Large discs reside at all four wheels; the fronts are 312mm and vented and the rears are solid and measure 286mm. A hydraulic brake assist program (HBA) is also standard (available with ESP on Value Editions), which applies maximum braking in the event of a panic stop.
The concept of "fully loaded" extends to the newly redesigned cockpit, which is marked by lots of plastic done up in mostly pleasing ways. VW interiors are considered paragons of style and rational ergonomics, and the new one continues the tradition. Our test car, a 2.5L with the six-speed automatic, was fitted with every option available, including leather upholstery and "Tamo" ash wood trim. Metallic trim around the shift lever, metallic instrument cluster rings, and chrome door handles, glovebox lock cylinder, trunk release switch and parking brake lever button add bright touches to the otherwise understated design.
The eight-way power seat, power lumbar adjustment, adjustable steering column and height-adjustable safety belt ensure a good fit for almost everyone. The seats aren't the best for high-g activity though, more of a "sit on" rather than "sit in" affair. The driver's seat can adjusted manually or automatically via the three-level memory switch (which also adjusts the outside mirrors) or by the key fob, which can be programmed for specific drivers (adjusts only the seat).
The front seat belts have pre-tensioners with load limiters and all seats have "active" headrests, which move up and forward if the occupant's torso is slammed rearward. Moreover, six airbags throughout the cabin, including side curtains for outboard passengers make this the safest Jetta yet.
The thick-rimmed, padded three-spoke steering wheel is brilliant. It's more of a "sport wheel" than many fully fledged sports cars have. A large electronic message pad sits in the center of the dashboard, just over the water temperature and fuel gauges. It displays functions tracked by the trip computer, whose data is accessed by a lever that also operates the wiper/washer system; to the left are the levers for the turn signals, headlamp flashers and cruise control. These levers are one of the few interior elements that feel cheap.
The sound system and climate controls are now positioned higher in the center console, with the adjustment buttons for the stereo in full view. Unfortunately, the radio display is not easily read in daylight, and even at night, when the display reverts to VW's blue backlighting, the black graphics cannot be grasped at a glance.
The rotary dials and switches of the climate system provide easy access to the full range of heating and cooling options. Climatic is standard on Value Editions, while Climatronic is standard on 2.5L and TDIs and offers separate temperature adjustments for the left and right side of the cockpit.
Climatronic also provides, via nozzles, cool air for the glovebox and both cool and warm air for the bin beneath the center armrest, which also adjusts for height and slides forward or backward. The center console also includes a covered storage bin, the shift lever, parking brake lever, two cupholders, a power outlet, and smallish vents for the rear passengers.
Power windows (all North American Jettas) have anti-pinch protection and one-touch up or down; they can be opened or closed, along with the sunroof, with the master key in the driver's door lock. The power door locks are operated by a switch in each door, and they're illuminated to reveal their status at a glance. In fact, every button and switch is pleasingly backlit.
A small ceiling console, just aft of the inside rearview mirror, holds a pair of reading lights, the sunroof's rotary switch, interior light switches, a sunglass bin and ambient lighting elements that softly illuminate the dash area at night. Other nice touches include sunvisors with lighted vanity mirrors that slide on rods to extend their reach over most of the side window, and a self-dimming inside mirror that can be switched on or off but which automatically goes on when reverse is chosen. The driver's side visor also includes HomeLink(r), which can be programmed to operate up to three remote control devices.
The rear of the cabin is significantly more spacious than before, the seats nicely contoured and raked for comfort. A six-foot-tall driver still leaves room behind for a similarly sized passenger, and there's enough headroom to accommodate someone much taller. However, there's no way an adult will fit comfortably in the center rear seat if there are also adults to each side.
A 60/40 split folding rear seat is standard across the line, but 2.5Ls and TDIs also get a center, fold-down console that contains two pop-out cupholders and a storage bin, and a lockable pass-through door to allow the hauling of such long items as skis. An optional sunshade effectively covers the whole window and is a worthwhile addition for cars in hot climates. The trunk seems larger than is possible in a compact sedan (16 cubic feet). Completely carpeted, it also has a storage cubby wall, four tie hooks and a glow-in-the-dark release handle in case anyone gets trapped inside.
The Jetta has not only been Volkswagen's perennial bestseller in the U.S., it has long been the most popular European nameplate in this, the toughest market in the world. Knowing it had to make this newest Jetta something special, Volkswagen responded with a delectable package as it stands and a great starting point for aftermarket magic. The engine's designer agreed the 2.5L is perfect for some sort of positive induction system, and we can't wait to see what the tuning community can develop to really wake up the five-cylinder engine. And the new suspension setup means the basic platform for handling improvements is that much better than before.