Being friends with like 6 different people at the new VW dealer has its perks. I got invited to their little MKV party tonight and checked out the new dub.
All they had were 2.5 I-5's with 6-speed tiptronics. I tell ya what... aside from a very non-german look, the car was really impressive. Brakes were strong and balanced, the IRS was nice, and the car was remarkably neutral in handling. The new 5-cyl has GOBS of torque, and with the 6-speed, accellerates really nicely.
The interior was a pleasant surprise. VW retained a lot of the nice stuff that made the Jetta a Jetta. The MFA is enhanced with a lot of nice new features (inlcuding the word "tyres" spelled just like that!). The gauges are still very 20th-esque, the column grew a full fledged BMW style cruise stalk, and the center console has porsche/audi TT style grab bars.
The radio is still growing on me, but when you turn on, its very impressive in featres and layout. Its functionality makes up for its almost Toyota looks.
The rear legroom is HUGE. the trunk is massive, the engine compartment is well layed out. No visible airbox and the battery is set back for easy access to the headlights. And who can forget the VW emblem in the headlight assembly. Nice touch...
I like the car a lot. Styling will grow on you after you're amazed by what it has to offer functionally.
