Volkswagen's Jetta has grown into a very large car. It dwarfs the first-generation Jetta (later called the Fox and produced alongside the CitiGolf until 1995) to such an extent that it looks as if the Fox could just about fit into its boot.
OK, I exaggerate, but the new Jetta's a big piece of hardware and I wonder how long one can call still call it a C-segment (compact) car with a straight face.
It's more like a slightly shrunken Passat and I suspect it's going to steal sales from its bigger brother once people sit in the Jetta and realise they really don't need any more space.
The cabin's been enlarged in everything but elbow room and seats four or five adults in comfort. VW claims the fifth-generation Jetta has the best rear knee room in its class; there's lots of space in the back seat even when the front-seat occupants aren't feeling charitable about moving their seats forward.
It also has a bigger boot than any of its rivals, able to swallow 572 litres of luggage.
The fifth-generation Jetta has all the improvements one expects from a new model in addition to volume: it's safer, more solid, more classy - but perhaps most important - it has more character.
The words Jetta and exciting have never fitted in the same sentence; the latest edition still isn't the first choice of the speed 'n sound crowd but VW is targeting trendier, less conservative buyers.
The disco-style LED tail lights, with the indicators set in the centre of each ring-style brake light, bear witness to this, as does the Jetta's sleek design with a more laid-back windscreen and lower roof than its Golf hatchback counterpart.
The headlights are identical to the Golf's but grille and spoiler are different and a high shoulder line gives it a distinctive look. The shape isn't as adventurous as that of the Renault Megane but will appeal to more than just the stuffy and grey-suited.
The flagship Jetta has adrenalin to go with the new image in the shape of the same 147kW, two-litre turbo engine as in the Golf GTi.
But that's not the car tested here; our subject is the more modestly powered and economical 1.9 TDi Comfortline DSG at R218 270, niched between the baseline 1.6 Trendline (R172 930) and the range-topping 2.0T FSi DSG (R260 080).
There are two turbodiesels in the Jetta line-up - the other's a two-litre - and although their capacities are similar their outputs are very different. The 2.0 TDI is rated for a far livelier 103kW and 320Nm, this 1.9-litre version only 77kW and 250Nm.
Flat torque curve
The smaller engine's not as lazy as it sounds, however; it feels quite punchy and moves this big car with impressive vigour. More importantly, it's user-friendly and has a flat torque curve with no annoying turbo lag or power peaks.
It's mated to the VW/Audi group's excellent DSG semi-automatic transmission, the best gearbox of its type, and shifts much quicker than Alfa's Selespeed or BMW's SMG.
The 1.9 works well with an automatic transmission, unlike most diesels, with only a small dead spot accelerating from a standing start; it pulls strongly and lag-free from just above idle.
It's not the smoothest of diesels, however; most sparkless engines sound like tractors at idle but smooth out at higher revs. The Jetta, however, remains noticeably agricultural throughout its operating range.
But you can't argue with its fuel economy; this car's real selling point is its 6.4 litres/100km average.
Solid build quality
The Jetta has the solid, rattle-free air of more expensive luxury cars, with trim and fittings of a high standard; the seats are trimmed with a soft cushy cloth that doesn't look cheap even though it's not leather. VW still leads its class for cabin opulence.
It's more expensive than its rivals but comes with quite a list of features; all new Jettas come with speed-sensitive power steering, 16" alloy rims, a full-size alloy spare, power windows, a rain sensor, remote-controlled central locking which also closes all the windows when the button is held down, multi-function trip data computer, remote-controlled boot lid, cruise control, air-conditioning, radio/CD, a three-year or 120 000km warranty and a five-year or 60 000km maintenance plan.
Six crash bags and anti-lock brakes are also standard across the range.
Cabin stowage space includes a foldable armrest between the front seats and trays beneath the front seats.
The new Jetta handles better than its predecessor, despite its extra size and weight, thanks to modern multilink rear suspension and improved torsional rigidity that produce nimble, neutral handling - push it a bit harder than usual along a winding road and it's a lot of fun.
This agility is combined with a comfortable ride; the suspension deals well with bumps in long fast bends, which don't upset the car's balance. The speed-sensitive steering is light but delivers good feel, and the steering column is height and reach adjustable.
SUMMARY
The new Jetta has more charisma but remains the prestige choice in the compact sedan segment. You pay for the privilege but it's not unjustified; the car has reassuring build quality, a classy feel and generous space and features.
It's 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine could do with more refinement but it's something you can probably live with, especially considering its impressive low appetite for fuel.
Price:
R218 270
- Test car from Volkswagen SA.