A lot of car for the money.

Jetta is essentially the face of Volkswagen in the North America. Not only is it the best-selling VW model in the U.S., it is the best-selling European car here, period. That’s why the new 2005 Jetta is critical to reviving Volkswagen’s U.S. sales, which declined 17.3 percent through the first six months of 2005.

The “new” Jetta was introduced at the tail-end of the 2005 model year, at a time when many manufacturers are debuting their 2006s. This fifth-generation Jetta is so different than its predecessor, you might as well consider it a 2006, rather than a late-release or updated 2005. So, what’s new? For starters, VW has simplified the model line-up as follows: the Value Edition and 2.5 replace the GL, GLS and GLI monikers. A diesel-powered TDI is available on both the early- and late-2005 Jettas. A new 2.5-liter five-cylinder inline engine that produces 150 horsepower replaces both the base four-cylinder 115-horsepower and the turbocharged 1.8-liter, 180-horsepower engines available on the previous Jetta. A five-speed manual transmission is standard on both models, with an available six-speed automatic with Tiptronic and sport mode costing $1,075.

Same engine, same transmission choices —so what’s the difference between the two models (other than a $2,500 jump in base price)? Both come loaded with features like air conditioning, power windows and locks and great looking interior appointments. The 2.5 adds goodies like an upgraded interior (“leatherette” vs. velour seating), dual-zone automatic climate control, a trip computer, rain-sensing windshield wipers and a six-disc in-dash CD changer. Opting for the 2.5 also gives you the opportunity to spend more on option packages; the Value Edition is, for the most part, a what-you-see-is-what-you-get vehicle. But what you get is a whole lot for a car that starts just below $18,000.

For better or worse, Jetta has gotten a serious facelift. On the plus side, it’s bigger all around, giving backseat passengers a much-needed additional two inches of legroom. It may not sound like much, but take it from a previous-generation Jetta owner who had trouble fitting a rear-facing child-safety seat comfortably into the back seat — two inches is a lot more legroom. Cargo volume, already ample at 13 cubic feet in the old model, increases to 16 cubic feet for the new generation. The interior, particularly on my 2.5 tester, remains, I daresay, the best-looking and best-equipped in this price class. On the downside, VW has toned down the stylish appeal of the Jetta, especially on the front end where the new grille could belong to any Japanese import — just add the emblem of your choice. It’s still an attractive vehicle, just not as distinctive or “cool” as previous iterations.

On the road, the Jetta remains an able performer. I enjoyed the pep of the retired 1.8T, but 150 horses provide enough power for passing and freeway acceleration. I’ve always enjoyed the tight, precise steering and agile handling of the Jetta, and the new model is no exception.

Safetywise, side-curtain, front and side driver and passenger, side-curtain and dual-stage deployment airbags are standard on all models, as is traction control. Stability control and engine braking assist are standard on the 2.5 and TDI and available as options on the Value Edition.

The new Jetta, like Jettas of old, is a lot of car for the money. VW aims to sell 150,000 units per year, a modest goal that, given the quality and driveability of the new Jetta seems utterly attainable. As much as I love my old Jetta, after a week behind the wheel of the new one, I was ready to run to the dealership for an upgrade.

Return to the Auto Reviews home page.