2019 Volkswagen Jetta is better in every way

The 2019 Jetta rectifies the anonymous design of its predecessor by adding better-defined character lines along the side.

There's also a little more creasing in the hood, a sloping rear roofline and LED taillights that appear more Audi than Volkswagen.

In fact, LED headlights are standard across the lineup -- a nice touch, considering halogens are generally still par for the course at this price point.

This new Jetta lacks the outright wackiness of the Honda Civic both inside and out, but it looks better than the Chevrolet Cruze, Ford Focus and Subaru Impreza.

Now built on Volkswagen's do-it-all MQB platform -- which underpins the Arteon, Atlas, Golf, Passat, Tiguan and about 20 models we don't get in the US -- the Jetta doesn't take much driving to make a positive impression. 

It's not as Euro-grade stiff as the Golf, which is designed with a bunch of markets in mind. The Jetta's suspension tuning errs on soft, and additional plushness arrives by way of thick all-season tires.

Under the hood is a 1.4-liter turbocharged I4 that puts out 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. 

The Jetta isn't going to win any races, but this engine provides more than enough torque for driving and passing in the city or on the highway.

A six-speed manual is available, but only on the base S trim -- every other trim gets an eight-speed automatic.

Keep on scrolling to check out even more shots of the latest entrant in the compact sedan segment.