2005.5 Jetta V TDI Impressions
Posted By RichC on April 28, 2005
I had a chance to test drive a new 2005 Volkswagen Black on Black Jetta V TDI today. This was the first opportunity to see the new reskinned TDI Jetta and I was very impressed. This new Jetta is not just sporting a new skin; its most definitely a totally new car with a bunch of well-earned improvements.
I received an email this morning from Stew Williams, Sale Manager at FairfieldVW, and believe he was as excited to let me know the new TDI had just arrived as I was to take the test drive. 🙂 I didn’t disappoint him, as I cleared my afternoon schedule and BIO -dieseled over as soon as I could. I grabbed Jerry Lewis an experienced sales rep that knows his VWs and had him fill me in on a bunch of the Jetta V improvements. Some I knew about and others I didn’t.
The PumpeDuse TDI started quietly and it was hard for me to believe it was ‘our’ 1.9 diesel? The diesel ‘jiggle’ is non-existent and the new larger and extremely comfortable interior was hushed far better than my current A4.
Under the hood some changes have been made. The battery placement and weight has been moved back, the fuse box greatly improved and a new monster looking fuel filter. (No ‘Mickey Mouse Clip’ 🙁 )
The seats were firm and VW German and are as comfortable as ever, IMHO. The $24,000 sticker 5-speed Package 1 car that I was testing had the ‘leatherette’ seats and the steering wheel had a little bit of a plastic feel. I think I’ll hold out for the leather seats, wrapped wheel, wood trim and powered memory seats. (Package 2) I don’t think we’ll be seeing much movement on the price for a while so make your current car last a bit longer.
I loved some of the subtle improvements like the dual climate controls, self-dimming mirrors, info cluster, turn signals on the door mirrors, safety improvements everywhere and all that rear-seat legroom! 🙂
And those riding in the rear will appreciate the added flow of air!
Anyway … enough gushing about the comfort inside this new Jetta … time to take it for a ride! The first thing I noticed was that the 5-speed gearbox reminds me of a BMW or Audi. Short, tight and solid … oh and smoooooth! I was impressed with that. The new all-electric power steering was a tad different although much appreciated at slow speed backing and turning. There was plenty of power, but perhaps a slight loss of road feel as speed increases … so I’ll dock it 1 point. 🙂
The PD TDI engine puts out adequate power and appropriate economy for a mid-sized diesel-powered car. The new Jetta is no longer small in my book.
I eased the “Black on Black” beauty out of the dealer lot and thankfully had a chance to try a few things. Idling at a light the inside cabin was very quiet, the car felt very well built and as solid as could be. No rattles or squeaks, no body roll or clunky feel over bumps. I accelerated through the gears quickly and Jerry suggested I keep my speed up over some rough railroad tracks … unbelievably solid. I know that my steel skid plate on my A4 Jetta would have taken a bite of pavement, but the new Jetta V hardly dipped. Some real improvements in the stock suspension … it was noticeable.
Next I took a few tight corners and the Jetta V and it acted just like a German car should … nice and tight, even though the car has Mexico written all over it. 🙂 Off for some highway cruising and as with other TDIs this is where our little diesels shine. The Jetta V was no exemption and did not disappoint.
Sadly my test drive came to an end and although I entertained taking this ‘grown-up Jetta’ home, I justified the need for a few more optional appointments and will wait for another day.
One last thing … this is all that I could find indicating the ‘diesel inside.’
For additional independent ‘owner-based’ information on Volkswagen diesels and in particular, TDIs, be sure to check out Fred’s TDIClub.com and the Greater Cincinnati area group at CinciTDI.com.
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