 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque, the new 2.0-liter turbocharged powerplant is just one of Volkswagen’s strategies to make the 2006 GLI competitive in a crowded field.
InteriorSince the new Jetta GLI is an inch wider and taller and is six-inches longer, the result is more usable interior room. Volkswagen allotted the majority of the new space for rear seat passengers, showing a huge improvement over the previous model. Once again Volkswagen scores high marks for its use of high quality interior materials. The biggest fault we found during a brief drive was related to the ergonomics of the driver’s seat. Odd steering wheel positioning and the lack of a tilt adjustment for the bottom cushion made finding a comfortable driving position difficult.
Options Among the options available on the 2006 Volkswagen GLI are eighteen-inch wheels, leather clad sport seats, and the availability of rear seat side-impact airbags. Also optional is a DSG sequential shift automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual shifting.
Standard Features Loaded with standard options, the 2006 Volkswagen GLI includes xenon headlights, a six-speed manual transmission, larger diameter sway bars, a choice of high-performance or all-season tires, stability control, side-impact airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, side-curtain airbags to protect both front and rear seat occupants, and antilock brakes.
TransmissionTwo first-rate transmissions are available on the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. The GLI comes standard with a smooth shifting six-speed manual transmission that we prefer and feel fits the sport sedan mission of the GLI. Those wanting an automatic for stop-and-go freeway driving, or because they cannot operate a traditional clutch, a Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) sequential manual automatic is available, and includes steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for those times when clutchless manual shifting is desired.
SafetyThe 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is equipped with standard side-impact airbags for the driver and front seat passenger as well as side curtain airbags designed to protect both front and rear occupants. Optional are rear seat side-impact airbags, which we feel are a worthwhile expense unless you plan to carry small children on a regular basis. Also included as standard equipment is an electronic stability program that helps correct situations where the car might slide or skid, such as when hydroplaning on wet surfaces or during evasive maneuvers.
Ride Quality Though firm, we feel the new 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s ride is civilized enough that most drivers will appreciate its attributes. The sport-tuned suspension allows for better cornering with minimal body lean and the precise steering feel encourages the driver to explore the GLI’s capabilities.
Suspension Even though the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s suspension tweaks result in a firmer ride, the larger sway bars, stiffer spring rates and high performance tires result in a great handling car that enthusiasts will no doubt appreciate.
Wheels The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is equipped with standard 17-inch wheels with the option of upgrading to 18-inch wheels for an additional $750. A choice of high-performance or all-season tires is offered to wrap around your choice of two wheel designs.
Fuel economy Fuel economy estimates for the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI’s 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower motor are 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with the manual transmission. Opting for the DSG automatic gives you an estimate of 25-mpg city and 31-mpg highway.
Our Advice We think the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is an incredible value. The GLI now seats four adults comfortably, has a powerful turbocharged motor mated to your choice of great transmissions, has a pleasing design, and handles like a sport sedan should. Really, what more could you ask for?
Photos courtesy of Volkswagen of America
