The base 2005 VW Jetta TDI included a number of luxury features that were not included in the base 2006 VW Jetta TDI. Included features that were removed from the 2006 base cars included auto-on / off headlights, automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, auto-dimming center rearview mirror, dual-zone automatic climate control (called climatronic), adjustable lighting in footwell, trip computer, lights under the side view mirrors to illuminate the ground when you unlock the doors, highline instrument clusters with full-screen driver information system, and a homelink remote on the sun visor. All of these features were removed for the following model year because customers found the cars too expensive. Actually, the car now had more features than the VW Passat. Customers walked into their Volkswagen dealership expecting to buy a Passat and walked out with a VW Jetta.
Therefore, VW changed the features of the base car and packages. All VW Jetta TDI models from 2005 to 2006 included amenities such as vinyl leatherette heated seats, heated side rearview mirror, and LED turn signals on the left and right side mirrors.
For 2005, Package 1 included (in addition to the base cars), a sunroof, the Cold Weather Package (heated seats and heated windshield wipers), and 16 “alloy wheels.
For 2005, Package 2 includes (in addition to Package 1 cars), leather seats, 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with three memory settings, 12-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, multi-function steering wheel with a computer travel, a manually operated rear window mesh sunscreen, multi-function steering wheel, and tamo ash wood interior trim on the dashboard, gear stick, ashtray and side door panels.
VW changed packages for 2006. Package 1 included (in addition to the base cars), a sunroof and seven premium brand satellite radio with a six cd changer in the dash. They did not include alloy wheels as they were carried over to the base package for 2006.
For 2006, Package 2 includes (in addition to Package 1 cars), leather seats, 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat with three memory settings, multi-function steering wheel with trip computer. They removed the sunscreen from the rear window, the power passenger seat, and the wood trim.
Because emissions standards were tightening, Volkswagen extended the production line until the end of calendar year 2006 for 2006 model year cars. These cars are called 2006.5 special editions. These are considered a completely different cut line. The base special edition cars included everything on the 2005-2006 base and added a spoiler on the trunk, diesel edition badges on the front fenders, 115V domestic power socket on the rear of the center console, and a multi-function steering wheel. Many of these cars also had an iPod adapter and tire pressure monitoring sensors.
The article is copyright myturbodiesel.com, 2010