Can't afford an entry BMW 3-Series model?
One of the next best cars is the
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T sedan. The Jetta is the top-selling European nameplate sold in the United States.
As with the BMW, the front-drive Jetta is German--and thus has the driver-oriented feel that is characteristic of German cars.
German car producers traditionally build fun-to-drive autos. The same can't be said for many American and Japanese automakers. The $19,550 Jetta is rather pricey for a subcompact car, but is well built with high-grade materials.
It has a long-winded name, with GLS signifying that it is an upscale Volkswagen and 1.8T meaning that the car has a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, which also has an intercooler to help boost horsepower.
This engine is quite sophisticated. It has dual overhead camshafts and five valves per cylinder, instead of the usual two or four valve setup. The electronics are impressive, with new software optimizing air intake, ignition timing and fuel mixture.
The biggest Jetta news for 2002 is a horsepower boost from 150 to 180 and a significant increase in torque. In fact, the Jetta GLS 1.8T now has more torque than any four-cylinder engine in the below-$20,000 class. That means more pulling power from a standing start and in passing lanes.
This Volkswagen zips to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds with its standard manual transmission. That's pretty good, considering this car weighs a lot for a subcompact. It's 3,037 pounds with the manual transmission and 3,155 pounds with the optional automatic, which slows the 0-60 mph time to 8.7 seconds.
The turbocharger causes some turbo lag (delay in power delivery), particularly with the automatic transmission. But, although small, the engine registers only 2,600 rpm at 65 mph. Despite its weight, the Jetta delivers an estimated 24 mpg in the city and 31 on highways with the five-speed manual gearbox, which shifts slickly, and 22 and 29 with the automatic. Premium gasoline is recommended for the best performance.
The manual works with a clutch that is light enough not to be tiring, but has a long throw that causes a driver to depress his or her left leg a lot. The steering is quick, but almost too light. The ride is supple, and handling and braking are good--although this front-drive car isn't as nimble as a rear-drive BMW 3-Series model.
Also new for the Jetta is availability of the $1,075 automatic transmission with Volkswagen's Tiptronic mode. It allows a driver to shift the car manually without engaging a clutch. The combination of five speeds and Tiptronic is a first in the Jetta's competitive market segment.
The 2002 Jetta also is offered with a new, upgraded eight-speaker premium stereo that comes with an in-dash single player CD and cassette player. The Jetta GLS 1.8T is about $7,000 less than the entry BMW 3-Series model, although it has a good amount of equipment. Standard items include air conditioning, cruise control, power windows and locks and remote keyless locking.
Safety features include anti-lock brakes and side curtain air bags for outboard occupant head protection. There's even a full-size spare tire. However, a leather option that includes heated front seats will set you back $1,050. And there's a $2,025 Sport Luxury Package that contains a power sunroof, wider (17-inch) wheels and a sport suspension. My test car had both packages, which give it more of an upscale feel and slightly crisper handling. It also had a $325 Monsoon audio system. All contributed to a bottom line price of $23,050.
The quiet interior offers plenty of room up front, where bucket seats provide good side support but need more thigh support. Rear knee room gets tight behind a driver who shoves his seat back more than halfway.
The car is too narrow for three adults to fit comfortably in the rear. In the best German car tradition, the dashboard has a driver-oriented functional design, although some controls are too low. And rear windows don't lower all the way.
The trunk is very large, with a lid that opens well out of the way on hydraulic struts. And the cargo area is huge with the rear seat folded entirely forward.
In all, the Jetta GLS 1.8T is practical and fun, with a good dose of European flair.
2002 VOLKSWAGEN
JETTA GLS 1.8T
Price
$19,550
Likes
More power. Fast. Solid construction. Supple ride. Huge cargo area.
Dislikes
Rather tight rear seat. Long-throw clutch. Rear windows don't lower all the way.