Overview

What's New
A new base model is introduced for 2007 and is priced $1,410 below last year's least-expensive Jetta. The diesel-powered Jetta TDI has been discontinued, and the special Wolfsburg Edition returns, featuring unique badges, special wheels, leatherette seats, and a cold-weather package.

Overview
While Volkswagen's Golf hatchback has been a best seller in Europe for years, the Jetta sedan outsells the Golf in the United States. The newest version of the Jetta arrived in mid-year 2005. For 2007, Volkswagen has replaced the previous entry-level Jetta model-the Value Edition-with a new lower-priced base model. Power for the base Jetta and Jetta 2.5 comes from a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine producing 150 hp and 170 lb.-ft. of torque. The unusual 5-cylinder configuration provides a good balance between fuel economy and low-end torque, important in the United States where the majority of buyers prefer automatic transmissions. The Jetta is available with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual control.

In 2006, Volkswagen introduced the high-performance Jetta GLI. Distinguished by unique wheels and a blacked-out grille, the Jetta GLI features the 200-hp, turbocharged, 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engine with FSI direct fuel injection from the Volkswagen GTI. FSI gives the engine snappier response and better fuel economy; in fact, according to EPA fuel economy ratings, the GLI is more fuel efficient than the 2.5 model. VW also sells a "plainclothes" version-the Jetta 2.0T-which combines the FSI turbo engine with regular Jetta trim. Turbo-powered Jettas feature a 6-speed manual or the 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), a self-shifting high-performance transmission that uses an electronically-controlled clutch.

All Jettas come equipped with air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, a CD player, as well as side and side curtain air bags. Electronic stability control is optional on the base model and standard on all other Jettas. The Jetta is covered by a 4-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage.

The Competition
The Volkswagen Jetta competes in the Compact Conventional segment, which consists of 20 models. Buyers in this segment look for fuel economy, reliability, and safety, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Toyota Corolla (328,699 units sold), Honda Civic (316,638), and Chevrolet Cobalt (211,449). The Volkswagen Jetta sold 103,331 units in 2006, a decrease of 0.7 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Compact Conventional segment include the Ford Focus, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Prius, Saturn Ion, and Hyundai Elantra. Joining the segment in 2007 are the Pontiac G5, Suzuki SX4, and Volkswagen Rabbit.