Volkswagen’s best-selling car had been offered in sedan and hatchback configurations, but is now only presented as a sedan. That design downsize doesn’t compromise Jetta’s range that starts as a stylish econo-car and tops off as a sporty and quick performance compact.

Volkswagen’s Jetta was originally a Golf hatchback with specifically different styling and a conventional trunk. Launched in 1979 as a small family car, it was latched onto by trend-setting college-age buyers, and as Jetta has evolved into a larger, more powerful and more electronically advance vehicle, it has remained trendy and has been VW’s top-selling model for years.

This sixth-generation Jetta began production in 2010 for the 2011 model year, and for 2017, VW has simplified the Jetta line-up to four trims -- S, SE, SEL, and GLI. The base S trim includes a 1.4-liter, 150-horsepower TSI® engine, 16-inch steel wheels, LED DRLs and two-tone cloth seats as standard, along with a rearview camera that is now standard for all Jetta trim levels. The midline SE adds Volkswagen Car-Net® App-Connect connectivity and connected services, a sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert, 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, KESSY® Keyless access and push-button start, and V-Tex leatherette seats with rear pass-through functionality. The top SEL trim gains a 1.8-liter, 170-hp TSI engine, power driver’s seat; exterior chrome accents; Climatronic® automatic dual-zone climate control; a navigation system, rain-sensing wipers, front foglights; Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); and Adaptive Cruise Control. The Jetta GLI is now available in only one trim, with a 2.0-liter, 210-hp TSI engine, standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a navigation system, power driver’s seat, LED taillights, Park Distance Control (Park Pilot), the Fender® Premium Audio System, and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert.

The Jetta design continues its architecture of clear, precise lines and muscular surfaces in a Euro-elegant demeanor. At the front, the coupe-like incline of the windshield and the consistent use of horizontal lines present Jetta’s identity as wide and energetic. The visual band formed by the radiator grille that features three crossfins, combines with headlight clusters and large lower air intake to give the Jetta a signature appearance. This look is finished off on the SEL and GLI trims with foglights mounted in the outer areas of the bumper.

Jetta is a compact at 183.3 inches long (182.2 for the GLI trim), 70 inches wide and 57.2 inches high (56.5 for the GLI) on a 104.4-inch wheelbase, with a ground clearance of 5.2 inches. Jetta seats five and weighs in at a light 3194 lbs. for the automatic transmission version.

The Jetta interior features well-equipped style and substance Even the entry-level Jetta models have standard air conditioning, a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, one-touch auto up/down power windows, power locks with remote keyless entry, Bluetooth® technology for compatible devices, a rearview camera, and power heatable exterior mirrors. And premium features abound on higher-level trims.

The cabin is accommodating with an un-compactlike at 38.2 inches of front headroom with 37.1 inches in row two; shoulder room is 55.2 inches in front and 53.6 inches in the rear, and legroom is a comfortable 41.2 inches for row one and 38.1 inches for the second-seat passengers.

Jetta offers three engine choices. The base 1.4-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged/intercooled engine provides 150hp and 184 lbs.-ft. of torque; the
1.8-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged/intercooled engine delivers 170hp and 184 lbs.-ft. and the 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged/intercooled engine that powered my GLI test ride, hummed out 210hp and 207 lbs.-ft.

The automatic version of the three are EPA rated at 28/city, 38/highway and 32/combined for the 1.4; 25/city, 35/highway and 29/combined for the 1.8; and 24/city, 33/highway and 27/combined for the 2.0-liter. My week of tests with the 2.0 averaged 25.9mpg.

My automatic GLI accelerated and turbo’d-in seamlessly, and was predictable and reliable when needed. Track tests showed a 6.6-second zero-to-60mph sprint and a 15.4-second quarter-mile.

My Jetta handled admirably. The rack-and-pinion, electric steering with power assist was responsive with some driver-friendly understeer and torque steer. The suspension held the pavement well and sway was minimal.

Building on its rep as a top safety vehicle, the 2017 Jetta, when equipped with optional Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) and Bi-Xenon headlights, has earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and was awarded the top rating -- 5 stars -- in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tests.

The base 2017 Jetta S 1.4T starts at $17,895, followed by the 1.4T SE at $20,895 and the 1.8T SEL at $24,995. The sporty 2.0T GLI starts at $27,895. Destination and handling charges of $820 brings the base GLI to $28,715.

My test Jetta GLI was bathed in Platinum Gray Metallic exterior paint, mated to a Titan Black V-Tex Sport Leatherette interior. I prefer a manual transmission in sports cars, but my test ride was outfitted with a 6-speed automatic with Tiptronic® and Sport mode for an additional $1100. Side window deflectors added $188; sunroof wind deflector added $110; and body side molding added $214 for a sticker-as-tested of $30,327.

Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

It’s car show season at Carlisle! The 2017 Carlisle Events season schedule is two events in and with 10 remaining; the real fun starts April 19 as Spring Carlisle takes over the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds. This five-day extravaganza welcomes 100,000 guests from around the world, all looking for something, be it automotive related or collectible. Spring Carlisle runs April 19-23 and includes the always popular swap meet, a car corral and a three-day collector car auction, powered once more by Carlisle Auctions.

It all gets underway on the 19th. While this is the official first day of the show, it also serves as a load in/set up day for vendors. The 8,100 spaces available on grounds will come to life with everything from the simple to the exotic. If X marks the spot still means something to enthusiasts who love to hunt and pick, then Spring Carlisle has an X at every turn. Hidden gems, treasures collectibles, hard to find items; it all adorns the grounds at Carlisle. Some of those gems are part of the general swap meet, others within the North Side Collectors Corner; which by popular demand returns for 2017. Combine that with 100 years of automotive history available for sale within the car corral and even some future classics and daily drivers within the Daily Driver Blow Out, and Spring Carlisle really does have it all.

Day two of Spring weekend is also the start of the collector car auction. ALL NEW for 2017, Carlisle Auctions presents a three-day auction. The auction starts mid-afternoon on April 20 and 21, with a morning start time on April 22. Over 400 consignments, plus memorabilia/collectibles will cross the block and via the Carlisle Auctions FREE UNLESS SOLD guarantee.

Spring Carlisle also hosts FREE metal fabrication seminars on the stage. Presented by Steve Mercurio of Pro Metal Shop, the seminars are a great way for the DIY enthusiast to learn the simplest ways to work with metal. Mercurio will be doing his thing all weekend long, so anyone wondering by is invited to stop in for a quick tutorial/Q&A session.

Another great event aspect is the ARMO Hot Products Showcase. See in person the latest and greatest products coming onto the market with ARMO and talk to their product EXPERTS about how what they are showcasing and how it can work for any vehicle from today or yesterday.

Ultimately, an automotive utopia like Spring Carlisle happens just once a year and demand for the action is very high. Weekend and single day tickets are available online via www.CarlisleEvents.com. In addition, the Carlisle Events web page also offers complete event information, contact information and more. Finally, auction details on the three-day Spring Carlisle Auction can be found at www.CarlisleAuctions.com.

Launched for the 2004 model year as an alternative to the full-size pick-up establishment, Nissan’s Titan went through its first generation without a major redesign until 2016. This year, the all-new Titan Crew Cab adds a bold design, a new half-ton model and a new standard 390-horsepower 5.6-liter Endurance® V-8 gasoline engine coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

With body-on-frame (fully boxed ladder-type) construction utilizing corrosion-resistant and high strength steel, the new Titan half-ton continues the design cues established by the original Titan full-size pickup, including bed and cab features that are now industry standard, and the rugged function and style of the Titan XD.

The Titan half-ton has the same aggressive style as the Titan XD, but is built on a completely separate chassis and is about a foot shorter in wheelbase (139.8 inches versus XD's 151.6 inches). At 228.1 inches in length, it is 14.7 inches shorter than the larger Titan XD (242.8 inches).The new Titan also measures 79.5 inches in width and 76.0 inches in height. Minimum ground clearance is 8.9 inches and step-in height is 22.9 inches up front and 23.8 in the rear and Titan has a curbweight of 5684 lbs. Titan and Titan XD share the same cabs, and both offer similar toughness, durability and innovative interior, bed and driving aid features.

The Titan half-ton's exterior design was created at Nissan Design America in La Jolla, Calif. The design's focus on improved aerodynamics (an approximate 10 percent reduction versus the previous-generation Titan) incorporates a front spoiler, roof and tailgate spoilers, front tow hook hole cover, underbody covers, rear tire wind deflectors and a seal between the cab and bed.

The Titan half-ton also incorporates an Active Grille Shutter, which helps reduce drag by closing the grille opening behind the radiator when a large amount of airflow is not needed, and its standard 5.5-foot bed is designed to work hard and play hard, with a wide range of available functionality features.

An improved interior layout offers enhanced storage versus the previous generation Titan – front storage has been increased 33 percent and rear storage 28 percent – and new second- row underseat storage includes a locking lid for added security, along with an integrated foldout flat floor.

Filled with high-tech, infotainment, climate and comfort items, the interior provides 41.0 inches of front headroom with 40.4 inches in row two; leg room is 31.8 inches in row one and 38.5 inches in the second row; knee room is 26.6 and 23.9 and shoulder room is 63.3 inches in the first seats and 63.6 in the second row.
The standard front and rear Zero Gravity seats help maximize posture positioning for enhanced comfort during long distance driving.

Titan power is provided by a smooth 5.6-liter Endurance® V-8 engine that shares its displacement with the previous-generation V-8, but gains 73 hp (390 hp) and 9 lbs.-ft. of torque (394 lbs.-ft.) from Gen-1. Titan is EPA rated at 15mpg in city driving, 21 mpg on the highway and 18mpg overall, and a week of tests in snowy conditions yielded an average of 17.3mpg.

During tests, the cabin was quiet, the seats were comfortable and the sightlines were good. Engine power built predictably and consistently and while the rack-and-pinion engine speed variable assist steering was a bit heavy, handling was par for the niche though a bit top-heavy. The double-wishbone front suspension with 34-mm stabilizer bar and twin-tube coil-over shock absorbers works with a multi-leaf solid-axle rear with an 18 mm-stabilizer bar and twin-tube shock absorbers to smooth out most road irregularities and while it floated a bit at high-speed, Titan’s road feel was dependable when needed. On the track, Titan gradually gained enough speed to finish off a zero-to-60mph sprint in 7.2 seconds and confidently completed a quarter-mile in 15.7 seconds.

With attention to safety, Titan is outfitted with an Anti-lock Braking System, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Traction Control System and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Also onboard is the Nissan Advanced Air Bag System with single-stage driver and dual-stage passenger supplemental front air bags with seat belt sensors and occupant classification sensor. This includes roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags with rollover sensor and front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags.

The 2017 Nissan Titan Crew Cab comes in nine base trim levels, beginning with the S 2x2 at $34,780 and the 4x4 at $37,760, and topping out with the Platinum 4x4 at $55,400. Second on the list – SV -- started at $37,670 and added Advanced Drive-Assist® Display, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, trailer sway control and chrome exterior trim to the S. I tested the next one up, the SL, starting at $46,380, after adding Remote Engine Start/Stop System, Leather-appointed seats, NissanConnect™ powered by SiriusXM® and a Rockford Fosgate® audio system. In Magnetic Black with an SL Black Leather interior, the Chrome Package was added for $1200 (chrome grille, exhaust finisher, 20-inch chrome wheels and kick plat finisher); and the $410 Towing Convenience Package was required; Splash Guards added $235; Running Board Lighting added $370; Door Sill Plates were $95; all-season floor mats added $135 and Destination and Handling added $1195, for a sticker-as-tested of $50,020.


> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

It’s becoming a bit of a tradition for the team at Carlisle Events to not only showcase classic cars as part of its AutoFest events in Lakeland, Florida, but to also bring some of TV’s most iconic stars to town too. The trend continues February 23-26 at the SUN ‘n FUN campus with the addition of Butch Patrick to event weekend. Patrick, who played little Eddie Munster on the ‘60s TV show The Munsters will be on hand all weekend to meet fans, sign autographs and more.

As mentioned above, Patrick is best known as Eddie Munster from the CBS comedy that ran from 1964-1966. He reprised the role for a 1966 feature film and also starred as Mark on the ABC Saturday morning series, Lidsville from 1971-1973. It’s his Munsters career that endeared him to millions though and it’s that role and its corresponding popularity that brings him to Lakeland.

"I was just happy to be part of a TV show that has such a timeless following,” said Patrick from his home in Florida. “People today really seem to enjoy nostalgic shows with real family values even if it’s a family of lovable monsters."

In addition to Patrick himself, he’s bringing with him a handful of ghoulishly unique cars. The Munster’s themed display not only includes Patrick, but the Munster Koach and Dragula tribute cars, the ORIGINAL 1964 Barris/Von Dutch chain link Schwinn Stingray Bike and other Munsters props, including a Munsters go-cart, baseball bat, Wolf Wolf, miniature spot and street signs.

An autograph for any item brought to the event is $20. In addition, Patrick and his team will have items for sale, including photos, shirts and photo ops with the famed rides that are part of his display. Prices will vary and will be listed at his onsite location. Posed photos are included for free with the purchase of any item from him or with the purchase of an autograph.

Winter AutoFest itself isn’t just about this special guest, but also about a swap meet, car corral, two-day collector car auction and car show. 100 years of automotive history will be on display and the event is unlike anything else in the region, plus it’s affordable family fun. Adult tickets are $10 per day, kids 12 and under are free and complete details are available at www.CarlisleEvents.com.

Kia Motors is going green in a big way, with a Hybrid that doesn’t look like a Hybrid, and housed in a Crossover package that doesn’t look or act quite like a Crossover. It is more like an “un-Hybrid, non-Crossover.” Kia’s all-new 2017 Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) is marketed by Kia as: “A no-compromise vehicle that combines driving enjoyment with eye-catching design, functional utility and hybrid efficiency.”

What Niro does well is provide impressive fuel economy – EPA rated at 51mpg in the city, 46/highway and 49/combined. To back that up (though my tests showed a bit less, as they generally do), in December 2016, Niro officially received a Guinness World Records title for the lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid vehicle, as it traveled from Los Angeles to New York City with a fuel consumption record of 76.6 mpg. Now, they hypermile and use techniques you won’t use (and I didn’t use), but my review tests still produced a notable average of 47.1 mpg in mixed-use driving.

Niro is marketed as a Crossover, but seems like more of a Hatchback. It is not offered in AWD and cargo space is not as cavernous as what we expect from CUVs. Not boxy or high – Niro is curvy, slim and only 60.8 inches tall -- it doesn’t look like a typical crossover. In fact, Kia bills the exterior design as "un-hybrid". Niro certainly doesn’t fit the perception of what a hybrid is supposed to look like as it offers a wide stance, long and curved roofline and short overhangs.

Designed at Kia’s design centers in Irvine, California, and Namyang, Korea, Niro’s architecture is atypical of a hybrid, appearing strong and confident with subtly sculpted surfaces offset by robust styling cues. Niro sports wide and low proportions, standing 171.5 inches long, 71.1 inches wide and 60.8 inches high with roof rails, on a 106.3-inch wheelbase. The overhang is 34.3 inches in front and 30.9 inches in the rear and Niro has a ground clearance of 6.3 inches. Curbweight for the upper trims is 3161 lbs.

Up front, Niro bears a familiar front fascia highlighted by Kia’s signature grille and flanked by aggressively shaped headlights that accentuate the Niro’s strong shoulders. Contours on the hood lend visual interest and, along with voluminous wheel arches, rocker cladding, roof rails, and rear skid plate, contribute to a sporty look. Although Niro employs a Crossover theme, it was designed with aerodynamics in mind, with its carefully shaped bodywork contributing to a relatively efficient coefficient of drag of .29.

Stepping inside the Niro reveals an inviting, modern and high-tech interior. Glossy white or black accents underline the HUV’s straightforward theme. The instrument panel is uncluttered and clean, with colorful and informative gauges at the forefront and perfectly positioned primary and secondary controls falling readily to hand. Interior roominess measures 49.1 inches of front headroom with 39.1 inches in the rear; legroom is 41.7 inches up front and 37.4 inches in row two, and shoulder room has been measured at 56.0 and 55.2. Seats with increased pad density in the cushions ensure a comfortable ride, helping to prevent fatigue on longer trips and the Niro boasts an elevated seating position much like the Kia Soul, providing drivers with a more commanding view of the road as well as easy ingress and egress.

The powertrain begins with an all-new, state-of-the-art Kappa 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, engineered specifically for hybrid applications. The aluminum block and head system delivers 104hp and 109 lbs,-ft. of torque. The electric motor is a Lithium-Ion Polymer battery-powered 240-volt AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor that provides 43 hp and the combined system is rated at 139hp and 195 lbs.-ft of torque. The system has a driving range of 583 miles.

Niro’s power is transmitted through a newly developed, second-generation six-speed dual-clutch transmission, which not only boosts efficiency but is also a key factor to a fun driving experience. The transmission delivers smooth, quick shifts for a natural and peppy feel, unlike other hybrids, though a zero-to-60mph “dash” took 10.9 seconds during an 18.4-second quarter-mile

Corners were taken effectively for the niche with little body roll and comparatively small top wobble. Road noise was surprisingly present in the cabin, but for the most part, Niro handled more like a sedan than a Crossover. Acceleration was decent enough for everyday driving, braking was confident, steering was supple and responsive and the independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, stabilizer and gas shocks, works well with the independent multi-link rear with twin tube shocks to smooth out most road irregularities.

The 2017 Kia Niro starts at $22,890 for the base NR trim, and moves up through the LX at $23,200; the EX at $25,700; the Touring at $29,650 and the Touring Launch at $31;950. My test Niro LX added the Sunroof Tech Package for $1450, with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, Smart Cruise Control, Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, LED Daytime Running Lights and front fog lights. Mud guards added $95; carpet floor mat was $130; and Destination Charges added $895 for a price-as-tested of $25,570, making it one of the more affordable hybrids in the segment.


> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.