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2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5L Road Test

Looks Can Be Deceiving

Many auto journalists have opined about the visual resemblance the all-new 2006 Volkswagen Jetta has with Toyotas latest Corolla design. Although I dont disagree, I had decided to not draw such a conclusion in my review; that was, until this unsolicited exchange with a passerby who saw me photographing the Jetta.

Passerby: Excuse me, what kind of a car is that?
Me: Its the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta.
Passerby: Thats a Jetta?? (inflection in voice suggests disbelief). I thought it was a new Corolla or Camry. It definitely looks like a Corolla.

The passerby was a well-dressed, middle-aged man who, as it happens, is in the market for a new

I am not sure Volkswagen stylists were aiming for a Toyota association when they penned the new Jetta, but they got it nonetheless. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

economy car. I am not sure Volkswagen stylists were aiming for a Toyota association when they penned the new Jetta, but they got it nonetheless. Hopefully they also gained Toyotas legendary reliability in the process. I must admit to really liking the design of the previous generation (1999 - 2005) Jetta. It was, in my opinion, the smartest,

The new Jetta is significantly larger in size than its predecessor. In fact its seven inches longer and one inch wider. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

most sophisticated-looking four-door compact on the market. Ah, but we cant allow ourselves to become mired in the past. As they say in Fortune 500 boardrooms, "its time to move forward and embrace change," so thats just what Ill do.

The new Jetta is significantly larger in size than its predecessor. In fact its seven inches longer and one inch wider. Interestingly, to my eye, the extra sheet

The enhanced exterior dimensions have resulted in a marvelously comfortable, roomier cabin. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

metal isnt really evident, perhaps due to the dramatic rake of the sloping nose which tends to diminish the vehicles visual presence. I cant help but think that VW wanted to North Americanize the Jetta by attaching a substantial chrome grille to its nose. I dont think the ultra-expensive but doomed Phaeton exhibited so much front-end glitz.

Logically, the enhanced exterior dimensions have resulted in a marvelously comfortable, roomier cabin. As with all modern VW products, the Jettas interior

As with all modern VW products, the Jettas interior is solidly assembled with the use of better-than-average materials. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

is solidly assembled with the use of better-than-average materials. No, its not Mercedes-Benz-perfect or as visually appealing, but it is straightforward, business-like and functional. Typifying the functionality is a basic, three-dial setup for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning settings. Another fine example of simplicity is the Jettas audio unit. It utilizes elemental, large-sized buttons to access preset stations and contour the sound quality.

The seats in my tester were clothed in soft leather, with those in the front being

The capacity of the Jettas deep trunk of 16 cubic feet is up there with many mid-size offerings - very impressive in view of its compact class rating. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

heated. These buckets were tremendously comfortable and supportive without being as granite-hard as some VW perches my derriere has met. They also provided extensive fore-and-aft travel to suit varying leg lengths without stealing it from those seated in the split-bench, fold-down rear seat. Both legroom and headroom in the rear have expanded for 2006, alleviating the oft-heard complaint of cramped rear quarters.

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