The 2006 GLI is Volkswagen’s answer to drivers who seek the sporty attitude, style and driving dynamics of an Autobahn-bred performance sedan with the everyday practicality of a large four-door compact, all at a solid Volkswagen value that offers a lot of car for the money.

Backed by the promise of Volkswagen’s advanced German engineering and meticulous attention to details, the new GLI infuses the very best of Volkswagen’s unique driving pleasure sought by the automaker’s enthusiasts everywhere into the solid 2006 Jetta line-up, which includes the all-new Jetta Value Edition, Jetta 2.5, Jetta 2.0 T, and Jetta TDI.

Like all Jettas recently launched in calendar year 2005, the new GLI is the product of a complete redesign and is thus bigger than previous Jetta GLI models in nearly every dimension, including occupant space, legroom and trunk volume. While the GLI is clearly a Jetta sibling, its exterior and interior design features clearly distinguish it as a very performance-minded alternative in the line-up. New styling incorporates several sporty updates that give the GLI a more aggressive overall presence than any Jetta before it.

The heart of the 2006 GLI is Volkswagen’s new and highly regarded 2.0 T turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower at 5,500 to 6,000 revolutions per minute and 207 ft.-lbs. of torque from 1,800 to 4,700 rpm. With a standard six-speed manual transmission, the new GLI accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 6.7 seconds.

The transverse, front-mount engine incorporates dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters for smooth, worry-free operation. A fully electronic engine management system includes drive-by-wire throttle control and FSI direct injection for optimal fuel combustion, which increases power, improves efficiency, and reduces emissions.

The 2006 GLI is available with Volkswagen’s new six-speed DSG™ automatic transmission with Tiptronic® as an option. The direct shift gearbox permits fully automatic or manual gear changes using a twin-clutch, wet-plate design that eliminates the power interruption associated with traditionally clutched gear changes.

Sport-oriented drivers will surely find pleasure behind the wheel of a GLI, as will those who measure performance satisfaction by miles per gallon. An Environmental Protection Agency fuel economy rating of 32 Highway/25 City and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph confirm that power and economy can come in one package.

Several model-exclusive cues differentiate the new GLI from its 2006 Jetta siblings. A standard sport suspension, blue-tinted windows, a black honeycomb mesh grille with red surround strip, a rear passenger-side GLI badge, and optional 18-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires provide a unique exterior appearance.

Model-exclusive interior treatments include alloy pedals and trim, sport seat fabric, and a three-spoke, leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel with audio and telephone controls, plus shift paddles for the optional DSG automatic transmission.

Two GLI options packages are available. The first adds a power sunroof, and satellite radio for a choice of XM or SIRIUS service. The second options package includes Climatronicä dual-zone automatic climate control, top-level front sport seats with leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, and heated windshield washer nozzles.

The list of technologically advanced standard equipment on the GLI is extensive and includes: auto-leveling, high intensity gas-discharge Xenon headlights with washer system; a next-generation Electronic Stabilization Program; four-wheel independent suspension; electro-mechanical steering; and a multi-function trip computer with compass and instant calculations for elapsed time and distance and fuel usage.

Standard comfort and convenience features include fully reclining, eight-way manually adjustable sport seats with height and lumbar support adjustments, plus adjustable and lockable head restraints.

As with every new Volkswagen automobile, a comprehensive package of safety features comes standard, including front and side supplemental airbag restraints for the driver and front passenger, Side Curtain Protectionä for front and back passenger head protection, a three-point safety belt for each seating position, crash-active front headrests, a rear LATCH system to aid child seat positioning and restraint, and crash-optimized body panels.

A rear passenger side thorax airbag supplemental restraint system is available as an option, as are 18-inch alloy wheels and summer performance tires.

The new GLI and the entire all-new Jetta line-up are built to segment-leading quality standards at the Volkswagen production facility in Puebla, Mexico. With a stronger body than its predecessors, the Jetta is the first car model to “ace” the International Institute for Highway Safety side impact crash tests. The 2006 Jetta earns an IIHS “Best Pick” in its class.

http://www.speedsportlife.com/new-je...ineup/#more-68

Pricing available here: https://www.honda-acura.net/forums/s...d.php?t=188601

 

It still looks like shit :sad: nice motor thou

 

plenty of ground clearance for off roading :chuckles:

 

THIS is the Jetta VW should have sold in the first place. If VW can keep the price reasonable the GLI with the DSG box will be a hot seller, especially considering its zoomy performance and surprisingly reasonable fuel efficiency for such a powerful engine.

 

it needs to be lower in the back, and i think they should have a different front for the jetta and gti, other than that this looks like it will be a great car for vw.

 

So is it a Jetta or is it simply a GLI? It would appear that nowhere on this vehicle is a Jetta name afixed to it. Similar to what Dodge did with the SRT4, it is simply a SRT4 and not the Neon SRT4. I don't understand the logic in naming a trim level as if it were a whole new model.

 

Simple, no one driving a Neon SRT4 wants to admit that they are driving a "Neon."

Instead of making a totally new car, why not use an existing one, change it, and call it something else for marketing reasons.

 

Riiiight. The current manual GLI's MSRP is $24,685.00 I doubt the new model will be lower.

I'm wondering if Audi managment is getting worried about product overlap. A couple years ago there was a big push to differentiate Audi and VW model design, and now it seems as if they're going to be competing on price.

 

Ahem.

 

Eh.. a turbo 4-banger in the mid 20s?
I don't know.. it seems like this car doesn't have a real clear market.
[But then, I've never really understood the Jetta. h:]

Having seen one, they're nearly as big as an Altima..and I doubt the SRT4 buyer is going to look at this car.

I expected more power. Given the way VW went gonzo on the Phaeton, I expected to see a 3.2V6 DSG version with 4motion. But then again, that level of equipment starts to encroach into A4 territory.