Jetta has been one of Volkswagen’s best sellers stateside. No surprise there. The car is excellent, and although it has remained unchanged since the previous-generation Jetta in 2011, it’s still segment-competitive.

That said, Volkswagen needs to step it up since new compact sedans are hitting the market rapidly.

Enter the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. It’s completely new from the ground up with a new platform, gearbox, plus a redesigned interior and exterior. That and plenty of new features for good measure. The only thing that Volkswagen didn’t change here is the engine. Not a bad thing, really. It was the only thing on the last Volkswagen Jetta that didn’t need fixing.

The car feels like it costs more than it actually does, a sentiment most apparent once you’re inside. Here, you’ll find (if you opt for the Execline trim) a 12.1-inch Digital Cockpit infotainment system. You get leather seats and steering wheel, too. Plus heated and ventilated front seating and a new sound system courtesy of BeatsAudio Premium. Not to mention a 10-color customizable ambient lighting system that matches whatever mood you’re in.

You also gets loads of security features that are otherwise absent on compact sedans in the same price range. Like forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, and active blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert. There’s also a lane keeping system with lane assist, automatic high beam control, and adaptive cruise control. Rear view camera and intelligent crash response systems are also in place.

Pricing starts at $18,545 for the base S model. However, you can opt for different trims at varying prices. Choose the standard model to get a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and six-speed manual transmission. That amounts to 147 horsepower. Alternatively, add $800 to get the 8-speed automatic.

LEARN MORE HERE

Photos courtesy of Volkswagen