The current Volkswagen Jetta is the largest ever, dimensionally as well as visually. Compared to the pre-2005 Jetta, it has a longer wheelbase and wider track. It has also put on a little weight, tipping the scales at over 3,200 pounds. That extra mass was put to good use, however, with greatly improved structural rigidity, a larger trunk and more interior room, particularly for rear seat passengers.

The eye is drawn at once to the Jetta's big, chrome-framed front grille. Like it or not, you'll have to get used to it, because Volkswagen calls this grille its new face. Chrome is also used in eyebrows atop the air inlets in the front bumper and, on the 2.5 model, for the side-window surrounds. GLI models are clearly differentiated by a black honeycomb mesh grille with a red surround strip, and foglamps integrated into the front bumper.

The next most striking design element is the aggressive thrust and slope of the hood and snout. Compared to other recent nose-forward designs, the composite headlights and various inlets and grilles are well integrated into the Jetta's raked rearward flow. A striking vee, created by the slant of the headlamps and sloping hood lines, is carried strongly toward the rear by the steeply raked windshield and character lines running along the flanks.

The tail is a departure from previous Jetta styling. Larger tail light clusters, now divided between the trunk and rear fender, help widen the proportion of the car's hindquarters in relation to its height, giving it a more substantial, less boxy-looking stern. The round tail lights and brake lights have been singled out as the new Jetta's most derivative design statement. Critics claim they give this Jetta a blander, more Japanese look than previous models.