The Volkswagen Jetta has not only been a very popular compact sedan, it has generated some pretty intense loyalty among auto enthusiasts largely due to its seriously plucky personality. It’s been known as being very Euro in nature, with a very stout chassis that delivers a firm ride, sharp handling, and the kind of driving feedback that inspires operators to have a bit of fun. These traits have made Jettaphiles very satisfied, even cocky, owners, and naturally when the folks in Wolfsburg start messing with their baby they have reason for concern. Either the all-new Jetta will take the qualities of the previous generation and move the bar higher, or they’ll change direction in order to try to garner more sales success.
So, with the revamped 2011 Jetta, which way did they go?
Ordinarily, this is where I say, “Fortunately, the loyalists have nothing to fear. All the Jetta’s most iconic qualities have remained intact.”

Instead, I must say, “Be Afraid. Or, at least be Wary.” Here’s the thing: I am not saying that Volkswagen screwed the Jetta up, because I have no idea what the engineers and designers wanted to accomplish and for all I know they nailed their objectives. And while the car is larger, roomier, and starts out at a very attractive price point, the sense that this is a Jetta of the type that has gained such a following is lost in the fog. The Jetta SEL with the Sport Package I sampled was nicely equipped, but had amazingly light non-Jetta steering and a 2.5-liter Inline Five that was a tad anemic. Not only that, it wasn’t particularly frugal with the petrol, either. At 24 MPG it tied the titanic Toyota Avalon I had a few weeks ago in the mileage department, and that beautiful barge could blow the doors off the Jetta thanks to its silky-smooth V6. Weird, eh? I thought so, too. And you could almost fit the Jetta in the back seat of the Avalon. Yes, I kid. A bit.

Are there good things, too? Absolutely. A massive trunk. A really comfortable rear seat; very nicely outfitted and complete with excellent map lights and a ergonomically excellent fold-down arm rest. Workmanship is good, and the car gives you a lot for the money.
But will this be enough for the Faithful? Time shall tell.