Astute readers will note this is not the same long-term Jetta 1.8T we introduced in the February 2001 issue of European Car. Unfortunately, that shiny-red Jetta didn't stay in our long-term fleet for long--it was severely damaged after Sport Compact Car editor Larry Saavedra hit a center divider with it on the way home from the SEMA Show (see sidebar for the excruciating details).
Fortunately, the people at Volkswagen PR are of a generous and benevolent nature and decided to give us another chance--and another car. Our new Jetta is the exclusive Wolfsburg Edition, the first "new" Jetta Wolfsburg edition since 1997. Production numbers for the 2001 version are limited to 20,000 U.S. and 2,000 Canada.
Based on the current Jetta GLS 1.8T, the Wolfsburg Edition model is distinguished by such features as a sports-tuned suspension, bolstered cloth-covered sport seats, a special three-spoke leather steering wheel, 16-in. polished alloy BBS wheels, a leather, hand-stitched shift knob, boot and brake handle, and Wolfsburg Edition exterior badges.
The Wolfsburg's fully independent suspension, calibrated with stiffer settings for both struts and springs, is comprised in front of a MacPherson strut system with coil springs and lower wishbones; at the rear is a track-correcting torsion beam axle with high-volume rubber bushings, gas-pressurized shocks and coil springs. In both the front and rear, stabilizer bars are used for improved body-roll control. The chassis also benefits from power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front) with the latest- generation ABS.
Tornado Red on the outside and beige cloth inside (both at no extra charge), ec's Jetta Wolfsburg Edition has myriad creature comforts, including two options: the Monsoon sound system (an in-dash CD/Cassette AM/FM stereo supported by eight speakers and an anti-theft alarm for a mere $325) and a power sunroof ($915). Standard amenities include an adjustable steering wheel (for both rake and reach), height-adjustable front seats, heated remote mirrors, one-touch power windows, central remote locking (something we've come to expect on all European Cars), electronic cruise control and a 60/40 split folding rear seat.
One other available option not on our long-term Jetta is Volkswagen's cold weather package with heated windshield washer nozzles and heated front seats.
Base priced at $19,600, the Jetta Wolfsburg Edition adds approximately $1,300 worth of standard equipment at only $250 over the price of the base-model Jetta GLS 1.8T. Throw in the cost of our Jetta's two options, and the total comes out to $21,365.
So far, we've only done local jaunts in the Jetta, averaging 26 or so mpg with lots of city-street driving, freeway stop-and-go commutes, etc. The 150-bhp 1.8T four-cylinder engine, mated to the standard five-speed manual transmission, does quite well in this environment thanks to the 155 lb-ft of torque available from 1750 to 4200 rpm. This flat torque curve enables the Jetta to scoot in and out of rolling chicanes with ease. We're looking forward to spending a full year in our special Jetta.
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
Returning home from the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, I'm cruising south on the 1-15-a road I've driven countless times without any mishaps.
I pop in another CD, take a swig of my Big Gulp and find my comfort zone. Desert winds try to buffet the car, but I feel only slight wavers in the Jetta's stability. Suddenly, a stronger gust rocks the Jetta, and this time I slow down-and catch a glimpse of my left rear tire in the process of coming off the wheel!
Damn, that can't be good.
The Jetta swerves to the right, I lightly lift off the accelerator, and then all hell breaks loose. The bare wheel digs into the asphalt like a ship's anchor in a muddy river bottom. The car becomes unbalanced, the steering fades, and I'm still doing 60 mph. The Jetta skates out of control, and I'm heading straight for the center concrete divider.
I have just enough time to ponder the irony that the center divider is also the only thing separating me from oncoming traffic, when the Jetta smashes into the concrete with enough impact that I'm flung into the upper part of the A-pillar ... hard. The sound of exploding airbags rings in my ears, the Jetta spins again, and this time it wipes out the driver's side of the car.
The airbag residue fills the cockpit with so much smoky powder that I can't even see what I'm going to hit next, or who is going to crash into me. All this happens in slow motion---very bizarre stuff. Then, just as quickly as the wild fide begins, the Jetta comes to a clunky stop, the CD player still howling with the tunes I popped in minutes ago. The rescue crew can't believe I'm walking away from this crumpled wreck with only minor cuts and bruises. (Let's hear it for VW's passive and active safety systems.)
I learned later that traffic investigators discovered a rapid deflation of the rear tire-they found a good-sized screw in it-and it was this which caused it to peel off the wheel. The tire's "bead" wasn't broken; the rim wasn't bent.
Granted, this could happen to anyone at any time, but it was a reminder that perhaps we don't take as many safety precautions as modern technology offers. Case in point: I hadn't checked the tires pressures before my long drive, maybe the easiest preventative action any driver should take. Next time I'll know better.
-- Larry Saavedra