2006 Volkswagen Jetta Review

Ask me if I minded the mild diesel clatter noise when the engine was idling in Volkswagen's 2006 Jetta TDI diesel-engine model. Ask me if I minded the long-throw, but light, clutch that works with the five-speed manual gearbox. 

Not at all. Not at all.

Introduced in 1980, the compact front-drive Jetta is the top-selling Volkswagen in America, with more than 2.2 million bought. Its only major advantage over the similar Golf model has been that it has a regular trunk, whereas the Golf has always had a hatchback. The hatch is far more popular in the rest of the world. Thus, without largely hatch-hating America, there might never have been a Jetta.

The redesigned 2005 Jetta arrived late in the 2005 model year as a larger, roomier and heavier sedan with much sleeker styling and a bigger, more powerful base gasoline engine.

Retained was a 1.9-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine. Volkswagen must be saying thank goodness for that because, with soaring gasoline prices, the diesel accounted for nearly 30 percent of Jetta U.S. sales in August.

That figure approaches the approximately 40 percent of cars of all types sold with a diesel in Europe, where high gasoline prices long have been a fact of life.

"Volkswagen sold a record number of Jetta TDI diesel models in America in August, or 2,774 of them,'' said Volkswagen spokesman Patrick Hespen. "We probably didn't sell that many in September because the supply was lower.''

No wonder -- the Jetta TDI delivers an estimated 36 mpg in the city and 41 on highways with a five-speed manual gearbox. The figures are 35 and 42 with a new six-speed automatic, so estimated fuel economy comes out even in the end with either transmission. The TDI is the next best thing to a hybrid gas-electric vehicle without a hybrid's complexity.

The fuel needle in my test Jetta TDI refused to budge from the full mark after about 70 miles of mostly uncongested expressway driving and led me to guess that at least the highway economy figure is underrated. Maybe 45 mpg?

A 14.5-gallon fuel tank, which is larger than in most compact cars, assures a good driving range. That's comforting if you find yourself in an unfamiliar area off an interstate highway with no diesel fuel stops in sight.

The snazzier fifth-generation Jetta is more solidly constructed than its predecessor -- but is 335 pounds heavier. That's partly why it's not quite as fuel efficient. For instance, the previous Jetta TDI provided an estimated38 mpg in the city and 46 on the highway with the manual and 32 and 43 with a five-speed automatic.

In any case, even the new Jetta TDIs will make their owners sneer at high gasoline prices as they zip past what used to be called "service stations.''

The 2006 Jetta TDI has lots of equipment and is little changed from 2005. Standard are air conditioning, cruise control, height adjustable/telescopic steering column, newly standard 16-inch alloy wheels, power heatable outside mirrors, power windows with pinch protection and a power central locking system with remote keyless entry.

Safety features include front side air bags and front/rear head-protecting side curtain air bags.

There's good room for four tall adults. Front seats are supportive, but the manual seatback control for the front passenger seat is awkward to use. The interior features high-quality materials and the businesslike dashboard has easily read gauges, large climate controls and handy dual cupholders.

The Jetta always has been known for its huge, easily accessed cargo area. That area can be enlarged by the split-folding rear seat and fold-flat front passenger seat.

The Jetta TDI lists at $21,290 with its standard five-speed manual gearbox, while the efficient six-speed automatic raises its price to $22,365. About half of the Jetta TDIs are sold with the manual.

Regular Jetta gas engine models are hardly fuel hogs, delivering 22 mpg in the city and 30 on highways. They list from $17,900 to $23,790.

The Jetta TDI is the most fun with the manual transmission. The car has quick steering, a firm-but-absorbent all-independent suspension and adroit handling, with standard traction control and anti-skid systems. The standard anti-lock brakes provide good stopping power, with a progressive-action brake pedal.

Some people still think of diesel cars as slow, but the Jetta TDI diesel engine, like most diesels, provides lots of torque at low- and mid-range speeds. Acceleration thus is lively, whether accelerating from a standing start or passing on highways.

Torque is so abundant that a downshift from fifth to fourth gear isn't really needed for a decent 65-75 mph passing maneuver.

Most old-generation diesels were noisy and smelly. But the Jetta TDI diesel emitted no smell I could detect, even when started in a garage, and generated only a mild clatter sound at idle speed that disappeared when the car was moving. The diesel sounds a bit gruff during hard acceleration at highway speeds with the sound system switched off, but not objectionably so.

The powertrain has a five-year/60,000-mile warranty. But engine longevity is the last thing you should worry about with a diesel, which is the type engine that practically runs forever with routine maintenance.

The Jetta TDI has typical German car charm and is worth checking out for those who want a Japanese hybrid auto alternative. 

2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI

PRICES
$21,290-$22,365 

LIKES
Outstanding fuel economy. Lively. Roomy. Good ride and handling.

DISLIKES
Some diesel clatter at idle. Long-throw clutch. Awkward front passenger seatback controls.