The base Jetta, called the Value Edition, comes with a choice of five-speed manual transmission ($17,900) or a new six-speed automatic ($18,975) featuring a Sport mode and Tiptronic gear selection. Standard equipment on these base models includes air conditioning; cruise control; tinted windows; power windows with one-touch open and close; AM/FM/CD/MP3 with 10 speakers; external temperature display; eight-way front-seat adjustments; heated power outside mirrors; split/folding rear seats; remote central power locking; two power outlets in the center console and one in the trunk; remote trunk and fuel-filler flap releases; and an anti-theft alarm. Standard running gear on Value Editions is 6x15-inch steel wheels with 195/65R15 all-season radials and a full-size spare wheel and tire.

The standard Jetta 2.5 ($20,290) upgrades this with dual-zone automatic climate control, premium audio with a 6CD changer, an integrated antenna, automatic headlamps, a trip computer, auto-dimming mirrors, heated power seats, fold-flat rear seats, a front spoiler, chrome trim, and 205/55R16 all-season tires. It's also available with the automatic ($21,365). Options include XM and Sirius satellite radio ($375); DVD satellite navigation ($1,800); and 17-inch alloy wheels and tires ($1,350).

TDI models with their turbo diesel engines are equipped the same way and are available with the five-speed manual gearbox ($21,290) or Volkswagen's DSG twin-clutch semi-automatic ($22,365).

The turbocharged GLI comes with a choice of six-speed manual ($23,790) or the DSG semi-automatic ($24,665). GLI adds or upgrades a number of features: eight-way manually adjustable height and reach sport front seats with fabric upholstery and adjustable head restraints; a three-spoke sport leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and telephone controls; alloy interior trim and drilled pedals; metal loading edge protection for the trunk; special blue-tinted glass; bi-xenon headlamps with auto-leveling and headlight washers; and halogen projector lens foglamps. GLIs ride on 17-inch summer performance tires on 7x17-inch alloy wheels. Optional fitments for the GLI are 17-inch all-season performance tires or 18-inch summer performance radials on 7.5x18-inch alloys ($750).

Options for the GLI include DVD navigation with a 6CD changer in the front armrest ($1,800) and XM or Sirius satellite radio ($375). Package 1 ($1,460) includes a power sunroof, the satellite radio, and a 115-volt power outlet. Package 2 ($3,200) adds leather seating surfaces, heated front sports seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, heated washer nozzles, and all the stuff in Package 1.

Safety features that come standard on all models include front airbags, side-impact airbags for torso protection, and curtain airbags for head protection come standard along with crash-active front headrests and safety belts with emergency locking retractors for all five seating positions. Rear side airbags are optional ($350). Active safety features include anti-lock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), traction control (ASR), and an electronic differential lock (EDL). Electronic stability control (ESP) is standard on all but the Value Edition ($280) and comes with hydraulic brake assist.