Volkswagen holds a special place in the hearts of many car enthusiasts, and for good reason. Beyond just being a brand, VW has a knack for producing cars that are both approachable and surprisingly unique. Think of the Phaeton, a luxurious and understated sedan aimed at the Bentley and S-Class crowd. But Volkswagen’s ambition extended beyond the ultra-luxury segment. They also set their sights on a more attainable target: the BMW 3-Series. To compete in this arena, Volkswagen turned to the Jetta, known as the Bora in Europe. While the Passat was their more direct competitor in size, the Jetta, in a special VR6 guise, was tasked with challenging the iconic 3-Series. The Jetta 2003 VR6 GLI aimed to blend everyday usability with a dash of sporting flair.
To give the Jetta the necessary punch and refinement to take on the BMW, Volkswagen employed its innovative VR6 engine. The “Verkürzt Reihenmotor Sechs,” or VR6, is an engineering marvel. Contrary to its name suggesting a traditional V6, it’s actually a narrow-angle V6, essentially a straight-six engine with a mere 15-degree angle between cylinder banks. This ingenious design creates a compact engine, narrow enough to fit into platforms typically designed for four-cylinder engines, like the Golf and Jetta. This concept wasn’t entirely new; Lancia had previously used a similar narrow-angle design with their V4 engines. The VR6’s compact nature paved the way for more powerful variants, eventually inspiring the W-engine configurations found in high-performance cars like the Bugatti Veyron. The jetta 2003 VR6 GLI benefitted greatly from this engine technology.
A front profile view of the 2003 VW Jetta VR6 GLI, highlighting its understated sedan design.
The VR6 engine first debuted in the third-generation Golf under the “VR6” badge. It later powered the Mk4 Golf R32 in a 3.2-liter form. For the jetta 2003, the VR6 came in a 2.8-liter variant, producing 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 substantial amount of power for a car in its class. Notably, the 2003 Jetta VR6 engine received an upgrade compared to previous years, moving from 12 valves to 24 valves. This enhancement boosted power by 25bhp and gave the engine a more eager, high-revving character. Furthermore, 2003 marked the introduction of the GLI trim for the Jetta 2003, replacing the GLS as the sport-oriented version.
The specific 2003 Jetta VR6 I had the opportunity to drive was the GLI model. When new, the Mk4 Jetta VR6 offered two trim levels: GLI and GLX, both aimed at challenging the BMW 3-Series. The GLX was positioned as the luxury variant, offered exclusively with an automatic transmission and leather upholstery. In contrast, the GLI was the performance-focused version. It featured a more basic, functional interior and, crucially for driving enthusiasts, was available only with a manual transmission – a clear sign of its sporting intentions. For those who prioritized driving engagement, the 2003 Jetta VR6 GLI was undoubtedly the version to choose.
An angled side shot of the 2003 VW Jetta VR6 GLI, showcasing its clean lines and sporty wheels.
Volkswagens are sometimes criticized for their conservative styling. However, this can also be seen as a strength, contributing to a timeless design. The Jetta 2003 GLI exemplifies this. One could argue that Volkswagen engineers designed it to be the quintessential “sleeper car” of the 90s. At first glance, the GLI appears like any other Jetta 2003. While not overtly exciting, the design has aged gracefully. Upon closer inspection, subtle sporty cues emerge: the discreet racing exhaust, attractive 17-inch wheels, and supportive semi-bucket seats with noticeable bolstering. Stepping inside the 2003 Jetta VR6 GLI reveals further hints of its performance potential, such as a speedometer that reaches 260km/h and a 6,500rpm redline on the tachometer. The sporty character is subtly woven into the details. Even the engine bay, with its large plastic cover, might initially deceive you into thinking it houses a modest 1.8-liter four-cylinder. It’s only when you turn the ignition key that the true nature of the 2003 Jetta VR6 GLI is revealed.
The exhaust note emanating from the sports exhaust system is unmistakably that of a refined six-cylinder engine. To the trained ear, it bears a strong resemblance to the iconic BMW straight-six, and only slightly concedes ground to the legendary Alfa Romeo Arese V6 in terms of auditory pleasure. As the revs climb, the sound intensifies, evolving into a captivating and controlled howl. Behind the wheel, the 2003 Jetta VR6 GLI doesn’t feel like a typical car derived from the Golf platform. The steering offers a perfectly weighted feel, the manual gearbox is precise with short, satisfying shifts, and the overall ride quality is firm yet surprisingly comfortable. At normal speeds, the suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections, a welcome departure from overly stiff “sports suspensions” found in some competitors. The VR6 engine itself is remarkably smooth, among the smoothest engines I’ve ever experienced. Even in fifth gear at just 2,000rpm, a simple press of the accelerator unleashes effortless acceleration.
A close-up view of the 2.8-liter VR6 engine within the 2003 VW Jetta GLI, showcasing its compact design.
This smooth and responsive power delivery is thanks to the engine’s generous torque output. On the highway, the 2003 Jetta VR6 GLI excels as a comfortable and capable long-distance cruiser, making overtaking maneuvers effortless. While my previous Golf was a decent cross-country car, the Jetta VR6 GLI operates in a different league altogether. The cabin prioritizes function over flamboyant design, reflecting a typically German, user-friendly approach. It’s also well-equipped, featuring heated seats, power windows, a sunroof, and air conditioning. However, as this particular Jetta 2003 was assembled in Mexico, there’s a slight concern about long-term build quality compared to its German-built counterparts. To illustrate, the test car, despite being only ten years old at the time of the original review (with 189,000 kilometers), exhibited a leaking windscreen and a non-functional handbrake on that particular day.
While the Jetta 2003 VR6 GLI shines as a highway cruiser, its dynamic limitations become apparent when pushed harder on twisty roads.
An interior shot of the 2003 VW Jetta VR6 GLI, highlighting the functional design and sporty seats.
In corners, the car exhibits noticeable body roll, and the front end doesn’t feel as precise at higher speeds, even with an aftermarket anti-roll bar fitted to the test car. There’s a tendency towards understeer, partly attributable to the weight of the larger engine over the front axle. Overall, the 2003 Jetta VR6 GLI feels like a substantial car, weighing in at 1.4 tons. This characteristic, while contributing to its highway stability, detracts from its agility in more demanding driving scenarios. This difference in handling prowess is a key reason why the Jetta 2003 VR6 GLI couldn’t truly compete with the benchmark BMW 3-Series in terms of outright sportiness. The BMW 3-Series responds more positively when pushed, feeling more connected and driver-focused. In the Jetta 2003 VR6 GLI, there’s a sense that spirited cornering isn’t its primary design intention. This is partly due 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 rear-wheel-drive layout of the BMW. Furthermore, brand perception also played a role; the 3-Series simply held more prestige than a Jetta.
In conclusion, the 2003 Jetta GLI VR6 is a compelling car. It offers a comfortable ride, ample performance, a fantastic engine, and commendable reliability. Its unassuming appearance makes it an excellent sleeper car, capable of surprising drivers of more overtly sporty vehicles. However, track day enthusiasts might find its handling limitations frustrating. The primary reason to consider a 2003 Jetta VR6 GLI is undoubtedly the VR6 engine. Experiencing a VW VR6 engine is something every car enthusiast should do at least once.
A heartfelt thank you to Hubert for providing the opportunity to drive this remarkable machine!
For those looking to maintain or repair their Jetta 2003, a Haynes manual can be an invaluable resource. Find it on Amazon: VW Jetta, Rabbit, GTI & Golf: 2006 Thru 2011 – Includes 2005 New Jetta
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