1999 Volkswagen Jetta

For instance, despite only a slight price increase, the base GL model has newly standard power windows and heated power mirrors, cruise control and a premium AM/FM/cassette with CD player. Air conditioning, remote keyless entry, height-adjustable/telescoping steering column and power door locks are also standard.

Many people have bought Jettas because they felt this Volkswagen is almost comparable to the costlier Audi A4, despite Audi's more prestigious nameplate.

More Upscale Image
In fact, Volkswagen hopes to get far more of an upscale image in America than it once had. It begins selling the approximately $60,000 Phaeton luxury sedan here in November, and is offering its version of a sport-utility vehicle it developed with Porsche, which sells its own version.

Volkswagen has come a long way since suffering from a billion-dollar loss in the early 1990s. Many people don't know it even owns exotic Lamborghini and prestigious Bentley.

Volkswagen's efforts may result in a more upscale image, but there's no avoiding the fact that most Americans still consider it primarily a seller of lively-but-sensible cars with a youthful image—not upscale vehicles. The New Beetle, with its cute, retro design, is a reminder that Volkswagen established itself here with the old version of the Beetle—a sturdy, inexpensive economy car.

The Jetta sedan, which far outsells the New Beetle, is essentially a Volkswagen Golf hatchback with a regular trunk. Europeans like the Golf's more practical hatchback design, but Americans prefer the "formal" appearance of a sedan with a regular trunk. The Jetta thus easily outsells the Golf in this country. (A Jetta station wagon is also offered.)

Variety of Choices
One attraction of the front-drive Jetta is its variety of trim levels and engine choices. Buying a Jetta can be complicated. Gone is the era of the old Volkswagen Beetle, when you could buy a Volkswagen almost before a salesman finished his first cup of coffee. The main option essentially was the choice of paint color.

In contrast, trim levels of the $17,100-$26,940 Jetta start with the GL sedan with a 5-speed manual transmission—and then move up to the GLS, GLI and GLX.

Four Engines
No less than four engines are offered, including a turbocharged 180-horsepower 4-cylinder and a 200-horsepower V6, which provide strong acceleration. You can also just get the base 115-horsepower 4-cylinder or turbocharged 90-horsepower diesel, which delivers an impressive, estimated 42 mpg in the city and 49 mpg on the highway. They provide acceptable performance, although the diesel works best with a manual gearbox.

Volkswagen also covers the waterfront with transmissions. There are 5- and 6-speed manual transmissions and 4- and 5-speed automatic transmissions.

Fun to Drive
Jettas are fun to drive, as are most cars developed in Germany with its no-speed-limit highways. Which Jetta is the most fun? It's the $22,950 GLI, which I recently tested. That version has the V6, a 6-speed manual transmission and standard anti-skid system, which is rarely offered for a small car. That system also is standard on the GLX V6—and optional for other Jettas.

The GLI has a sport suspension and wide 45-series tires on large 17-inch wheels. Special touches include a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and hand brake lever. The GLI feels a bit soft for a sports sedan, but does everything it's supposed to do in fine style.

Safety Features
As for safety, all Jettas have anti-lock brakes, front side air bags and curtain side air bags for head protection of outboard occupants.

The solid Jetta platform is beginning to show its age, but Jettas are agile, with precise steering, a supple suspension and excellent brakes.

However, even the 200-horsepower V6 often calls for a good amount of shifting with the slick manual transmission, which works with a light but long-throw clutch. (No automatic transmission is offered for the GLI, although an automatic is available for other Jettas.)

While smooth and quiet, the V6 is fairly small with a 2.8-liter displacement, and thus it calls for lots of revs for the best acceleration. However, relaxed long-distance cruising is no problem.

Doors close with a reassuring 'thunk' and have outside handles that can be easily grabbed to help provide quick, easy entry.

Upscale Interior
The quiet interior easily accepts four tall adults. It has a nicely designed dashboard and upgrade materials, although front seatback recliners are awkward to use.

The trunk is large with a low sill, and a split-folding rear seatback significantly enlarges cargo space.

The Jetta looks and feels more expensive than it is. It's among the best small cars, and its resale value will benefit if Volkswagen's upscale strategy works—although that remains to be seen.