Volkswagen Jetta (Mark V) in depth

Did you read our comprehensive review of Jetta 147TSI and now want more info? Take a closer look under, over, in and out of the Mark V VW Jetta.

This Mark V Jetta sedan is based on the superseded Mark V Golf. While it shares many of the dirty oily bits with the Mark V Golf, the body has been subtly tweaked for its life as a sedan.

Apart from the boot, one of the key visual differences between the Mark V Golf and Jetta is a crease line down the side of the car.

We presume the chrome highlights on the side windows and grille are meant to signify that sedans are classier than their hatch siblings.

The headlights feature tiny VW emblems on the element that hides the bulb.

Even on the sportiest member of the Jetta family, there's no escaping the chromed koala nose.

The Golf and Jetta come from a time in VW's history where its cars were named winds. The Golf is named after the German word for the Gulf Stream, while the Jetta is named after jet streams.

Europeans like subtlety, and one can't get more subtle than the 147TSI's badging. 2.0 TSI with a red S and I doesn't quite scream GTI does it?

Did you notice that it's got twin tail-pipes? Didn't think so.

All Jettas come fitted with very cool LED brake and indicator lights.

The 147TSI comes standard with 17-inch alloys. One of three 18-inch alloy wheel choices came fitted to our car.

We love indicators in the mirrors as much as the man, but when the Jetta's flash they can be seen from the driver's pew, which can be a bit distracting.

That grille's so shiny you could do your hair or make-up in it.

The updated Mark V Jetta range has two petrol engines on offer: a turbocharged and supercharged 1.4-litre (dubbed 118TSI), and a turbocharged 2-litre (the Jetta 147TSI above). The 118TSI's engine is a less powerful, more economical version of the one we sampled in the Golf GT Sport TSI.

Three turbo-diesel engines are offered on 2010 Jettas: a 77kW/250Nm 1.6-litre, 103kW/320Nm 2-litre and 125kW/350Nm 2-litre.

Depending on the engine, a variety of transmissions are offered on the Jetta, including five- and six-speed manuals, and six- and seven-speed dual-clutch automatics.

The 147TSI's 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine produces 147kW of power (hence the 147TSI branding) and 280Nm of torque.

A soft-touch dashboard, metal plated bits and pieces, switches that are sharply lit and click with authority, and a wonderfully grained leather steering wheel make the Jetta feel classy and special.

The speedometer with its markings every 5km/h between zero and 60km/h, and markings per 10km/h beyond that, add to the impression of formidable speed and acceleration.

The 147TSI and 125TDI's sports seats provide a good amount of grip when you're flinging the Jetta around. The optional leather covering feels rather nice too, but it's disappointing that the accountants pinched a few euros by using the standard cloth covering for the side closest to the centre tunnel.

A slide-out drawer is hidden below both the driver and front passenger's seat. The driver's side unit disappears when you pony up the dollars for the electric driver's seat though.

Rear-seat accommodation is decent, but not spectacular.

With a volume of over 500 litres the boot is not only long and deep, but could also house a small tribe of Neanderthals.

A neat little tab pops up whenever the seat back isn't fully latched.

The rear seats split-fold, but don't lie completely flat.

The fold-down rear-seat arm rest...

...hides a ski port.

A fold down luggage hook keeps your groceries safe and secure for their trip home.

A temporary spare wheel lives underneath the boot floor.

Rear-seat passengers enjoy their own set of air vents, as well as a set of adjustable cup holders.

A sliding cover hides storage cubby cum cup holders in the centre console. The divider for which...

...doubles up as a bottle opener.

Our 147TSI came with switchable stability control, tyre pressure monitors, and front- and rear-parking sensors.

Flick the car into reverse, or press the parking sensor button, and potential objects are shown on the entertainment display.

The indicator and high-beam stalk also manipulates the cruise control system, with the set speed appearing in the LCD screen between the speedo and tacho.

Xenon headlights are an option and of great benefit on rural roads, but lack the ability to follow one's steering inputs.

Dual-zone climate control air conditioning is standard on all Jetta models, except the entry-level 77TDI.

Heated front seats are part of the package if you opt for leather seats.

Heated electric wing mirrors are standard.

The rear-view mirror automatically dims itself when faced with blinding lights — not available on the 77TDI.

Electric adjustment for the driver's seat is part of the leather-seating package.

Unless you tick the box marked flappy paddles, the stubby gear lever is the only way to manually change gears in double-clutch-equipped vehicles.

Steering audio controls are standard across the Jetta family.

The multifunction display in between the speedometer and tachometer (seen in the background) is manipulated by a set of controls on the right steering wheel spoke.

To get USB and iPod connectivity you'll have to pay extra for the sound system option with Volkswagen's media device interface. A VW-specific iPod cable will set you back a few extra dollars too.

All Jettas have an auxiliary jack.

With the MDI installed, USB flash drives can provide plenty of hours of music entertainment.

Both the RCD510 and RNS510 audio systems come with an SD card slot. The former is standard on the 125TDI and 147TSI, the latter can be optioned throughout the range.

Those wanting satellite navigation will have to shell out for the RNS510 system. It offers 3D map perspective and limited lane guidance, but not text-to-speech.

The RNS510's disc slot can read CD audio and data discs, as well as DVD video.

Despite the presence of a Traffic button, traffic information isn't available in Australia.

As much as we love the RNS510 system, we wish there was a QWERTY keyboard option.

The media screen allows you to easily switch between different tracks, albums, folder and music storage types.

USB drives and SD cards, as well as the RNS510's hard-disk, are navigated folder by folder.

Upcoming turns can be viewed in a pop-up window.

The LCD display or multifunction display (MFD) in the instrument panel can be used to show the next turn instructions. It certainly seems quicker and safer to quickly glance at the MFD than to look across to the RNS510's big 6.5-inch screen.

A range of settings, from light delays to displayed data, can be configured via the MFD.

Want fuel consumption, temperature info and other stats? The MFD's got it.

Track or station info can be shown on the MFD, saving drivers from having to look at the stereo's more distant screen.

No destination entered? Fine, the MFD will happily show you a compass reading instead.