VERACRUZ, MEXICO When we first saw the row of Volkswagen Jettas parked at the press launch, we thought for a moment that they were Toyotas brought in for comparison purposes. With its rounded shape, high beltline, and blobular head- and taillights, the Jetta is a dead ringer for the stodgy Corolla. Wolfsburg, we have a problem.
You see, despite its many virtues, the Corolla carries none of the cachet with young hipsters that the Jetta has. The Jetta has commanded a premium over other compacts, because Volkswagen buyers valued its European demeanor, classy interior, and distinctive styling. The outgoing car fairly sparkled in the showroom, even if its apparent quality belied often lackluster durability.
Like its predecessor, the new Jetta's trump card is its chic interior, with top-quality materials and fantastic seats. Additionally, the new car is roomier, with nearly as much space inside as a Corolla or a Mazda 3, but it feels more spacious and better made. The seats have expensive-looking stitching and elegantly defined bolsters, and the dash and console wouldn't look out of place in a luxury car.
While the back seat offers only adequate leg- and headroom for adults, it is still comfortable. Equipment levels are generous, as even the base model includes traction control and front-seat side and head curtain air bags as standard. The Jetta also one-ups most of its Japanese competitors with standard active front head restraints and pedals that reposition themselves in a crash. Stability control and rear-seat side air bags are optional.
A second major improvement is in the chassis tuning. Whereas the old Jetta was as soft as a marshmallow, seeming to pitch into early understeer at every turn of the wheel, the new car retains a comfortable ride but has higher limits and less protestation from the front end.... Read full article