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CA2007 Volkswagen Jetta
Same solid sedan, new value price. edited by Greg N. Brown
Walk Around
New for 2007: A spicy new paint color called Salsa Red.
The current Volkswagen Jetta is the largest ever, dimensionally as well as visually. Compared to the pre-2005 Jetta, it has a longer wheelbase and wider track. It has also put on a little weight, tipping the scales at over 3,200 pounds. That extra mass was put to good use, however, with greatly improved structural rigidity, a larger trunk and more interior room, particularly for rear seat passengers.
The eye is drawn at once to the Jetta's big, chrome-framed front grille. Like it or not, you'll have to get used to it, because Volkswagen calls this grille its new face. Chrome is also used in eyebrows atop the air inlets in the front bumper and, on the 2.5 model, for the side-window surrounds. GLI models are clearly differentiated by a black honeycomb mesh grille with a red surround strip, and foglamps integrated into the front bumper.
The next most striking design element is the aggressive thrust and slope of the hood and snout. Compared to other recent nose-forward designs, the composite headlights and various inlets and grilles are well integrated into the Jetta's raked rearward flow. A striking vee, created by the slant of the headlamps and sloping hood lines, is carried strongly toward the rear by the steeply raked windshield and character lines running along the flanks.
The tail is a departure from previous Jetta styling. Larger tail light clusters, now divided between the trunk and rear fender, help widen the proportion of the car's hindquarters in relation to its height, giving it a more substantial, less boxy-looking stern. The round tail lights and brake lights have been singled out as the new Jetta's most derivative design statement. Critics claim they give this Jetta a blander, more Japanese look than previous models.
Interior
2007 Volkswagen Jetta
What's New for 2007: All Jettas are equipped with an auxiliary audio input jack that allows MP3 players and other devices to be plugged into the stereo. As for the stereo itself, the buttons for 2007 are finished in silver rather than black.
Volkswagen and Audi interiors are often the benchmark for manufacturers because their designers accomplish more with less, combining expensive-looking materials with simple, attractive styling and excellent ergonomics. The result tends to be inviting cabins that are pleasant places to spend time. And this holds true in the Jetta.
The optional leather upholstery in a 2.5 we drove was well fitted and stitched around seat contours that provide a high degree of support. The Tamo ash wood trim is indeed trim, and not the great expanses of fake lumber sometimes used in a vain attempt to class up an interior.
The GLI interior is a bit dressier than the standard cabin thanks to touches of bright trim and a handsome, three-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel. The sport seat fabric is a plaid-like material that harkens back to previous interior designs from VW, and it may not be to everyone's taste. The durable-feeling leather is really the way to go for a full upmarket experience.
The base seats are easy to adjust with manual controls, and the adjustable steering column and height-adjustable safety belt help drivers of all sizes get comfortable. The upgrade seats have power adjustment, including power lumbar support, with three memory buttons (which also adjusts the outside mirrors) and a key fob that can be programmed for each position.
The thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel frames a gauge cluster dominated by separate, large dials for the tachometer and speedometer, well shaded from ambient light by a curved cowl. In daylight the graphics read white on black, at night changing to white on soothing swimming-pool blue with lighted red pointers. In either case, the data are easy to comprehend at a glance. Within the tachometer and speedometer are warning lights and advisories about secondary functions, including one thoughtful warning that the fuel filler door was left opened after refueling. Optional steering wheel buttons can be used to operate a phone, mute the radio, or toggle between the various modes of the sound system.
A large electronic message pad sits dead center, just over the water temperature and fuel gauges. In addition to more warning and diagnostic symbols, its display includes trip computer read-outs. The red graphics on the pad are quite readable in the daylight but glow too brightly at night, even at the pad's dimmest setting.
The trip computer's data are accessed by one of three levers mounted on the steering column (or with the available multi-function steering wheel buttons). Jutting to the right, this lever operates the wiper/washer system. To the left are the levers for the turn signals/headlamp flashers and cruise control. Though easy to use, the levers feel flimsy and are one of the few interior elements that have a cheap, plasticky look. The headlight switch sits on the dash to the left of the steering wheel.
Stereo buttons, which surround the display screen, are in full view, a setup we prefer over hidden controls. Unfortunately, the display's graphics are not easily discernible in daylight. At night, though, the display reverts to the trademark VW blue backlighting and is easily read.
All Jettas come standard with Climatic, which automatically maintains a chosen temperature throughout the cabin. It features a rotary dial on the left for temperature, one in the middle for fan speed, and a third on the right for directing the air in the cabin. Upgrading to Climatronic provides separate temperature adjustments for the left and right side of the cockpit.
The switch for the outside mirrors and the power window switches are on the driver's door armrest, within easy reach and sight. The windows feature
