The GL and GLS are available with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine or a 1.9-liter TDI diesel. The GLS and GLX are available with Volkswagen's remarkable VR6 narrow-angle V6. Both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatics are available.

Volkswagen's reputation was built on capable four-cylinder engines and the latest evolution shows incredible improvement. The 2.0-liter engine produces 115 horsepower. That's a bit low by comparison to the competition, but the engine works well and is solidly built. It is designed to deliver good off-the-line performance with a wide power band for mid- and high-end performance.

The TDI turbocharged direct-injection diesel engine is popular in Europe for its efficiency. With the 5-speed gearbox, EPA rates it for 49 mpg on the highway. This engine is being introduced late in the model year and we have not tested it, but it has earned industry awards.

Our favorite is the 174-horsepower VR6. Besides being an impressive runner, this VR6 is smooth and nearly noise free, except for a wonderful rumble emitting from the exhaust pipe.

The Jetta retains the Volkswagen family profile, but receives a less angular look. The more radical slopping hood and rounded fenders culminate in a new lighting system. The collection of lights, headlight, turn signal and even driving lights are mounted under one bezel where the traditional headlight normally resides. According to VW, the headlight system played an extremely important role in the redesign of the new body style.

The new stiffer body assembly is the result of high-tech laser welding techniques. Increased rigidity allowed the suspension to be designed with more control, translating to a more luxurious ride on the highway, while retaining the ability to be extremely fun on twisting mountain roads. An unrelated advantage of this new design was to allow the rear shock absorber mounting points to be moved creating more room for cargo in the trunk.

When equipped with the 115-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, the Jetta GL retails for $17,225 and GLS goes for $18,175. With the 90-horsepower 1.9-liter diesel engine, GL retails for $18,520, GLS is $19,225. With the 174-horsepower 2.8-liter VR6, GLS is $20,475, GLX is $24,025. (All prices include $525 destination charge.)

The optional 4-speed automatic transmission is $875. The GLS offers an optional power sunroof and 16-inch alloy wheels for $1,000 and leather and heated seats for $850. An optional $280 GLX Sport Package adds 16-inch alloys and sport seats.