I came here to read reviews after test-driving the 2006 GLI. Then I bought one. I'm glad I did. With about 3,000 miles on the car thus far (I bought it new), I couldn't be happier.

The 2006 GLI I purchased is a 'no option' in black, with 6 spd standard trans. I didn't want to fork over $3200.00 for a sunroof and leather seats since everything else you want in this car comes STANDARD. I paid $22,860.00 for the car.

My car-driving history includes plenty to compare the GLI to. My first foreign car was a 1974 Datsun 260Z (skinny bumpers). I enjoyed that car greatly and owned it until after college. I've owned 1983 Porsche 944 and a 1993 SAAB, purchased new, as well as used 1987 Jetta, 1976 911S, 1973 911T, 1976 BMW 2002. So I've got some basis of comparison in terms of cars in this class.

The GLI has power, plenty of it. It is stable at speed, handles as if on rails, and has that 'just right' feel -- great handling, little body roll, but not too taut over the bumps. Once I gt used to the clutch release-point, shifting is a pleasure and the 6 speed box always leaves the engine in a productive rev zone, including revving between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm at 70 - 75 mph. No need to flay the engine to cruise and nothing 'buzzy' about this powerplant.

The interior has a nice look. It says 'quality'. I looked at other cars in this class, like my buddy's Mazda 6 Sport Wagon. I didn't want to tell him but...yuck. Looks more like my old 1971 Pontiac...plastic-time. The Audi A3/A4 have the same engine/gearbox and while certainly nice cars, they involve a hefty $$$ increase, upwards of ten grand depending on the option package, to get the same heart and soul already in the GLI.

The GLI has airbags aplenty. Standard. Four wheel disc brakes that give it immediate stopping power reminiscent of my 944 (the best handling and braking car I ever owned). The body is 100% galvanized (as an old Porsche guy, this is important to me...the 1973 911T I had brought in the galvanized floor-pan, an important improvement back then, believe me) with a great rust-through warranty.

There are three head restraints in the back seat, each also equipped with shoulder seat belts. I currently also own a 2000 Chevy Tahoe and it's a bummber and flat out lame that my rear seat center passenger has to be LESS SAFE than the others -- and thanks GM for making me decide which of my three kids gets to sit in the middle on trips...OK, back to the GLI. Side curtain airbags and a top safety rating are also part of this car's appeal.

Gas mileage anyone? Yup, it's getting the stated 32 mpg on the highway and then some. One of the secrets of a 'row your own' gearbox is YOU can decide whether to be 'mild' or 'red hot' and rev accordingly. And max or minimize your mileage. In my aforementioned Tahoe, equipped with the 5.7 liter engine, I like to say, as I peg the 'go' pedal getting on the highway or making a pass, 'that just cost a buck'. With gas prices now, I may have to modify that flippant remark upward.

Leg room in the rear is fine...for two passengers. A third has to place one foot on each side of the center console. Not ideal. But you've noticed, I also own a bus for trips that bring out the entire family, not to mention our dog, sports equipment, whatever. Fact is, with three kids playing sports my wife and I are usually toting one or two somewhere, and the entire family gets in for shorter trips just fine. And like I mentioned, everyone gets a shoulder and head restraint.

The back seats fold down, singly or both. The trunk-lid retains that Jetta touch, opening almost vertically. There is plenty of room in a surprisingly large trunk.

This car is incredibly high tech. It also does little things smartly, like the stereo stays on until you remove the key; interior lights come on automatically when key removed; one touch up and down for all four windows, also activated by key in driver door; power everything in a standard package; and a lot more, all controlled from the steering wheel controls.

I have to mention the leather-wrapped steering wheel. It's a beaut, just right to the touch and perfect size. Controls for stereo and other systems on it. The sound system comes standard with 6 CD in-dash, and nice sound. It won't replace my old Nakamichi/Pyle/Alpine/kicker box that graced my 944 until stolen...but I am pleased with the overall quality and 'crank' power of the system. It also plays MP3's, so burning stuff that I buy for my Ipod works just fine and is a great way to enjoy my music. The Bluetooth is disabled, the control for it on the steering wheel there only for use in models sold in Europe. I bet once the car is on the market for a while enthusiasts will cook up a workaround to activate this functionality.

Nowhere on the car does it say "Jetta" and that's because this is a special edition, redesigned from the ground up. Some slag the new vee-wees for their styling. That's all in the realm of taste, obviously. I would NOT have bought this car if it wasn't for the new styling, including the slick front view (shared with the GTI Mk V) that just says 'performance car'.

And in my opinion (or should I say, 'epinion') that's just what this is: a performance car. With rational touches and a great price (if you go 'no option' like I did). There is no reduction of that German-car feel and presentation whatsoever. It's all here.


****UPDATED JUNE 12, 2006****

I've put 6,400+ miles on my 2006 GLI since purchasing it new and thus far the only problem I've experienced was dealt with during the 5K servicing. Specifically, the batter on my wife's remote key had to be replaced.

Something I don't think I mentioned in my full review has become evident in the last coulple of months -- this car exhibits excellent handling in the rain. The Potenza tires it came with are surely part of the reason, including the rather large tread channels they have.

Another thing is that you notice when there are 5 passengers and their gear along for the ride. The suspension seems to get a little 'softer', I won't say it wallows, but fully loaded the handling characteristics are a little different. Not unpleasant, just a little softer.