by Jeff Voth

The small town of Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the second oldest city in the United States, founded in 1607 by the Spanish. Translated literally, it means "Holy Faith" and is often referred to as "The Different City". Encircled by millions of acres of forest, it rises 7,000 feet above sea level.

As the starting point for many different outdoor recreational activities, it offered the perfect location to showcase the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

With the launch of the new 2006 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5L earlier this year, followed shortly thereafter by the TDI, (turbo diesel) it seemed reasonable to assume the higher performing GLI variant would slot in right behind. So it was with a sense of anticipation that I looked forward to driving the newest sport version of the Jetta, to see how it would stack up with the current crop of competitors in the market.

The two most likely competitive candidates deserving your attention are the Acura TSX and Nissan Altima SE-R. Excellent vehicles in their own right, they represent what it takes to contend successfully in the market. Beyond these two models however, the choice is mostly uninspiring.

Having spent the better part of a day behind the wheel of the 2006 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, I would strongly suggest that before spending your hard earned dollars elsewhere, you consider adding the new Jetta GLI to your short list.

Attitude is something the Jetta GLI has in spades. An aggressive, blacked out grille dominates the fascia of this sport sedan. The racy paint scheme is carried through the lower sill and into the rear bumper, as well as the bottom half of the side mirrors.

Large, oval styled headlights with round lower foglights and red grille trim add to the appeal of the new Jetta GLI. Blue tinted glass is unique to this model, as is the body kit, light washers and dual exhaust.

The new Jetta GLI comes equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged engine with intercooler. Producing a vigorous 200 hp @ 5,500- 6,000 rpm and 207 lbs-ft of torque between 1,800- 4,700 rpm, this fine Euro-sedan throws down the gauntlet and dares others to take up the challenge.

What separates the new Jetta GLI from its competitors is the stunning ease with which it delivers power to the road.

The in-line, 4-cylinder turbo, responds effortlessly to every request for power, while the whisper quiet cabin insulates passengers in quiet comfort. On more than one occasion, I found myself driving 20-30 miles over the posted speed limit, without even realizing how fast the car was going. On that note, top speed for new Jetta GLI is limited to 130 mph.

This is not to say the Jetta GLI disengages the driver from the road. On the contrary, it provides the opportunity to focus on the road ahead and not the distractions caused by wind and road noise.

A front wheel drive car, the Jetta GLI rides on standard 17" alloy wheels equipped with 225/45 R17 low profile tires. (CONTINUE...)