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After the long hail of the second generation (A2 / MK2) Jetta / GTi from
1985 - 1992, Volkswagen needed to update it's most popular selling platform. In 1993, the third generation (A3 / MK3)
came with new power, styling and refinement. The Jetta, from previous years was rounded out slightly from
it's ridged rectangle predicessor, as was the Golf which was given rounded headlights and a sleeker rear end. Although
the change Volkswagen was criticized for the 'boxy' update, the designers / engineers were determined that it's
unique characteristics would bring this new look to fame.
Once the dramatic change occured for the MK3, over the next five year spand,
the Jetta and Golf would see very little exterior and interior changes. Only subtle changes were apparant with different
front grills, body color-mathing door trim, and different wheel cover / alloy choices. Yet, with the update brought
more and new trim levels to both the hatchback and sedan. The entry level GL was your standard economy
sedan, or five door hatchback.
1997 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 in Oyxn Black
For the Jetta, the third generation brought many new packages
and trim: The GLS fitted the interior with luxuary options of leather seats and power windows and locks,
and a power sunroof. Bang for the buck, a fair amount of factory installed equipment gave the Jetta the
edge for the automotive market. Along with that, the K2 and Trek special edition
trims gave the new owner a pair of K2 skiis or snowboard or a factory bike rack and Trek bike for the outdoors' owners.
Some of the not-so-common trim levels included the City, a striped down GL which had no radio or air
conditioning and the Jazz, which was the GL level with an added 6-disc CD changer. The GT
and the Wolfsberg came out in the start of 1997 with all the power option along with a factory spoiler, side
skirts and alloy wheels. Finally, the GLX replaced the GLI from the second generation that every power
option Volkswagen offered, including a bigger powertrain, and optioned leather / heated seats.
As for the Golf, it too had the limited K2 edition trim
level in the 5-door hatchback. For the buyers who wanted a sportier version, the Golf was also sold as the GTi in 1995 as
a 3-door hatchback. Comparable to the Jetta GT, the GTi had all the gimzos and gadgets installed as standard equipment.
In 1997, the GTi VR6 was available in a Driver's Edition which offered two special exterior colors:
Jazz Blue and Ginster Yellow along with all the options offered from the factory. The Driver's Edition also incorporated Speedling
7-spoke wheels, special cloth / highlight stitching / shift knob in the interior, and some upgraded suspension components.
Engine and transmissions were basic to follow: all models had the baseline
tried and true 2.0 liter SOHC I4 (ABA) with 115 horsepower through either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
transmission. Volkswagen reworked and re-released the 1.9 liter I4 TDI - Turbo Direct Injection (AAZ /
AHU) diesel with 90 horsepower for the economical buyer and international sales. However, for others who wanted
some serious zip out their Jetta or GTi could order the 2.8 liter DOHC V6 - VR6 (AAA) as the high powertrain
in the high-end Jetta GLX VR6 and GTi VR6 trims.
1997 Volkswagen GTi VR6 in Tornado Red
Currently, the fifth generation (A5 / MK5) are on the verge of release to
Europe and North America. The new line-up have a considerable amount of prestiege, design and power. But, for
all of us as A3 / MK3 owners, we'll never loss the feeling of taking hard corners and the car club followings it brings
to date.
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