Design
The Jetta's styling is much akin to that of the bigger VW Passat, which means that it is not in the least bit flashy and racy, but rather subdued and timid. But there is no taking away the fact that inspite of all its simplicity in terms of looks, it still is a decent treat to the eye. The front fascia’s styling is reminiscent of other VW models such as the Golf and Passat owing to the chrome framed radiator grille with the large VW logo sitting squat in the middle and twin-eyed head lamps. The flanks are devoid of any modern designing cues such as creases and flared wheel arches and paint a rather barren picture. At the rear, the Jetta sports LED tail lamps which adorns most new generation cars in VW's impressive line-up. But one good thing about the Jetta is the fact that the front, rear and flanks designing compliments each other and in no way appears incongruous in the setting. Also the panel fit and finishing is of top-notch quality.

The fantastic fitting and finishing job has been extended to the interior of the Jetta as well, which just goes to show the calibre of the workers at VW. The lush interior features a rather neat centre console with user-friendly buttons and switches, a quintessential VW three spoke steering wheel and large comfortable seats with adequate under thigh support. While the interior of the petrol Jetta is a basic two-tone black and grey, the diesel has been blessed with a more elegant black and beige combination. The diesel version clearly has the upper hand in more than one aspect; the LCD display in the petrol version is nothing like that of the multi-function on-board computer display found in the diesel. On the space front, the Jetta is second to none. Seating five adults in comfort and ease is absolutely possible, add to that the ample legroom, knee room and headroom and what you have is a sedan which is comfort personified. For stowing ones knick and knacks there are stowage areas under the instrument panel, roof console and on the doors. For stowing luggage's and bags, the Jetta comes with a decently sized 527litre boot.

Comfort, Ride & Handling
There are no problems whatsoever with the Jetta when it comes to comfort, ride and handling. The front suspension system has been given a serious amount of tuning to handle the rugged Indian roads. With the torsional stiffness being increased by 15%, the Jetta has an immensely comfortable ride and the front McPherson struts along with the rear 4 link suspension work overtime in ensuring that all bumps are absorbed. There is minimum body roll, thanks to the anti-roll bars fitted at the front, which encourages spirited cornering if the driver is up to it. Quite frankly, the ride and handling couldn't have been any better. Kudos to VW for blessing the Jetta with a rigid chassis and an efficient suspension system.

See Specs of Volkswagen Jetta

Like any sedan in its segment, the Jetta too comes with its menagerie of comfort and convenience features like climate control, cruise control, seat-lumbar support, integrated audio system with remote control and rear aircon vents.

Engine & Performance
Volkswagen is clearly putting more emphasis on diesel power in India as is evident from the two diesel variants that gives company to the lone 1.6 litre petrol. Powered by an SOHC 4-cylinder engine, the Jetta Trendline petrol has a rather modest 102bhp of maximum power and torque of 15kgm@3800rpm. The engine has been detuned for use in India and quite unfairly so, but it still does 0-100 in 12.2 seconds and has a maximum speed of 186pmph. While performance on the highway is quite good, it is in the city where the Jetta petrol falters as torque is not readily available in lower revs. However, performance past 3500rpm is pleasant and the car almost feels sporty. Variable valve timing is sadly missing in the petrol and instead carries a dated two valves per cylinder engine layout. As to by VW did not introduce the 110bhp 1.6 litre petrol with a DOHC five valve per cylinder engine that is available in other countries remains a mystery. On a much sunnier side though, the 5 speed manual gearbox doing duty on the petrol Trendline is very precise and easy to use.

The diesel 1.9 Trendline and 1.9 Comfortline DSG are clearly the more blessed models in the Jetta line-up. The 104bhp TDI Pump Duse engine which is also serving the Skoda Laura, and quite beautifully so is a highly refined and tuned engine, and has a three valves per cylinder layout, delivering 74.8bhp/tonne. Unlike in the petrol version, the diesel has a generous dose of torque which sits pretty at 25.5kgm and is available from 1900rpm onwards, thus making it a smooth performer in the city. The diesel also pips the petrol Jetta when it comes to speed and completes the 0-100 dash in 11.9 seconds, while maximum speed is in the 190kmph mark. Fuel-economy is one of the major plus points of the Jetta diesel, capable of consistently returning a mileage of 14-15kmpl, which beats the overall mileage of 10.8kmpl of the petrol by quite a margin. The Jetta diesel is an efficient sedan and speaks volumes in terms of agility and quality. While the Trendline diesel sports the same 5 speed automatic gearbox found in the petrol, the high-end Comfortline features a 6 speed automatic DSG gearshift.

Safety
Volkswagen has given the Jetta 4 star safety features, a sure sign of the fact that when it comes to safety today no one is willing to take any chances. With eight airbags (in case of Comfortline DSG) in total cocooning the passengers from the front and the side, the Jetta is almost like the automotive rendition of a Swiss bank. Besides front and rear airbags, there are state of the art features like ABS, ESP, traction control, and the more rudimentary features like front and side impact beams.

With the Jetta being priced in the Rs. 12, 90, 000 (ex showroom Delhi) to Rs. 16, 60, 000 (ex showroom Delhi) bracket, it lives up to VW’s reputation of offering spot-on prices on its cars, which is one of the main reasons for Volkswagen's success world over.