The 2006 VW Jetta GLI is Volkswagen’s answer to drivers who seek the sporty attitude, style and driving dynamics of an Autobahn-bred performance sedan with the everyday practicality of a large four-door compact, all at a solid Volkswagen value that offers a lot of car for the money.
Backed by the promise of Volkswagen’s advanced German engineering and meticulous attention to details, the new GLI infuses the very best of Volkswagen’s unique driving pleasure sought by the automaker’s enthusiasts everywhere into the solid 2006 Jetta line-up, which includes the all-new Jetta Value Edition, Jetta 2.5, Jetta 2.0 T, and Jetta TDI.
Like all Jettas recently launched in calendar year 2005, the new GLI is the product of a complete redesign and is thus bigger than previous VW Jetta GLI models in nearly every dimension, including occupant space, legroom and trunk volume. While the GLI is clearly a Jetta sibling, its exterior and interior design features clearly distinguish it as a very performance-minded alternative in the line-up. New styling incorporates several sporty updates that give the GLI a more aggressive overall presence than any Jetta before it.
The heart of the 2006 GLI is Volkswagen’s new and highly regarded 2.0 T turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower at 5,500 to 6,000 revolutions per minute and 207 ft.-lbs. of torque from 1,800 to 4,700 rpm. With a standard six-speed manual transmission, the new GLI accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 6.7 seconds.
The transverse, front-mount engine incorporates dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters for smooth, worry-free operation. A fully electronic engine management system includes drive-by-wire throttle control and FSI direct injection for optimal fuel combustion, which increases power, improves efficiency, and reduces emissions.
The 2006 GLI is available with Volkswagen’s new six-speed DSG™ automatic transmission with Tiptronic® as an option. The direct shift gearbox permits fully automatic or manual gear changes using a twin-clutch, wet-plate design that eliminates the power interruption associated with traditionally clutched gear changes.
Sport-oriented drivers will surely find pleasure behind the wheel of a GLI, as will those who measure performance satisfaction by miles per gallon. An Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy rating of 32 Highway/25 City and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph confirm that power and economy can come in one package.
Several model-exclusive cues differentiate the new GLI from its 2006 Jetta siblings. A standard sport suspension, blue-tinted windows, a black honeycomb mesh grille with red surround strip, a rear passenger-side GLI badge, and optional 18-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires provide a unique exterior appearance.
Model-exclusive interior treatments include alloy pedals and trim, sport seat fabric, and a three-spoke, leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel with audio and telephone controls, plus shift paddles for the optional DSG automatic transmission.
Two GLI options packages are available. The first adds a power sunroof, and satellite radio for a choice of XM® or SIRIUSä service. The second options package includes Climatronicä dual-zone automatic climate control, top-level front sport seats with leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, and heated windshield washer nozzles.
The list of technologically advanced standard equipment on the GLI is extensive and includes: auto-leveling, high intensity gas-discharge Xenon headlights with washer system; a next-generation Electronic Stabilization Program; four-wheel independent suspension; electro-mechanical steering; and a multi-function trip computer with compass and instant calculations for elapsed time and distance and fuel usage.
Standard comfort and convenience features include fully reclining, eight-way manually adjustable sport seats with height and lumbar support adjustments, plus adjustable and lockable head restraints.
As with every new Volkswagen automobile, a comprehensive package of safety features comes standard, including front and side supplemental airbag restraints for the driver and front passenger, Side Curtain Protectionä for front and back passenger head protection, a three-point safety belt for each seating position, crash-active front headrests, a rear LATCH system to aid child seat positioning and restraint, and crash-optimized body panels.
A rear passenger side thorax airbag supplemental restraint system is available as an option, as are 18-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.
The new GLI and the entire all-new Jetta line-up are built to segment-leading quality standards at the Volkswagen production facility in Puebla, Mexico. With a stronger body than its predecessors, the Jetta is the first car model to “ace” the International Institute for Highway Safety side impact crash tests. The 2006 Jetta earns an IIHS “Best Pick” in its class.
2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI was just revealed exclusively by Volkswagen of America. The sedan is considered the most capable and potent variant of the Jetta and also a best-selling model. The car now comes equipped with more features and has a sportier stance. The latter is achieved via the specially tuned sport suspension and the four cylinder 2.0-literTSI turbocharged and direct-injection engine. It is the same as in the Golf GTI, meaning that it produces 210 horsepower (155 kW).
Volkswagen has introduced the 2012 Jetta GLI, which actually goes on sale later this year. It features modified bumpers, a honeycomb grille, smoked taillights, a dual exhaust system, and 17″ alloy wheels.
