Volkswagen Jetta 2006-2012

To my mind, the Jetta is a better-looking car than the Golf. The rear end isn’t as bland and it looks more proportionate than the Golf in profile. Like the Golf, it could do with some jazzier detailing and a livelier glasshouse, though, and I don’t care for the chrome snout.

All Jettas perform pretty well (though 1.6 Auto struggles) The 1.4 TSi DSG is half a second slower than 2.0T to 100km/h, but costs five grand less. The new 122hp 1.4 TSi cracks 100km/h in around ten seconds but is very CO2 friendly. 2.0TDis the pick of range, especially once VRT changes take place.

Although the Jetta is a little more comfort-oriented than the Golf, it actually handles a little better. The weight behind the rear wheels makes it easier to throttle steer, though in most situations you’ll simply be glad of the fine ride quality and predictable handling.

As the Jetta uses the same basic interior as the Golf, you can expect superb quality, flawless ergonomic layout and superb driving position. Some plastics are a little hard, though, and the red illumination is hard on the eyes at night.

The handling might be a little relaxed but the ride is plush and cosseting, which isolates occupants from most road imperfections. The quiet cabin is also well finished and feels indestructible even if some of the plastics are a little hard in places.

Every Golf comes with a simplified version of traction control, side and curtain airbags, three 3-point seat belts and headrests in the back, and ISOFIX seat mounts. Only the lack of ESP counts against this 5-Star car.

The Jetta really is all the car you could ever need. Considering its size, rear-seat accommodation is particularly impressive, while the boot is also vast and easily extended with split-fold seats. There are even adequate storage nooks in the dashboard and around the cabin.

Traditionally, Jettas aren’t worth as much as Golfs secondhand, but this car should fare better because of its standard air conditioning and broad range of fine engines. It won’t be the cheapest to run, but it won’t break the bank either, especially if you buy the 1.9 TDi.

The Jetta is better equipped than any other small VW, with four electric one-touch windows, air conditioning and 16” wheels as standard on the base model. The Sportline adds alloys, leather steering and sports suspension, which makes the Jetta more fun to drive.

The engine range isn’t as expansive as the Golf’s, but you can still get three 1.4s, two 1.6s, two TDis and the Golf GTi’s 2.0-litre turbo engine. The new turbo- and super-charged 1.4 TSis are the pick of the range, offering affordable performance, but the 1.9 TDi is also a sound buy is a tad rough.