Volkswagen’s reputation often leans towards sensible and practical, but beneath the surface, there’s always been a passion for surprising performance. While many know and love the GTI badge, there’s a lesser-known gem from the early 2000s that deserves more attention: the 2003 GTI VR6, also known as the Jetta VR6 GLI in some markets. This wasn’t your average Jetta; it was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, packing a potent VR6 engine into a seemingly ordinary sedan body.
Volkswagen has a history of creating unexpected cars. Think of the luxurious Phaeton, designed to challenge Bentley and Mercedes-Benz. But even before that ambitious project, they aimed to inject some excitement into their more mainstream models. The Jetta, typically seen as a practical and unassuming car, was chosen to go head-to-head with established sporty sedans like the BMW 3-Series. To achieve this, Volkswagen turned to a unique engine design: the VR6.
The Marvel of the VR6 Engine
The “Verkürzt Reihenmotor Sechs,” or VR6, is an engineering curiosity. Despite its name suggesting a V6, it’s actually a narrow-angle straight-six engine, featuring a mere 15-degree angle between its cylinder banks. Imagine a straight-six engine squeezed into a V6 footprint – that’s the essence of the VR6. This ingenious design, also seen in earlier engines like the Lancia Fulvia’s V4, offers the smoothness and power of a six-cylinder in a package compact enough to fit in smaller cars, like the Golf and Jetta. This concept paved the way for even more complex engine configurations like the W engines, culminating in the Bugatti Veyron’s W16.
The VR6 engine first debuted in the third-generation Golf VR6. It was also the heart of the iconic Mk4 Golf R32, albeit in a larger 3.2-liter form. In the 2003 GTI VR6, or Jetta VR6 GLI, this engine, in its 2.8-liter iteration, 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 a respectable amount of power, offering a significant performance boost over standard Jetta models. Crucially, 2003 marked an upgrade for the VR6 in the Mk4 Jetta, moving from a 12-valve to a 24-valve configuration. This change added 25 horsepower and gave the engine a more eager, high-revving character, making the 2003 model year particularly desirable for enthusiasts. The GLI trim also emerged in 2003, replacing the GLS as the performance-oriented variant.
GLI: The Performance Jetta
For the 2003 model year, the Mk4 Jetta VR6 was offered in two main trims: GLI and GLX. Both aimed to compete with the BMW 3-Series, but they took different approaches. The GLX was the luxury-focused version, exclusively available with an automatic transmission and leather upholstery. In contrast, the GLI, the GTI VR6 equivalent, was the driver’s car. It came exclusively with a manual transmission and a more functional, less opulent interior. If driving enjoyment was your priority, the 2003 GTI VR6 GLI was undoubtedly the version to choose.
Many criticize Volkswagen for their sometimes conservative designs, but the GTI VR6, or Jetta GLI, demonstrates that they can do subtle performance with finesse. At first glance, the GTI VR6 looks like any other Jetta. Its design, while not overtly flashy, has aged gracefully. However, look closer, and the sporty details begin to emerge: a subtle racing exhaust, attractive 17-inch wheels, and supportive semi-bucket seats with noticeable side bolstering. Inside, the speedometer that reads up to 260 km/h and the 6,500 rpm redline hint at the car’s true nature. The GTI VR6 is a testament to the idea that the devil is in the details. Even under the hood, the engine is initially disguised by a large plastic cover, making it appear like a smaller four-cylinder unit. It’s only when you start the engine that the VR6’s distinctive character is revealed.
Driving the 2003 GTI VR6
The exhaust note emanating from the GTI VR6 is unmistakably that of a refined six-cylinder engine. It bears a sonic resemblance to the famed BMW straight-six, arguably only surpassed by the legendary Alfa Romeo Arese V6. As the revs climb, the sound intensifies, evolving into a captivating howl. Behind the wheel, the GTI VR6 transcends its Jetta origins. The steering feels well-weighted, the manual gearbox is precise with short, satisfying 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 performance cars. The VR6 engine itself is remarkably smooth. Even in fifth gear at low RPMs, a simple press of the accelerator unleashes effortless acceleration.
This effortless power is thanks to the engine’s generous torque output. On the highway, the GTI VR6 excels as a comfortable and capable long-distance cruiser and overtaking machine. While the author’s previous Golf was considered a good tourer, the Jetta VR6 GLI elevates this to another level. The interior prioritizes function over outright style, adopting a typically Germanic, user-friendly approach. It’s also well-equipped, featuring amenities like heated seats, power windows, a sunroof, and air conditioning. However, the reviewed car, assembled in Mexico, raised some concerns about long-term durability compared to its German-built counterparts. At the time of review, about 10 years old with 189,000 kilometers, it exhibited issues like a leaking windshield and a malfunctioning handbrake.
While the GTI VR6 excels as a highway cruiser, its performance on twisty roads reveals its limitations as a dedicated sports car.
In corners, the car exhibits noticeable body roll, and the front end can feel less precise at higher speeds, even with an aftermarket front anti-roll bar fitted to the test car. There’s a tendency towards understeer, partly attributable to the weight of the VR6 engine over the front axle. At 1.4 tons, it’s not a lightweight car. This reinforces the GTI VR6’s strength as a comfortable and quick sedan rather than a nimble sports car. This difference in handling is a key reason why the Jetta VR6 GLI, or GTI VR6, couldn’t fully compete with the benchmark BMW 3-Series in terms of outright sportiness. The BMW 3-Series responds more eagerly when pushed, feeling more connected and balanced, whereas the GTI VR6 gives the impression that spirited cornering isn’t its primary focus. This difference is partly due to the GTI VR6’s front-wheel-drive configuration (North American models were exclusively front-wheel drive, unlike the European Bora V6 4motion with all-wheel drive), compared to the rear-wheel-drive layout of the BMW. Brand perception also played a role; ultimately, it’s a Jetta, while the BMW is a 3-Series.
Verdict: The Underrated GTI VR6
Overall, the 2003 GTI VR6, or Jetta VR6 GLI, is a compelling car. It’s comfortable, reasonably quick, boasts a fantastic engine, and offers good reliability. Its sleeper car nature is a significant part of its appeal – it looks like a regular Jetta but possesses the performance to surprise many. While it might not be ideal for track days, the engine alone is a reason to consider this car. Experiencing a VW VR6 engine is something every car enthusiast should do at least once.
A thank you to Hubert for providing the opportunity to drive this interesting car!
Thinking of working on your own Jetta? A Haynes manual is invaluable. Check it out on Amazon: VW Jetta, Rabbit, GTI & Golf: 2006 Thru 2011 – Includes 2005 New Jetta
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