The Volkswagen Jetta is a mid-size sedan. It was completely redesigned for the 2005 model year. The SportWagen joined the lineup for 2009.This current generation is the biggest Jetta ever, labeled a compact but often slots between compact and mid-size offerings from other brands. It's also the heaviest, tipping the scales at 3,200 pounds, but that mass is put to good use with very good structural rigidity, a large trunk, usable rear seat, and safety equipment.
When looking at the Jetta, the eye is immediately drawn to its big, chrome-framed front grille. Chrome is also used in the eyebrows atop the air inlets in the front bumper and, on the SE and SEL, for the side-window surrounds.
The next most striking design element is the aggressive thrust and slope of the hood and snout. Compared to other recent nose-forward designs, the Jetta's composite headlights and various inlets and grilles are well integrated into the raked rearward flow of its form. A striking vee, created by the slant of the headlamps and sloping hood lines, is carried strongly toward the rear by the steeply raked windshield and character lines running along the flanks.