Auto123 (Enlarge photo)

First of all, I have to confess one thing: I never really liked family wagons, both in terms of styling and utility. Aside from a few rare exceptions, I always thought that the big lump in the back (also referred to as the cargo hold) significantly affected the vehicle's design. The rear wheels look and feel undersized, taking away any ounce of sportiness left.

Beyond its wagon personality, this Jetta proves to be pleasant and basically identical to the sedan from the B-pillars forward. Two irritants remain: the chrome-clad grille which is highly prone to dents and scratches as well as the odd fit between the hood and headlights. Everything else is typical German build quality. The assembly is beyond reproach. The bodywork effectively hides some elements that are visible on... // Auto123