Overview

What's New
The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta, a compact sedan, launched in the spring of 2005. The Jetta is built on the same platform as the latest VW Golf hatchback, a vehicle just coming to the U.S. market in the form of the 2006 GTI and 2007 Golf.

Overview
The Jetta is Volkswagen's best-selling model in the United States, where its compact sedan architecture and German engineering have drawn a strong following, especially among younger buyers who like the car's sporty dynamic qualities. The Jetta accounts for nearly 40 percent of all VW sales in the U.S. To further feed that demand, Volkswagen added the GLI model to a Jetta lineup that also includes the Value Edition, Jettta 2.5, Jetta 2.0T, and Jetta TDI. The GLI is patterned after the high-performance GTI version of the Golf hatchback. The GLI draws its power from a 2.0L, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 200 hp and accelerates from a standing start to 60 mph in some 6.7 seconds. The GLI also gets a special sport suspension and wheels, as well as unique exterior and interior trim.

The base version of the Jetta is the Value Edition that comes with air conditioning, cruise control, a CD player, traction control, anti-lock brakes, eight-way adjustable front seats, and a tilt and telescoping steering column. Only three options are available: a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, electronic stability technology, and rear-passenger side air bags. Power comes from a 150-hp, 2.5L four-cylinder engine, just like the Jetta 2.5. The Jetta 2.0T is powered by the same engine as the GLI, and also features 6-speed transmissions. The Jetta TDI draws its power from a 1.9L turbocharged and diesel-fueled four-cylinder engine. This engine is rated at 42 mpg on the highway, and it provides the TDI with a driving range in excess of 600 miles between fuel stops. All Jettas come with front and side air bags for the front seats and with side curtain air bags.

The Competition
The Jetta competes in the Compact Conventional segment, where affordability, fuel economy, sporty performance, and personalization options and accessories can be important factors in the buying decision. Currently, 20 models compete for buyers' attention in this segment.

The segment comprises nearly 15 percent of all light-vehicle sales in the U.S., according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report.^SM For calendar year 2005, the sales leaders in this segment were the Honda Civic (308,415 units sold), Toyota Corolla (244,032), Chevrolet Cobalt (212,667), and Ford Focus (184,825). Together, they accounted for nearly 44 percent of the sales in this segment. VW has three models in the segment: the New Beetle, the Golf hatchback, and the Jetta sedan. Volkswagen sold 104,063 Jettas in 2005.