chicagotribune.com's view

Volkswagen, lest we forget, also makes the Jetta.

So much fuss has been made over the new Beetle that a new Jetta is arriving in showrooms for 1999 with little fanfare, like the new ’98 VW Passat did a year ago.

Folks hoping to get a better look at the Beetle have been wandering into VW showrooms, where a number of them have driven away in the Passat, Jetta’s larger, roomier midsize sedan stablemate. Passat sales are up 185 percent this year.

And, lest we forget, that was one reason for bringing the Beetle back–to have a showpiece to draw folks into VW showrooms. The strategy has worked for Passat, VW hopes it does the same for Jetta, which hasn’t been redone in five years yet whose sales are up slightly–0.2 percent–this year from last, to almost 85,000 units.

For ’99 Jetta comes in GL, GLS and top-of-the-line GLX versions. We tested the GLS with optional 2.8-liter, 174-horsepower V-6 with 4-speed automatic, the first time this V-6 has been available in the highest-volume GLS trim level and not just the GLX.

The new Jetta looks much like a Passat, only smaller. If it weren’t for the “VW” logo in the grille, you’d be hard-pressed to tell it from any Audi A4-6-8, VW’s upscale machines, at least as upscale as it gets until VW starts marketing its newly acquired Rolls-Royce and Bentley models.

The design is very pleasant, and if it weren’t for the absence of big oval headlamps, you’d also confuse it for a mini version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Series.

A rich, elegant, clean, rounded look, with no hint of cheapness as was the case in VW’s earlier days, when most of its hardware was low-cost, high-mileage commuters. It may serve as a low-cost economy car, but it certainly doesn’t look the part.

The Jetta is built off the same platform as the Audi A3 two-door hatchback sold in Europe. No plans to bring an Audi A3 here for the time being. Jetta also is built on the same platform as the VW Golf that will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next month before it and the new Cabrio arrive in showrooms. Audi’s 2000 model TT roadster will be built off that platform, too.

The 2.8-liter V-6 is a potent performer in the compact Jetta. Very good off-the-line liveliness without a lot of commotion from the automatic. Fuel economy is rated at 19 miles per gallon city/26 m.p.g. highway.

A 2-liter, 115-h.p. 4-cylinder is standard for those looking more for mileage (22 m.p.g. city/28 highway) than performance. A 1.9-liter turbo diesel is available as a $1,295 option for those wanting maximum fuel economy.

That’s the same 1.9-liter diesel offered in the Beetle and is rated at 34 m.p.g. city/45 highway with 5-speed manual. An automatic will be offered later in the year.

VW boasts that with the new car they were able to focus on increasing structural rigidity not only to keep squeaks out of the cabin but also to ensure very good road manners. Jetta has a very forgiving suspension that m inimizes road harshness yet allows for tight cornering and turning without lean and wandering. Jetta stays in the path you point.

It also helps that larger 15-inch steel-belted radial tires have replaced 14-inchers as standard and that Jetta features a heftier suspension with an independent, track-correcting, torsion-beam rear axle with integrated rear stabilizer bar.

One drawback, however. You expect a German-built car to have a little firmer and quicker braking action and shorter stopping distances than Jetta does when you tap the pedal.

While on the shortcomings, might as well point out that the outside mirrors are small and could be enlarged to increase vision without hurting the design.

Also, the cabin feels a touch narrow and a little more arm and thigh room would be appreciated. The rear seat is tight in terms of head room. And whoever designed the pump handle control to adjust driver’s seat height should be sent to his or her room until willing to apologize for a system that takes far too much adjustment to get the seat at the right height and distance from the pedals.

The seats are wide and comfy and offer very good support, but it shouldn’t require 10 minutes of fiddling to get the seat in the proper position.

But, there are numerous noteworthy features as well, such as standard anti-lock brakes, dual front and side-impact air bags, a pull-out sunshade for the rear window, power sunroof that allows you to twist the knob and let go and it will open/close to a preset distance, and a low-gas warning that employs a dash light and a rather loud beep to alert you to the fact that you better pull into the next station.

There’s also gas and trunk-lid opener buttons in the lower driver’s door for easy use, a massive trunk that holds as much if not more than that in some midsize cars and convenient fold-down rear seat backs to increase storage room even more.

There’s also a power outlet for phone or other accessories upfront by the ashtray and in the trunk; coin and cassette holders in the center console armrest; a pair of pop-out cupholders that hide in the dash until released; a galvanized body that comes with a 12-year corrosion warranty; and, for nighttime, very easy-on-the-eyes “vibrant blue” backlight with illuminated red needles for the instrumentation.

Standard equipment includes traction control, premium AM-FM cassette stereo with eight speakers, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, heated remote mirrors, remote locking, power windows and mirrors and cruise control.

Also, body-colored door handles/grille/mirrors; air conditioning; tinted glass; floor mats; electric rear-window defroster; no front passenger door cylinder lock to prevent “curb side” entry by those who shop cars after dark; and for smokers, front and rear seat ashtrays with red inserts to see them at night.

GLX adds the V-6 as standard with rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery and self-dimming mirrors.

The Jetta GLS starts at $19,950 with 5-speed manual. Add $875 for automatic and $525 for freight and you have a very well equipped car.

>> 1999 Volkswagen Jetta GLS
© 1998 Chicago Tribune Wheelbase: 98.9 inches Length: 172.3 inches Engine: 2.8-liter, 174-h.p. V-6 Transmission: 4-speed automatic Fuel economy: 22 m.p.g. city/28 m.p.g. highway Base price: $19,950 Price as tested: $21,675. Includes $875 for automatic and $850 for leather seats/steering column/shift knob plus heated seats and headlamp washers. Add $525 for freight. Pluses: Rich, Mercedes-like design. Solid squeak- and rattle-free construction. Peppy V-6. Suspension in tune with the road. Comfortable seats with ample support for long-distance travel without fatigue. Trunk massive. Twist and let go power sunroof operation. Minuses: Outside mirrors a bit small. Leg room a bit cramped upfront. Back-seat room limited for adults. Would like firmer, quicker response braking action. >>