Volkswagen Jetta SE 1.4 TSI (160ps) 4dr Car Review - March 2012

Drivers will have no problem getting comfortable behind the wheel thanks to the wide range of adjustment available on both the driver’s seat and steering wheel. Forward and rear visibility are both good. The dash is a very traditional design, well laid out and very functional with all the controls close to hand and easy to use.

The 1.4-litre 4 cylinder 16 valve TSI petrol engine fitted in this model is brisk, strong and smooth. Producing 158bhp and a maximum 177lb-ft of torque low down in the rev range, it makes accelerating and overtaking easy. With a top speed of 137mph and 0-62mph in 8.3 seconds, it’s a good performer all round and reasonably frugal, returning 44.8mpg on the combined cycle.

The Jetta has plenty of grip when cornering and the suspension is supple enough to soak up most bumps and uneven surfaces without fuss. Body roll in bends is well controlled and the steering provides plenty of feedback to the driver.

The level of refinement is typical of what you’d expect from a Volkswagen. Controls and switches are well weighted and smooth to operate. The engine is quiet and smooth and there is minimal road and wind noise noticeable in the cabin at cruising speeds.

Like most Volkswagens, the Jetta has quite traditional styling with rather more classic lines than some of its rivals. It’s well proportioned and looks elegant. The interior has an upmarket and quality feel to it.

The Jetta SE trim is very well equipped with power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, cruise control, alarm, immobiliser, CD+MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and split-folding seats in the rear.

Volkswagen also offer a range of optional extras including climate control £780, metallic paint £465, rear parking sensor £440, leather seats £2,070 and satellite navigation £700.

This version of the Jetta is 90mm longer than the previous version, which allows more room for passengers. The boot space is generous at 510-litres and can cope with most needs, however, if you need more space then the split rear seats can be folded down to extend the space available.

Safety equipment in the Jetta is very good. Stability control, front, side and curtain airbags are fitted as standard. Rear side airbags are also available as an option. EuroNCAP awarded the Jetta its maximum rating of five-stars overall for safety.

Anti-theft measures include deadlocks, an alarm, an engine immobiliser, visible VIN and security-etched components to help deter thieves.

The Jetta’s interior is very reminiscent of the Golf's interior. All the materials used for cabin trim are of good quality and it’s all well put together. Build quality overall is excellent and most mechanicals are well tried and tested so reliability issues shouldn’t be a problem.

Volkswagen covers the Jetta with its three-year 60,000 mile warranty.

The Jetta SE 1.4 TSI (160ps) 4dr offers superb value for money, priced at £19,590. Unfortunately the residual values of the Jetta are weak although discounts from dealers should be available, softening the financial blow. However, the Jetta makes more sense as a used buy and if you can find a nearly new example, you will be benefitting from the car's steep depreciation.

Overall, it’s a lot of car for the money, with a premium badge, a reasonably frugal engine that performs well, and a good level of refinement. Running costs are on a par with many in its class: insurance is in group 20, its CO2 emissions of 145g/km put it in VED band F for Road Tax and it has decent average fuel economy.