Volkswagen’s 1.5L four is quick and flexible, with luxury class refinement. The conventional eight-speed automatic transmission shifts seamlessly and is reacts quickly to driver input.

The Jetta’s steering feels is nicely weighted, geared and holds its line well on the highway.

Though the rear suspension clunks occasionally, ride is very good and handling is steady.

With a smooth powertraind and very good road and wind noise suppression, the Jetta 1.5T is an impressively refined vehicle.

The TFT gauge package is crisply marked, the large infotainment screen is easy to use and minor controls are very easy to use.

Pleasing sound from the Beats-branded audio system.

The door mirrors defrost quickly but the rear window was slow to clear.

The 2L GLI is very fast and the engine is well-matched to the creamy-smooth seven-speed DSG transmission. Exhaust rumble is more intrusive than expected and unless you need more power than the 1.5T offers, the smaller engine is more refined.

The 2L GLI has a  very good ride-handling balance for a sporty-themed vehicle and the car enjoys the same room, comfort and practical controls as its 1.5T stablemate.

Like most of Volkswagen’s recent new vehicles, like the Golf, Tiguan and Atlas, the Jetta is built on VW’s MQB platform. Most Jettas will be powered by a 1.5L turbo four that debuted on the new Taos and will find its way into other models over the next while. Power reaches the front wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed conventional automatic. Seating, long a VW strong point, is very comfortable. Legroom is ample up front and acceptable for rear seat riders. Cabin materials are attractive but are just class competitive, compared with the lavish VW cabins of the past. Large trunk. The Trendline, Comfortline and GLI trims are available with manual transmission, a rarity in this segment. 

With air conditioning, L.E.D. headlamps and alloy wheels, the base Trendline trim is nicely equipped. The Comfortline model includes blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, active cruise control, wireless iOS-Android cellphone interface and charging, power driver’s seat, sport seats, dual-zone auto climate control and a number of minor comfort and convenience items, and is priced to reflect the value of the additional content.  The Comfortline Sport package adds sport suspension, a locking differential, a dual-panel sunroof, a larger TFT gauge package, sport pedals and a variety of minor items, and is tremendous value. The range-topping Highline model adds navigation, leather seating, ventilated from seats, a memory systems, a Beats-branded audio system, a dual-panel sunroof and some additional comfort and convenience items and is excellent value and results in a very luxurious car. The 228 horsepower, 2L GLI model, sends power to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch automated manual transmission, is comprehensively equipped, including leather seats and costs around $3900 more than a 1.5L Highline.

Not rated, insufficient data. Electrical issues are to be expected as are  turbo wastegate failures.