Acceleration

SportWagen w/navigation, automatic	GLI, manual	Class Average
5	7	4.9

A SportWagen is the only 170-hp 5-cylinder Jetta made available for us to test so far. With the automatic transmission, acceleration is adequate from a stop. As speed rises, the engine quickly runs out of steam. Thus, passing and merging require some planning. Fortunately, the automatic transmission provides smooth, timely shifts in order to make the most of the engine. Its manual shift gate works well, too. GLI models are satisfyingly quick, particularly in the 45-65-mph range. A manual-transmission GLI did 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds in our testing. Turbo lag is noticeable, particularly from a stop. No opportunity yet to test the TDI.

Fuel Economy

SportWagen w/navigation, automatic	GLI, manual	Class Average
6	6	6.3

In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission GLI averaged 18.1 mpg, including gas-eating acceleration tests. Other turbocharged Jettas averaged a frugal 26.1 mpg with more highway miles. Five-cylinder Jettas use regular-grade gas. VW recommends premium for the turbo four.

Ride Quality

SportWagen w/navigation, automatic	GLI, manual	Class Average
6	4	5.2

The SportWagen is comfortable and composed on most road surfaces. Its suspension and tire combination absorbs bumps with almost no harshness. GLI with its 17-inch tires feels jiggly, thumpy, and stiff on all but smooth roads. The optional 18s won't help.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SportWagen w/navigation, automatic	GLI, manual	Class Average
6	8	5.8

Wagons are more than competent, even a bit sporty. They have fine steering feel. Body lean in corners is noticeable, but they never feel unstable. GLI is a class standout. It corners with grippy assurance and modest body lean, offsetting its lumpy ride with terrific handling. Braking is strong and sure.

Quietness

SportWagen w/navigation, automatic	GLI, manual	Class Average
5	5	4.7

Some test cars exhibited intrusive wind rush from the front pillars and side windows at highway speed. The 5-cylinder engine sounds coarse and unrefined, particularly as speeds rise. Its drone never fully goes away while cruising either. The SportWagen's open cargo area generates more resonance than in the sedan. The GLI's turbo 4-cylinder has a pleasant growl and is quieter overall. Tire thrum is present with the GLI's 17- and 18-inch tires but is never overly intrusive.

Controls

SportWagen w/navigation, automatic	GLI, manual	Class Average
6	7	5.7

Clear gauges complement mostly handy, intuitive controls, but some testers find the blue and purple dashboard lighting too soft for best nighttime legibility. The available navigation system incorporates most audio functions, complicating what should be simple adjustments.

Details

SportWagen w/navigation, automatic	GLI, manual	Class Average
7	7	5

Among the best in class. Jetta's high-quality interior has many soft-touch surfaces and pleasing-looking plastics.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SportWagen w/navigation, automatic	GLI, manual	Class Average
7	7	5.5

Great legroom from ultra-long seat tracks. Only the tallest riders will notice intrusion from the sunroof housing. GLI's contoured sport seats snug occupants in spirited cornering without a confining feel. Jetta's standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel aids driver comfort. Aft visibility is hindered a bit by the rear headrests.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SportWagen w/navigation, automatic	GLI, manual	Class Average
4	4	4.2

Sufficient headroom and legroom for smaller adults, but six-footers will feel cramped. The seat itself is very comfortable but best for two adults.

Cargo Room

SportWagen w/navigation, automatic	GLI, manual	Class Average
8	4	5.2

Sedans have generous room for a compact, enhanced by a large aperture, non-intrusive trunklid hinges, and standard 60/40 split folding rear seat. SportWagens rival many larger wagons and some SUVs for cargo space. A large, albeit shallow, underfloor storage bin further enhances the wagon's utility. Curiously, the front-passenger seatback folds completely flat, but the rear seatbacks do not. In-cabin small-item storage is also good.

Value within Class

SportWagen w/navigation, automatic	GLI, manual	Class Average
5	5	6.2

Jetta sets the class standard for overall refinement and solidity. It's also roomy, comes with many laudable safety features, and boasts a high-quality interior. The available wagon body style adds versatility to the lineup, and the diesel engine promises frugality. Expensive options quickly inflate delivered prices, however, and VW suffers from subpar customer-satisfaction scores for reliability and dealer service.

Total Score

SportWagen w/navigation, automatic	GLI, manual	Class Average
65	64	58.7

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		50
Average Score		58
High Score		74