The new Jetta: Pure fun from Volkswagen
By Michael Binstock
Acorn Automotive Editor

It was only a few years ago that Volkswagen’s reputation in the U.S. was at an all-time low. The company, that introduced a driving revolution with the Beetle and provided a California icon with the "Bus", the first minivan, was floundering without direction or concepts.

Then things changed. I still don’t know exactly how but the company reinvented itself, culminating with the introduction of the New Beetle.

Since its introduction, the Volkswagen Jetta has strengthened its position as North America’s top choice for drivers seeking the dynamic style and attitude of a German-bred sedan. For 2001, the news only got better.

The Volkswagen Jetta becomes the first compact sedan to offer Volkswagen’s highly advanced side-impact safety system called Side Curtain Protection, an airbag system that helps protect the heads of front and rear passengers in a severe side-impact collision. This advanced standard safety feature, which deploys as a protective curtain of air from the rear pillar of the car and spans the length of both side windows, become available midway through the 2001 model year.

Entry into the Jetta lineup begins with the high-value Jetta GL model which comes with a wealth of standard items unattainable anywhere else in the compact class. A short list includes: a premium eight-speaker cassette stereo with CD prep (with the option of a dealer-installed, in-dash CD player); four-disc ABS brakes; height and telescoping steering wheel; heated remote mirrors; central remote locking; a center-cut folding key; string attachment to the fuel cap; a brake wear indicator on the dash; a glare repelling gray shade band on the windshield; two power outlets, and much more. A GLS model adds standard items such as power windows and mirrors, cruise control, and a center armrest.

The top-of-the-line Jetta GLX model comes standard with the high-powered VR6 and an exceptional level of equipment and features including automatic climate control; traction control; a Monsoon stereo system; a trip computer; rain-sensing intermittent wipers; refined wood decor; leather upholstery; self-dimming rearview mirrors; and clear-lens halogen headlamps with integrated fog lamps. Also standard is a luxury package with a power sunroof and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The Jetta’s dynamic design affords sound aerodynamics and a bold European road presence. Built to exacting tolerances with laser welding and space-age bonding agents, it boasts exceptional structural rigidity, a trait essential to crisper handling and control.

A 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine is standard in the Jetta. The 2.0 liter’s low-block design, cast aluminum oil pan, lightweight valve train and other features give the Jetta good torque response and a smooth performance characteristic. Providing 115 horsepower at 5,200 revolutions per minute, this 2.0 liter delivers its maximum torque of 122 lbs. ft. at just 2,600 rpm, for excellent off-the-line performance and wide power band for mid- and high-end performance. .

Inside the Jetta, Volkswagen has sculpted an environment matching the upper-level distinction of the exterior. Spacious for its compact class, the Jetta’s interior offers 75 inches of total leg room. It uses a carefully chosen combination of matching fabrics and other quality trim materials. All plastics are coated with a soft lacquer that matches and even exceeds the sense of premium plastics used by many of Germany’s luxury cars. Flush mounted to match the interior’s contour, even the air vents are specially designed to convey quality and spatial sophistication. The dashboard, which has a finely textured surface, surrounds an easy-to-read instrument binnacle with four circular dials; these are back-lit by a vibrant blue, with illuminated red needles.

First and foremost a driver’s car, the Jetta’s driving position is paramount to the design. The seating position is high, and seats are firm and well bolstered to provide Volkswagen’s acclaimed orthopedic support and comfort. Controls are logically placed, with large dials for ventilation. A unique pump operated handle adjusts the front seat heights and a tilting/telescoping steering wheel allows for a precise driving position. Extra comfort is offered with leather seating and an eight-way electrically adjustable seating position with memory function that can be activated by pressing a button or by means of the central locking system’s remote control unit (GLX only).

In the rear, lockable headrests are available for all three passengers. For storage, Volkswagen’s interior designers have provided ample compartments in the doors. Even the glove box is specially designed with a unique shelf compartment for separating manuals and other important documents from the usual clutter.

Detailed down to the last touch, even the Jetta’s grab handles are built for a quality feel, with each being silicone-dampened to glide back smoothly and noiselessly. The cargo area is also well planned: providing 13-cubic feet of space, it is carpeted and uses non-intruding hydraulic hinges, a chrome shielded lift over, an extra power outlet, and assist handles inside the lid for closing the trunk without touching the exterior.

Designed for spirited driving, the Jetta’s running gear is revised for ride quality and dynamic control. At the front, a McPherson suspension strut concept is used, with an independent suspension via coil springs and lower wishbones. Positive caster gives the Jetta good directional stability under acceleration and hard braking, and a perfected strut layout minimizes drive force influence.

The Jetta is one of those cars that makes you forget the short cut. It’s both fun and a pleasure to drive. Check out this drivers car at Neftin Volkswagen in the Thousand Oaks auto mall.