1997 Volkswagen Jetta Review

Mention roomy, high-performance European sedans to most people, and they automatically think of cars they can't afford, such as Mercedes-Benzes and BMWs from Germany.

Hey, what about Volkswagen?

That German automaker's smooth-looking Jetta GLX sedan stickers at only $20,555, and has a spacious interior, road-gripping suspension, loads of equipment and uniquely designed overhead-camshaft V-6 that gives it zoomy performance.

Yes, we know that many won't sit up and pay attention to the Volkswagen name until the modern version of the VW Beetle appears--probably in early 1998.

But people are missing a bet if they ignore the Jetta GLX. It's the top model in the Jetta line and has the engineering of a 100-plus m.p.h. German autobahn cruiser.

The front-wheel-drive Jetta long has been the top-selling Volkswagen, and the Jetta line starts with the $14,570 GL, which has a capable 115-horsepower four-cylinder.

Besides its smooth-but-ferocious V-6, the GLX is loaded to the doorsills with so much equipment that the few options are an $875 four-speed automatic transmission, $800 leather upholstery and a $250 cold-weather package that includes heated front seats and windshield washer nozzles.

Standard are air conditioning, cruise control, power locks and windows, security system, anti-lock brakes, traction control, sport suspension, special seats and a power sunroof.

You also get a 10-speaker Bose sound system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rear spoiler, fog lights and low-profile tires on ``Bugatti-style'' alloy wheels.

The Jetta GLX accelerates so hard that its 172-horsepower V-6 feels like it produces more power, with the 0 to 60 m.p.h. time taking just 6.9 seconds with the standard close-ratio five-speed manual transmission, which does occasionally get notchy when rushed and has rather long throws.

There's no V-6 in the world with the incredibly compact design of the Jetta GLX's award-winning V-6. Its responsiveness is especially good because nearly 85 percent of its top torque--173 foot pounds of pulling power--starts as low as 2,000 r.p.m. and runs all the way to 6,000 r.p.m.

Volkswagens are known for being economical, and the 2,928-pound Jetta GLX is no exception--at least for a high-performance Volkswagen. Fuel economy is an estimated 19 m.p.g. in the city and 25 on highways with the manual and 18 and 24 with the automatic.

There is good room for four tall adults in the high-waisted Jetta GLX. Front occupants ride in supportive sport seats and the driver faces easily read analog gauges and logically placed controls and vents.

But those with long fingernails may end up cursing the tiny power window switches.

While generally quiet, the interior still has a fair amount of road noise, which is typical of many German cars.

The trunk is absolutely huge; it looks as if you could transport a baby elephant back there. And the car provides even more cargo space when the rear seat is folded forward.

The Jetta GLX's power rack-and-pinion steering is quick and precise, but almost too light for such a fast car. This rigidly built Volkswagen delivers the handling one would expect from a top-notch sports sedan, and braking also is reassuring.

The all-independent suspension provides a comfortable, supple ride for a car with a fairly short 97.4-inch wheelbase--even though GLXs have stiffer springs and shock absorbers and larger anti-sway bars than other Jettas.

The entertaining Jetta GLX combines sparkling performance with impressive utility. If some are bothered that it doesn't have an illustrious nameplate like BMW--well, that's their problem.