German cars almost automatically convey a certain ritzy attitude. For buyers hoping for an extra helping of luxury and refinement without shelling out huge amounts of cash, there is an alternative.
The Volkswagen Jetta has long been an everyday hero for offering affordable German engineered quality to the masses.
A real looker
For the latest generation Jetta, VW has managed to convey a level of visual prestige missing from many competitors. For instance, the new family grille treatment lightens up the front end with a splash of chrome and isn't markedly blingy -- so it doesn't look like a typical attention-hungry German car.
Edges are soft and rounded, and discreet lines and curves deliver more stylistic character than the previous model. Throw on some dark window tint to set off the chrome accents, and you've got yourself a real looker of a machine.
A well-built interior
If there's one part of the Jetta that shouts back to its German design, it's the interior. Build quality is exemplary and there's an overall feel of solid, well-made quality on par with a more expensive machine.
The tester included optional heated leather seats with power adjustments allowing drivers to devise the "just right" driving position quickly. With power lumbar support, the driver's seat is supportive in all the right places and comfortable on long trips.
A sunroof is available overhead for a comfortable open-air atmosphere on sunny days. The tester also came with a rear folding armrest with cupholders and pass-through, chrome trim and 16" wheels.
There's plenty of storage everywhere, and additional features include blue and red instruments, a 6-CD changer, steering wheel-mounted controls, manual rear sunshade and a garage door opener. It's as fully loaded as the Jetta 2.5 gets -- carrying the optional $5,340 premium package to form a techy cabin with a touch of class, and a comfortable place to spend time.
There are, however, two things working against it.
The Volkswagen Jetta has long been an everyday hero for offering affordable German engineered quality to the masses.
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| The mk5 Jetta conveys a level of visual prestige through excellent craftsmanship. |
A real looker
For the latest generation Jetta, VW has managed to convey a level of visual prestige missing from many competitors. For instance, the new family grille treatment lightens up the front end with a splash of chrome and isn't markedly blingy -- so it doesn't look like a typical attention-hungry German car.
Edges are soft and rounded, and discreet lines and curves deliver more stylistic character than the previous model. Throw on some dark window tint to set off the chrome accents, and you've got yourself a real looker of a machine.
A well-built interior
If there's one part of the Jetta that shouts back to its German design, it's the interior. Build quality is exemplary and there's an overall feel of solid, well-made quality on par with a more expensive machine.
The tester included optional heated leather seats with power adjustments allowing drivers to devise the "just right" driving position quickly. With power lumbar support, the driver's seat is supportive in all the right places and comfortable on long trips.
A sunroof is available overhead for a comfortable open-air atmosphere on sunny days. The tester also came with a rear folding armrest with cupholders and pass-through, chrome trim and 16" wheels.
There's plenty of storage everywhere, and additional features include blue and red instruments, a 6-CD changer, steering wheel-mounted controls, manual rear sunshade and a garage door opener. It's as fully loaded as the Jetta 2.5 gets -- carrying the optional $5,340 premium package to form a techy cabin with a touch of class, and a comfortable place to spend time.
There are, however, two things working against it.
 |
| The Jetta's build quality is exemplary. The overall feel is solid and of above-average quality. |