I found myself sitting inside, with the engine off, staring at the luminescent display, the most breathtaking since the Plymouth Prowler I drove last year. It's a literal light show, with multiple colors lighting up the gauges, and a faint red glow of switches and knobs permeating throughout the cabin. The steering wheel is also a best in the industry creation, borrowed from the upscale Audi brand. It's hard to believe that a regulation airbag is somehow stuffed within. The seats are supportive, attractive and very adjustable. With its tremendous head room, ample elbow space and fore and aft adjustability, it would be hard to imagine the size of person who wouldn't fit inside comfortably.
Another treat appears when looking upward. The sunroof, not unlike many others available, was a large piece of glass with padded cloth covered sun shade as part of the package. What caught my attention was VW's unique method of opening and closing it. A rotary dial, when turned, opened the sunroof a few inches. With each notch in the dial, it would open a few more until it was fully extended. The same process was involved, yet this time by turning it in the opposite direction, to pop the roof upward. Such a simple concept with such brilliant results. It's this attention to detail that sets the VW apart from everything else in this class.
Another surprise was the amazing sound quality emanating from the Jetta's stereo. Again, this is the best I have heard in this class of automobile, and better than the majority of pricier cars. There is absolutely no need to replace this system with an aftermarket one, unless you find rattling the doors and windows of your neighbor's homes of particular enjoyment. A CD changer can be found in the roomy trunk, and lifting a side panel, the tiny yet effective subwoofers are easily accessible.