Volkswagen, a brand often associated with reliable everyday vehicles, has a knack for surprising enthusiasts with some truly unique cars. Beyond the well-known models, they’ve ventured into unexpected territory, like the luxurious Phaeton, aimed at challenging Bentley and Mercedes-Benz. But even before that ambitious project, Volkswagen sought to compete in the sports sedan market, targeting the iconic BMW 3-Series. Their contender? The unassuming Jetta, known as the Bora in Europe, given a performance boost to take on a legend.
To elevate the Jetta into BMW territory, Volkswagen turned to a powerful and refined engine: the VR6. This engine, whose name stands for “Verkürzt Reihenmotor Sechs” (shortened inline engine six), is an ingenious design. Despite the “V” in its name, it’s not a traditional V6 but rather a narrow-angle inline-six, with cylinders angled at a mere 15 degrees. This compact configuration, also seen in engines like the Lancia Fulvia’s V4, allows for a six-cylinder engine to fit into engine bays typically designed for smaller four-cylinder units – like in the Golf and Jetta. The VR6 concept paved the way for the later W-engine families, including the Bugatti Veyron’s W16. First appearing in the third-generation Golf, the VR6 became synonymous with performance VWs, notably powering the Mk4 Golf R32 in a 3.2-liter form. In the 2003 Jetta GLI, the 2.8-liter VR6 produced a healthy 200 horsepower and 264 Nm of torque. While these figures might seem modest by today’s standards, back in 2003, it was more than enough to make the Jetta GLI a compelling performance option. The 2003 model year also marked an upgrade for the VR6 in the Mk4 Jetta, moving from 12 to 24 valves, boosting power by 25bhp and adding a more eager revving character. This year also saw the introduction of the GLI trim, succeeding the GLS.
Image: Front three-quarter view of a silver 2003 VW Jetta VR6 GLI parked on a paved surface, showcasing its subtle sporty design.
The specific Jetta VR6 I had the opportunity to drive was the GLI. In 2003, the Mk4 Jetta VR6 was offered in two trims: GLI and GLX, both aimed at challenging the BMW 3-Series. The GLX was the luxury-focused version, featuring an automatic transmission and leather upholstery. In contrast, the GLI was the performance-oriented model, equipped with a manual transmission and a more basic, functional interior. For driving enthusiasts, the GLI was undoubtedly the more appealing choice.
Image: Side profile of a silver 2003 VW Jetta VR6 GLI highlighting its clean lines and sporty stance with aftermarket wheels.
Volkswagen design often faces criticism for being too conservative. However, the Jetta GLI exemplifies how VW can inject subtle sportiness into their designs without shouting about it. It embodies the “sleeper car” philosophy perfectly. At first glance, the GLI looks like any other Mk4 Jetta. While the design might not be overtly exciting, it has aged gracefully. A closer inspection reveals subtle performance cues: a sporty exhaust, attractive 17-inch wheels, and supportive semi-bucket seats with noticeable bolstering. Inside, the speedometer that goes up to 260km/h and the 6,500rpm redline hint at the car’s true nature. The sporty details are there, but they are understated. Even lifting the hood, the large plastic engine cover might lead you to believe it’s just a common 1.8-liter four-cylinder. It’s only when you turn the ignition key that the VR6’s true character is revealed.
The exhaust note from the sports system is unmistakably that of a refined six-cylinder engine. To the trained ear, it bears a resemblance to the famed BMW inline-six, and while not quite as operatic as an Alfa Romeo Arese V6, it’s still a very pleasing sound. As the revs climb, the sound intensifies into a satisfying howl. Behind the wheel, the Jetta GLI feels more substantial than its Golf underpinnings might suggest. The steering is nicely weighted, the manual gearbox offers precise and short shifts, and the ride is firm yet surprisingly comfortable. The suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, a welcome departure from overly stiff “sports suspensions” found in some rivals. The VR6 engine itself is exceptionally smooth. Even in fifth gear at low revs, a simple press of the accelerator delivers effortless acceleration.
Image: Close-up view of the 2.8-liter VR6 engine under the hood of the 2003 VW Jetta GLI, showcasing its compact design and factory engine cover.
This smooth power delivery is thanks to the engine’s ample torque. On the highway, the Jetta GLI excels as a comfortable and capable long-distance cruiser and overtaking is effortless. While my previous Golf felt like a decent tourer, the Jetta GLI VR6 operates in a different league. The interior prioritizes function over outright style, reflecting typical German practicality. It’s also well-equipped, featuring heated seats, power windows, a sunroof, and air conditioning. However, being assembled in Mexico, there’s a slight question mark over long-term build quality compared to its German-built counterparts. The test car, despite being only a decade old at the time of the original review and having covered 189,000 kilometers, exhibited a leaking windscreen and a non-functional handbrake, hinting at potential durability issues.
While the Jetta GLI VR6 shines as a highway cruiser, its performance credentials become more nuanced when pushed on winding roads.
Image: Interior shot of the 2003 VW Jetta GLI, focusing on the driver’s side, showing the functional dashboard, sporty seats, and manual gear lever.
In corners, the car exhibits noticeable body roll, and the front end doesn’t feel as sharp at higher speeds, even with an aftermarket front anti-roll bar fitted to the test car. There’s a tendency towards understeer, partly due to the weight of the six-cylinder engine over the front axle, contributing to a feeling of heft (at 1.4 tons, it is a relatively heavy car for its class). This trade-off comes with its strength as a comfortable long-distance car. These handling characteristics are a key reason why the Jetta VR6 couldn’t truly compete with the benchmark BMW 3-Series in terms of outright sportiness. The BMW responds more directly to driver inputs when pushed, feeling more balanced and agile. In the Jetta, there’s a sense that spirited cornering isn’t its primary forte. This is partly attributable to its front-wheel-drive configuration (the North American Jetta VR6 was exclusively front-wheel drive, unlike the European Bora V6 4motion which offered all-wheel drive), compared to the BMW’s rear-wheel-drive setup. Furthermore, brand perception also played a role; ultimately, it’s a Jetta competing against a 3-Series.
In conclusion, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 is a compelling all-around package. It’s comfortable, reasonably quick, boasts a fantastic engine, and offers solid reliability. Its “sleeper” nature, appearing like a regular Jetta while possessing performance to rival a 3-Series, is a significant part of its appeal. However, track day enthusiasts might find its handling limitations less than ideal. The primary reason to consider a Jetta GLI VR6 is undoubtedly the engine. Experiencing a VW VR6 engine is something every car enthusiast should do at least once.
Note: For maintenance and repair information on your Volkswagen Jetta, a Haynes manual is an invaluable resource. VW Jetta, Rabbit, GTI & Golf: 2006 Thru 2011 – Includes 2005 New Jetta
