25 W ednesday , O ctober 20, 2010 O A KVILLE BEA V ER w w w .o akvillebeaver .co m Jetta is more comfortable, stylish than ever before Continued from page 24 The 2.0-litre engine has been around forever, but it offers just enough pep to get you up to speed in a rea- sonable time. Its not the quietest engine around, but unless youre running at the top of the rev range, I did- nt find it to be a problem. Volkswagen lists a 0-100 km/h time of 10.1 seconds for the five-speed manual and 11.3 for the automatic with the 2.0-litre engine. Where this engine suffers is in fuel economy. It is rated at 9.1L/100 km (31 mpg) city and 6.0L/100 km (47 mpg) highway for the five-speed manual and 9.3 (30 mpg)/6.7 (42mpg) with the automatic. This is in the same ballpark as the optional2.5-litre engine, but well behind the 2.0-litre turbodiesel. That engine is rated at 6.7L/100 km (42 mpg) city and 4.6L/100 km (61 mpg) highway for both the manu- al and automatic transmissions. To my mind, this is the engine to go with its pow- erful, relatively quiet (even compared with the gasoline versions) and certainly extremely fuel-efficient. Diesel fuel is readily available these days so theres no longer a reason to shy away. During the ride-and-drive, I found the suspensions of both models firm, yet not overly so. Both felt stable, even on tight corners and less than ideal pavement. Inside, the seats are comfortable and all gauges (white on black) are easy to read. Similarly, switches are all within easy reach. The interior is very basic, certain- ly much more so than the Mazda3. Outside, the styling is a step forward from the outgo- ing model, but still not a look that makes you step back and say wow. Certainly where it does shine is in the utility area. Theres lots of room inside, both front and back much more than one would expect in a compact. The trunk is huge at 440 litres (15.5 cu ft), well ahead of the competition. If you want a more upscale model, the top of the line is the Highline trim, offered with either the 2.5-litre gasoline or 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines. Features here include premium audio system with touch screen and six-disc CD changer, power sunroof, trip computer, keyless entry with start/stop button and front fog lights to name a few. With the TDI, you also get 17-inch alloy wheels and a block heater. Stand-alone options include a leather package ($895) and navigation system ($890). And if you want something even sportier, wait for the Jetta GLI model, due out next year. It will have a 200 hp turbocharged 2.0-litre direct injection engine and a sportier suspension, including a multi-link rear axle. Later still, a gas/electric hybrid is planned for the Jetta, so stay tuned. Oshawa assembly plant adds 600 jobs to meet demand for the Chevrolet Equinox Metroland Media Carguide Magazine In order to meet exceptional customer demand, Chevrolet Equinox production will increase yet again with over 600 employees beginning work tonight on a third shift at the Oshawa Assembly Plant. Weeks after the start of regular produc- tion for Equinox in Oshawa, the third shift marks the final stage of the previously announced suite of capacity increases for the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain. In one-third of the time it would nor- mally take, our teams at Oshawa and CAMI have quickly implemented innovative solutions to satisfy incredible customer demand for these popular vehicles, said Kevin Williams, president and managing director of General Motors of Canada. The successful implementation of these unique capacity increases reflects the new agility and customer focus that drives every business decision we make. Chevrolet Equinox has been one of the hottest compact crossovers on the market this year. Sales for the Equinox have increased over 72 per cent in Canada and over 77 per cent in the U.S., where more than 85 per cent of production is exported. Although basic, the 2011 Jetta has a nicely finished interior with fit and finish that rivals the best in the segment.