It's chrome grille and dual exhaust tips being the only remaining hint of the enthusiastic youth inspired design of a few years ago, The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan is a more distinguished and mature vehicle, yet still very appealing, especially to young families. The Jetta received a few important upgrades and some changes this year. The Jetta's standard 2.5 liter engine has been revised, increasing horsepower to a more capable 170. The trim levels have been revised as well, and are now known as the Jetta S, SE and SEL. The turbocharged 2.0 liter engine will no longer be found in a Jetta-but it can be found in the 2008 Volkswagen GTI, which before it was tweaked for its 2008 introduction was known as the 2007 Jetta GTI. The Jetta Sedan has always been feature rich, and this year another creature comfort has been added to the list of standard features for all models in the form of a power 2 way reclining driver's seat.

The Jetta's interior is no less than highly impressive. The relatively spacious cabin boasts superior quality materials and the attention given to every interior detail is apparent. The seats are plush and comfortable and will easily accommodate 4 adults, and 16 cubic feet of their belongings will fit in the trunk. The Jetta S is very well equipped with 16 inch steel wheels, heated side view mirrors, keyless entry, an 8 speaker CD/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input jack, full power accessories, air conditioning and cruise control. The mid level SE switches out the steel wheels for 16 inch alloy wheels, and adds a 10 speaker audio system complete with a 6 disc CD changer and satellite radio; heated leatherette front seats, a fold flat front passenger seat, a center armrest and pass-through for the folding rear seat, a leather wrapped steering wheel and a sunroof. The top of the line SEL replaces the 16 inch wheels with 17 inch alloys and adds a premium sound system with steering wheel mounted audio controls and a multiple function trip computer. A navigation system is optional for the SEL only, however options for all models include various exterior styling kits and an iPod adapter.

All Jetta's are front wheel drive and they all come standard with a 2.5 liter inline 5 cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower. The S and SE come standard with a 5 speed manual transmission. The highly acclaimed Volkswagen DSG transmission, which enables the driver to easily switch between a rapid shift manual mode and fully automatic mode, is optional for the S and SE and standard on the SEL, which is the sole choice for its transmission. EPA estimates for all models and regardless of transmission choice are 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta might not turn too many heads, but with its European flare and proficient German engineering it is a small and affordable car that offers an excellent blend of practicality, agile handling, and overall comfort.