Engine: 2.5-liter five-cylinder

Engine Options: 150-hp 2.5-liter five-cylinder; 1.9-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder

Transmission: 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic

Transmission Options: 5-speed manual; 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic

Standard Safety Equipment: dual-stage front driver and passenger airbags; front side-impact thorax airbags; front and rear side curtain-style head protection airbags; three-point seat belts at all five seating positions; height-adjustable front seatbelts; safety belt pre-tensioners with load limiters for the front seats; emergency locking retractors for every belt; four-channel ABS; Electronic Differential Lock (EDL); Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR)

Optional Safety Equipment: Electronic Stability Program (ESP); Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA); Engine Braking Assist (EBA); Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD)

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Puebla, Mexico

Model Tested: Volkswagen Jetta 2.5L ($18,975)

Standard Equipment: automatic dual-temperature climate control with pollen and smog filter; tilt and telescopic steering wheel; power windows with one-touch operation and key opening/closing; eight-way adjustable front seats, manually for height and reach and power for recline; heatable front seats; leatherette seating surfaces; 3-spoke steering wheel; center console with two cup holders, sliding armrest and power outlet; Microtech interior trim; rear passenger ventilation for heat and A/C; sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors and sliding function; cruise control; premium AM/FM sound system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer, MP3 readable, satellite radio compatible, 10 speakers, theft-deterrent warning light; automatic headlamps; 60/40 split folding rear seat with center armrest and pass-through; 16-inch steel wheels; fully carpeted trunk with tie-down hooks; full-size spare wheel/tire

Options as Tested: Package 2 ($4,660) includes leather seating surfaces; wood trim for steering wheel, shift knob, shift lever, dash, center console and doors; electric tilt/slide sunroof with manual shade; 16-inch alloy wheels; premium sound system with XM Satellite Radio (activation and 3 months of service); multi-function steering wheel; Homelink; 12-way power adjustable driver seat w/3-position memory; power passenger seat; manual rear sunshade

Destination Charge: 615

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: front-wheel drive

Horsepower: 150 @ 5000

Torque: 170 @ 3750

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 22/28

Wheelbase: 101.5 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 179.3/69.3/57.5 inches

Track Front/Rear: 60.7/59.7 inches

Turning Cycle: 35.8 feet

Seating Capacity: 5 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 38.5/54.8/41.2 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 37.2/53.1/35.4 inches

Trunk Volume: 16.0 cubic feet

Payload: 1105

Suspension, f: independent, MacPherson strut

Ground Clearance: 5.4 inches

Curb Weight: 3285 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: 205/55HR16 all season

Brakes: vented disc/solid disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist

Fuel Capacity: 14.5 Gallons