VW Jetta GLI (Manual) The Jetta sedan has always sold well in the U.S. because it is viewed by many as in inexpensive European car rather than a dowdy economy car. A new fifth-generation Jetta is expected to debut in spring 2006, so the 2005 Jetta will have a short life. Changes for the abbreviated model year are few. The GLI trim level is no longer available with the narrow-angle V-6. GLIs will come only with four-cylinder engines with either a four-speed automatic or a six-speed manual.  For the environmentally conscious, there is the 100-hp turbo-diesel that boasts nearly Toyota Prius"like fuel economy. For those on a budget, there's the 115-hp 2.0-liter mill,  which is uninspiring and should be avoided if you have the means. If you contain your urge to purchase a Jetta until the new fifth-generation model arrives, you'll be rewarded with a bit larger car and more standard horsepower. There are only two new cars in the U.S. market into which one can introduce diesel fuel without provoking costly damage: the $51,825 Mercedes-Benz E320 CDI and the $22,235 Volkswagen Jetta TDI. When 2007 rolls around and more stringent emissions requirements finish phasing in, we may find ourselves with just the Benz. Mercedes has shown us its particulate- filter-equipped and 2007-compliant E320 BlueTec, but Volkswagen hasn't revealed what it's doing to comply with the stricter standards. Presumably, VW will follow Mercedes and add similar technology to clean up the exhaust; however, VW has conceded that a 2007 diesel Jetta might not be ready here by the beginning of the year. If VW diesels are your bag, you're not entirely out of luck. The German automaker may stockpile 2006 Jetta TDIs, which it will sell into the 2007 calendar year until a true, emissions-compliant 2007 model is ready.