2007 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0T

While the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta performs more than adequately with the standard 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine, the optional 2.0 liter turbocharged engine turns this family car into a genuine performance car. My tester came with a slick 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox including Tiptronic self-shifter. Added to the Jetta's classy interior it proves that in Germany you can have your Black Forest Cake and eat it, too. $22,620 for starters, $25,595 as tested, EPA mileage estimates 25 city/32 highway.

First Glance: When a sports car isn't practical enough…

Unlucky in love, lucky in test drives. A short time ago I had the good fortune to be testing an Accord on California's fabled Hwy. 1, an auto enthusiast's dream road. Back in Beautiful British Columbia, my next test placed me on the Malahat, which twists and turns up and over a mountain of the same name. Not as spectacular nor as long as California's gem, the Malahat nevertheless offers a splendid array of curves, straight sections, and from time-to-time, brief glimpses of the ocean thousands of feet below. As on Hwy. 1, they soon provide an unwanted close-up if you're not careful.

Now I was testing a Jetta Turbo with 6-speed DSG automatic (Article: DSG, what it is and how it works). Next to a pure sports car, an ideal set of wheels for this road. Triple lucky, I also had the good fortune to hit the Malahat during one of the rare moments when it wasn't clogged with tourist traffic. Forgetting for a moment that the Jetta's primary duty is to serve as family transport, I took advantage of the near-empty highway to explore this particular model's secondary role: to perform for those drivers who, when not chauffeuring the kids to soccer practice, like to waltz with a car as dancing partner.

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In The Driver's Seat: Great… if you can get in

The Jetta's interior is pleasant if you can get through the open door. Now I'll admit that as About Cars' token old guy I'm not as supple as I once was but I can still walk upright and at 6-feet should be able to slip inside a 4-door sedan with ease. Every attempt with the Jetta involved neck-twisting and the inevitable mussed hair (yes, I'm happy I still have hair). The rear seat was no better, suggesting that the car's tall stance has been sacrificed to style. Once in, however, I was enchanted by a handsome and typically German cockpit which immediately telegraphs a message: you're here to drive, buddy, so pay attention.

All black and gray, the only visual relief is supplied by a band of lightly-patterned aluminum and a touch of chrome on the shift-surround. Primary instruments, speedo and tach, are clear but the engine temperature and fuel gauges are too small for a quick glance. The console has the same fault. Large and simple, it includes one set of switches that require a change of glasses if you're not wearing bifocals. Drinkers of morning revival juice will be pleased to note the two cupholders do not interfere with the handbrake and armrest. But be ready for a coffee-Tsunami if the sunroof's open.

On the Road: Amazing transmission technology and super handling

I'm not certain whether it was the 200 wild horses Volkswagen delivers from a 2-liter engine or the amazing 6-speed transmission that impressed me most but I suspect it was the latter. Other than a CVT (continuously variable transmission) I've never experienced one that upshifted and downshifted so deftly that I didn't know it was changing gears. Like the Audi A3, the Jetta's transmission utilises direct-shift technology similar to F1 race cars and includes Tiptronic, which allowed me to control changes manually. Unlike many similarly-equipped vehicles I actually used it on winding roads.

Of course power's of no value if a vehicle lacks poise in corners. I'm happy to report that the Jetta, with its precise steering turn-in and sharp responses, reacted to my demands, turning the Malahat and other twisties into a personal playground. Such handling characteristics, as well as being fun for the driver, make for a safer car. As I've said ever since I began road testing decades ago, the car that handles well has a better chance of avoiding an accident. In normal cruising mode the Jetta is smooth and quiet. Back seat passengers will find the view forward somewhat limited and there's no center armrest. Two's company, three's a crowd.

Journey's End: Extra power is nice, but I'll take the 2.5

This was my first experience with a Jetta (diesel excepted) since attending the 2005 media preview in San Diego. The test cars then featured a 2.5 liter, 5-cylinder, 150 hp non-turbo engine which I thought offered enough performance. I still do. But the Jetta prospect who demands more can now choose a 2-liter turbo and exchange the conventional 5-speed for a race-based 6-speed. Is it worth the extra bucks? All depends where your priorities lie. In this world of high performance automobiles a Jetta 2.0T can outrun many larger cars with V-6 engines and still beat them in an economy contest.

Ah, but this is a changing world. In assessing this car you'd be right in admiring it's appearance. You'd make a wise choice in giving up a little interior space in favor of a more nimble, fun-to-drive sedan. You'd enjoy the European emphasis on driving vs. plush comfort. You could have a heck of a lot of fun, as I did, in the driver's seat. The question, however, remains: should you plunk down the extra bucks for this example of a Jetta's talents? Would I? Probably not. Still, the Volkswagen Jetta in any guise is so darned good it deserves a place on my list of best buys.