attractive now--more sophisticated and more aerodynamically efficient. The soft-top VW

Cabrio, in particular, really looks slick compared with its ancestor.

Although the bodies and interiors differ, they share chassis and engines. Deciding

among them comes down to choosing between a sedan, a hatchback or a convertible.

The Jetta 4-door sedan is available in three models--the base GL, the loaded GLS

and the more powerful GLX. The hatchback lineup is composed of the practical 4-door

Golf, two sporty GTI models and the Cabrio, all 2-doors.

Interior space is virtually the same between the Jetta and Golf models, roomy up

front, adequate in the rear. The Golfs offer slightly more cargo space, the Jetta

offers the security of a trunk. The wheelbase of all these cars is the same, but the

Jetta's body is 13 in. longer.

The standard powerplant, found in the Jetta GL and GLS, Golf GL, GTI and Cabrio,

is a 2.0-liter, 4-cyl. that produces 115 hp. It's a responsive, durable engine that

revs smoothly but gives something away to cars like the peppy new Chrysler Neons.

The Jetta GLX and Golf GTI VR6, however, are powered by a unique 6-cyl. engine.

VW's 2.8-liter VR6 is technically a V6, but the angle of the vee is so narrow that the

two cylinder banks share a common head, allowing the engineers to pack six cylinders

into an engine bay only big enough for four. The VR6 generates 172 hp and produces

zero-60 times in the low 7-second range, which is quicker than a BMW 318ti.

The third engine choice, a $940 option, is VW's new TDI (Turbo Direct Injection)

diesel.

Regardless of the model or engine ordered, all Jettas and Golfs come standard with

a nice array of safety equipment, including dual airbags and daytime running lights.

They feature a safety cage construction and meet 1997 side impact standards. Antilock

brakes are optional.

The Jetta GLX and Golf GTI VR6 share many traits. To go along with their VR6

engine, they employ a suspension designed to provide a sportier feel and improved

handling. The $16,000 4-cyl. GTI also benefits from this sports suspension, a good

choice for someone who wants sporty handling, but doesn't want to pay $3700 more for

the VR6.

The Jetta GLX and GTI VR6 come standard with equipment designed to enhance their

sporty nature and the performance of the VR6 engine. That includes: electronic

traction control, bigger brakes, wider 15-in. wheels with high-performance tires, a

rear spoiler, and color-keyed mirror housings.

The $20,000 Cabrio is roomier than a BMW 318 Convertible and comes with the

features found on a loaded Jetta GLS, including an 8-speaker AM/FM CD-capable cassette stereo. The high-quality 6-layer top is hand-fitted for good insulation from extreme heat and cold with an outer layer of PVC-coated vinyl that resists abrasion, while the glass rear window with electric defroster won't get scratched or fogged up over time.

The Cabrio is also the only convertible that features a fixed, integrated roll bar

that meets federal rollover standards.