Review 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS
There are plenty of small, reasonably-priced sports sedans
available, but few of those could be called luxurious. Leave it to
Volkswagen to add luxury touches to the compact sports sedan
equation in its Jetta GLI.
The Jetta is the most popular European-branded import in the
country, and it's no wonder. There seems to be a Jetta for every
need, with choices ranging from the value-oriented GL sedans and
wagons (which get new, upscale standard features this year) through
fancier GLS sedans and wagons to the premium GLI and GLX
sedans. GL and GLS models may be had with a naturally-aspirated
2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a 180-horsepower 1.8-liter turbo four,
or a fuel-efficient and surprisingly powerful 1.9-liter direct-injection
turbodiesel. The GLI and GLX sedans have the latest version of
VW's compact, innovative VR6 V6 engine, with important internal
changes that raise power output while reducing fuel consumption.
I've just finished a week with a new GLI, the sportiest Jetta
model. Its 200-horsepower VR6 and six-speed manual gearbox put
it at the forefront of the compact sports sedan class for power, but
that's not what truly distinguishes it. In a class where comfort is
often sacrificed, and in which style can owe more to video games
than automobiles, the Jetta GLI stands out as not just a ``pocket
rocket'' but as a ``pocket luxury rocket.''
APPEARANCE: As it was with the original Beetle many years ago,
change for change's sake is not part of the Volkswagen philosophy
today. The 2003 Jetta looks pretty much like any Jetta made since
the 1999 model year, when the current body style debuted. That
marked its departure from a ``Golf with a trunk'' to its own distinct
style. A Jetta now is a conservatively-styled but handsome small
sedan, boxy but with rounded edges and corners. The rounded-
trapezoid Volkswagen grille highlights the front, and the bulge in
which it is set continues on to the hood. The sides are plain except
for small fender flares, and large wraparound taillights mark the rear.
An optional small rear wing gives a contemporary sport look
without being overpowering.
COMFORT: ``Elegance'' is not a word commonly used to describe
the interior of a small sports sedan, but it applies here. In GLI trim,
the Jetta is closer to its upscale Audi cousins than it is to any car in
its own class. The design is unmistakably German, and, even in
monotone black, like the interior of my test car, it is anything but
dark and cave-like inside. The GLI isn't quite a full luxury car - while
the front seats and steering wheel are adjustable, they are manually
adjustable, and the upholstery is cloth. Unusually for its class, the
GLI's steering wheel adjusts for both tilt and reach so any driver can
find the perfect driving position. The main instrument cluster is in a
hooded pod, with the center stack angled toward the driver. Blue
nighttime lighting lowers eyestrain. There is no complexity, all
controls are simple and easy to use. Bring your friends along - rear
seat room is very good for the Jetta's small size, and the trunk is
exceptionally large.
SAFETY: Safety equipment in the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, the ``Electronic
Stabilization Program'' stability-enhancement system, front and front
side airbags and side-curtain head-protection airbags.
ROADABILITY: As is typical of Volkswagens, the Jetta GLI's
suspension tuning is softer than the norm for sports sedans. But
spring and shock rates are well-matched for a combination of
comfort and handling. It may, as the old saying goes, ``corner on its
door handles'' when driven hard, but it takes the corners well and is a
very enjoyable car to drive. Unlike many small, reasonably-priced
sports sedans, the Jetta GLI also works very well as a long-distance
touring car. The factory may be in Puebla, Mexico, but German
Autobahn breeding shows.
PERFORMANCE: Once VW's premium powerplant, the original
174-horsepower VR6 was overshadowed when the 1.8T 1.8-liter
turbo four-cylinder engine got bumped up to 180 horsepower. It is
now back to top power output in the VW line. The compact,
narrow-angle V6 VR6 has been refined for 2003, with a four-valve-
per-cylinder head replacing the previous two-valve head. This, along
with variable intake and exhaust valve timing and a variable-length
intake manifold, improves breathing, which improves power output
at all engine speeds. Maximum output is up to an even 200
horsepower, at 6200 rpm, with torque increasing from 181 lb-ft to
195, at 3200 rpm. Unlike some of the earlier versions of the VR6,
this one makes plenty of power at all engine speeds, with good low-
and mid-range response, and there is still an enthusiastic top-end
rush. It sounds more like a regular six-cylinder engine now, too. As
befits its sports status, the GLI comes only with a slick-shifting six-
speed manual transmission. For VR6 power with an automatic,
check out the GLX.
CONCLUSIONS: Sport-compact performance meets European-
style luxury in the Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
SPECIFICATIONS
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Base Price $ 22,950
Price As Tested $ 25,394
Engine Type dual overhead cam 24-valve 15-degree vee
V6
Engine Size 2.8 liters / 170 cu. in.
Horsepower 200 @ 6200 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 195 @ 3200 rpm
Transmission 6-speed manual
Wheelbase / Length 98.9 in. / 172.3 in.
Curb Weight 3,179 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 15.9
Fuel Capacity 14.5 gal.
Fuel Requirement 91 octane unleaded premium gasoline
recommended for maximum performance
Tires P225/45 HR17 Michelin Pilot MXM4
Brakes, front/rear vented disc / solid disc,
antilock standard
Suspension, front/rear independent MacPherson strut /
semi-independent torsion beam axle
Drivetrain front engine, front-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 21 / 29 / 22
0 to 60 mph 7.9 sec (mfg)
Coefficient of Drag (cd) 0.30
OPTIONS AND CHARGES
Monsoon(r) sound system and power sunroof $ 1,240
Rear spoiler $ 479
Cold weather package - includes:
heated front seats and windshield washer nozzles $ 150
Destination charge $ 575