Hasta La Ideas

German design excellence delivers an all new car with foremost consideration of the U.S. market

On an extended drive through San Francisco, Marin County and Sonoma, I was able to put Volkswagen’s 2011 Jetta to the test. Totally redesigned with careful consideration for the U.S. market, the new mid-sized contender is sleeker, roomier and cheaper than its previous versions but still just as fun.

Starting at $16,000, the updated model’s manufacturing cost is lower but it still maintains the precise engineering VW is known for. Both the driving experience and aesthetics are at a quality on par with the 2009 Jetta I own and love.

The upgraded interior provides the most leg room in its class as well as more head room on both the driver and passenger sides. Though the touchscreen on the navigation system is smaller than previous models, the interface has been fully redesigned and is much more user friendly. Additionally, Jetta made vast improvements with its Bluetooth technology for a near-flawless system that integrates your address book and call history.

The 2011 Jetta is configurable with four different engines and a variety of trim levels. Available Fall 2010, the Jetta sells from dealers around the U.S.