Introducing "Gretel"

In my last post I stated that I was pondering whether or not to trade in my 2007 VW Eos. It was time for a change. I needed trunk space. I just needed space period. I was over the hardtop convertible scene. What I still needed was some decent off-the-line speed despite wanting a four door sedan. Can't I have both? I also wanted as many bells and whistles I could afford. So I caved (with great hesitation) and sent the Eos off to the land of wholesalers.

Introducing Gretel. She's a 2013 deep black pearl metallic Jetta GLI Autobahn edition (the sportiest of Jettas). I love her. She has both inner and outer beauty. Better yet, I love to drive her. As I enter the vehicle, she reminds me to breathe a sigh of relief and embrace my inner zen. "Namaste", I say to myself.

Although I was never a fan of black on black, especially in an area that gets close to 300 days of sun, I didn't have much of a choice with this particular edition. The plus side is the black seats have red stitching, a very nice and sporty touch. But, am I going to burn the heck out of my legs after a one hour shopping spree? Nah, I make it a point to park in a shaded area and she's garage kept. Problem solved.



FEATURES

Heated seats - while living in Southern California, this feature will probably never get used unless I move back to Chicago

Voice Activated/touch-screen infotainment system with Navigation - used daily, user friendly. How did I ever live without this?

Power Sunroof - used daily, although I'd prefer a push button (as in the Eos), this one is a dial. Not a fan.

6-way Power Driver Seat - wouldn't buy a car without it

Fender Premium Audio System - I like my music loud and crisp. Great sound. Good job VW.

Push-button start - don't most new vehicles have this? Note to self: press the brake pedal first.

Enormous back seat - haven't owned a vehicle with this in years. My 5'10" hubby says there's plenty of room. Was he hinting at something?

Bi-xenon headlamps with Audi-esque LED accents and Adaptive Front Lighting system - one of my favorite features. Gretel looks sexy and mysterious at night. She sure knows how to light up my life.

Red brake calipers - I love brake calipers with color. For someone who sometimes gets a little too matchy matchy with her clothing ensembles (per my fashionista daughter Sammi), this feature is another one of my favorites. They match the red stitching in the seats.

Rearview camera - a must in EVERY vehicle. nuff said.

Leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel with shifter paddles - no, she's not a Porsche or a Lambo, but those paddles sure are fun.

Brushed Aluminum Pedal Covers - just like in "real" sports carz!

                     SPECS




18" Alloy wheels

2.0 L/210hp/207-lb-ft @ 1700 rpm/Turbo/ DOHC 16-valve/ I-4

6-speed DSG (direct shift gearbox), autotrans with Tiptronic & Sportmode (love the Sportmode)

Front wheel drive

Average fuel economy: 27.3 mpg (a little less than I got with the Eos)

Only the GLI badge is slapped on the rear. VW withheld the Jetta badge.



SAFETY

IIHS Best Pick for 2013



CONCLUSION

Greta doesn't disappoint. She does the opposite. She's fun and spunky. I love her smooth ride, responsive steering and excellent handling. There's a very slight turbo lag but I noticed it more in the Eos so I'll overlook it. She's quick and flexible like my niece Molly, the cross country runner and gymnast. The seats are cushy and I love the chunky, racecar-shaped steering wheel (the bottom part is straight across). It's another solid build and finish from VW. But no surprise there.

Like the old VW ad slogan (as seen below on my t-shirt), I'm experiencing Fahrvergnugen, the joy of driving.

Danke Schoen VW!