The new 2019 Jetta is slightly longer than the outgoing model. Its wheelbase is also a bit longer. It maintains the same height but is wider by about 1 inch. This alone creates a slightly more upscale presence. Then it adds a wide, angular grille, inspired by that of the new VW Arteon sport sedan. This new look is far more dramatic than the previous generation's comparatively staid appearance. Simplicity was often the hallmark of VW design, but the previous Jetta鈥檚 front end could put you to sleep. This new design doesn鈥檛 indicate much from a performance standpoint, but VW is clearly attempting to bring an upscale aura to the new Jetta. That said, I would have been fine with a more subtle grille. The new one might be fine on a range-topping sport sedan, but it鈥檚 a little much on a compact sedan. Of course, when you move inside the cabin, you'll see the same angular design language. So even while driving, you can't really escape it. But that design element adds to a cabin that manages to be as upscale as the car's exterior.
It鈥檚 spacious and attractive, while also being quite functional. Not all surfaces are soft-touch, but they're just enough to give the interior a premium feel. The seats are impressively comfortable and would be perfectly fine for long drives. Trims for the Jetta are S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and SEL Premium. Automakers typically send us fully loaded versions of their new vehicles, but not so with the Jetta. Of all the trims VW could have sent us, it shipped the base S trim, which is a pretty gutsy move. Volkswagen knows exactly what it has with this new car, as the base S trim comes well equipped, with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED head- and taillights, and a 6.5-inch touchscreen display with Volkswagen鈥檚 Car-Net App-Connect. This touchscreen also comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SE is likely to be one of the more popular trim selections. It adds V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, a panoramic moonroof, 16-inch wheels with a unique two-tone design scheme, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, and heated front seats.
It also adds a rear center armrest with integrated cupholders, heated side mirrors, dual-zone climate control, and keyless entry with push-button start. Finally, the SE adds driver-assistance features such as standard forward-collision avoidance and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The R-Line trim adds some unique touches, including exclusive front and rear bumpers and side skirts as well as a specially blacked-out grille. Inside, the R-Line features a unique take on the leather-wrapped steering wheel with high-contrast accent stitching. It also adds fog lights and 17-inch alloy wheels, and though it doesn鈥檛 offer anything more in the horsepower department, it does add Volkswagen's XDS differential to manage power for a more sporting drive. Moving upmarket, the SEL adds upgraded LED projector headlights with LED accenting, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, and a cabin accent lighting system that offers a choice of 10 colors. The SEL also adds an upgraded 8-inch infotainment screen, satellite radio, and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit (more on that in the Technology section). The SEL Premium rounds out the lineup and adds front fog lights (which also come on the R-Line), side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and unique 17-inch alloy wheels.
The 530d comes loaded with power if you looking to drive the car yourself. In case it's primarily chauffer driven 520d is an excellent choice. It is Mercedes best seller and is a prefect blend of old world charm and modern tech. It is not the quietest cabin around but the features and options list has grown quite substantially. With the new look it is now appealing to the younger buyers as well. The XF isn't the cheapest car in its segment but you get your money's worth. The XF looks like a sports car stuck in a saloons body and the performance complements the striking design. Overall, it's an accomplished alternative to the German trio. The car is a bit long in the tooth which is evident from its understated design. The interiors are top-notch and safety levels are outstanding, but the cabin does feel outdated. Also ride and handling isn't the best.
