VW's Jetta was introduced in South Africa in 1980 and has since sold more than 273 000 units as one of the world's most successful sedans - more than 14-million since 1979.
Nearly a million were sold in 2013, making the Jetta one of the top selling in the VW Group.
Whatever, everything can be improved, so VW has made some modest changes for 2015, among them redesigned nose and bum to be "sportier and modern". The body has been further sculpted; the improvements, VW says, have reduced drag by another 10%.
'MORE SOPHISTICATED'
Look carefully and you'll note a redesigned grille with three fins and a revised bumper with, depending on model, revised lights - the bi-xenon headlights and L-shaped running lights particular features.
The interior has been refreshed "to ensure the new Jetta is more sophisticated" and the instrument cluster, steering-wheel, upholstery (Trendline only) and accents are all new.
The engine, however, are unchanged 1.2 TSI 77kW, 1.4 TSI 90kW and 1.4 TSI 118kW) turbopetrol and 1.6 TDI 77kW and 2.0 TDI 103kW turbodiesel.
NEW BOOT, FRESHENED CABIN
The new visual band formed by the radiator grille and the headlights, VW says, as well as the now larger lower air inlet, "give the Jetta a more impressive, wider and modern appearance, reinforced by the re-sculpted fog lights".
Re-designed boot lid, tail lights, VW logo and rear bumper also identify the latest Jetta
The driver is now faced by instruments in "a sporty tube look", a multifunction display, a different steering-wheel, gloss black trim next to the gear-shifter, chromed accents, freshened air vents and ambient lighting (Highline derivatives).
As many as six airbags are offered, among them new head-thorax bags for rollover protection.
EQUIPMENT AND TRIM
The Jetta is offered in three trim levels: Trendline, Comfortline,Highline. Key features of each below.
Manual aircon
Radio RCD-310 with 8-loudspeakers
USB port
Trendline specs plus...
Tyre-pressure monitors
Front fog lights
As per Comfortline plus...
Sports front seats
Auto aircon
Cloth upholstery
16" steel spare
Chromed window mouldings
Front fog-lights, static cornering lights
Headlight washers
17" alloy rims
17" alloy rims
Power sunroof
Leather upholstery
Front and rear parking radar
Bluetooth phone preparation
Satellite navigation
Rear-view camera
Towball (except for 1.2 TSI)
Bi-xenon headlights with diode daytime running lights
Keyless access (locking and starting system)
Retail Prices (inc VAT and emissions tax)
1.2 TSI 77kW Trendline - R258 000
1.4 TSI 90kW Trendline - R272 500
1.4 TSI 90kW Comfortline - R286 700
1.4 TSI 90kW Comfortline DSG - R302 700
1.6 TDI 77kW Comfortline - R302 900
1.6 TDI 77kW Comfortline DSG - R318 900
1.4 TSI 118kW Highline DSG - R331 900
2.0 TDI 103kW Highline DSG - R358 000
Warranty and service
The revised Jetta range carries a five-year or 90 000km service plan, three-year of 120 000km warranty and a 12-year no rust-through warranty.
Service intervals 15 000km.