Rented a new VW Jetta a couple weeks ago, and was pleasantly surprised. The exterior design has crisper sheet metal and is more modern looking; less bulbous than the previous generation of Jettas. However, the exterior leaves the Jetta looking rather bland and generic. The biggest downside of the Jetta is the cheap looking interior lined with hard plastics; evidence of VW's cost cutting measures and attempt to position the Jetta at a lower price entry-point. Not quite last generation Chrysler bad, but disappointing to say the least.
However, the Jetta handled nicely, and had a roomy interior. I'm 6'1", and even with my driver's seat in position, I myself was able to sit comfortably in the rear seat.
Most annoying feature is the engine; while the 2.5SE I drove comes with a 170hp 5-cylinder that provided enough power, it felt laggy at low rpm. I don't think it's a turbo-ed engine?
Front view: From the front view, you can tell that the A-pillars are super-slim. This gives the Jetta excellent forward visibility.
Rear 3/4 View: The rear lights seemed sort of Audi-esque.
Interior: A functional but spartan, interior.
PROS:
- Vinyl leatherette feels like real leather.
- Firm, comfortable seats with adequate side bolstering.
- Despite switching to a cheaper hydraulic steering, road feel and cornering are pretty decent.
- Steering wheel is nice and thick.
- Good visibility, no real blind spots, thin A-pillars.
- Base stereo sounds decent.
- Zippy handling, ok fuel economy 24/31 with 6 speed automatic transmission.
- Power trunk opening very handy.
- I'm 6'1", and with my seat as far back as it was, there was surprisingly sufficient leg room for 6 foot passengers in the back.
CONS:
- Interior full of hard plastics (though not quite old Chrysler terrible); obviously looks like they tried to cut costs.
- Brake pedal could use a stiffer response.
- The 2.5L 170 hp base engine feels laggy at low RPM; it's not turbo-ed though?
- Side view mirrors on the small side.
- Exterior design is a bit bland.
Conclusion: Overall, the Jetta was a nice drive, a more unusual pick from the Emerald Aisle.