Compared to the car it replaces, the new Jetta is 90mm longer at 4,644mm with a wheelbase increase of 70mm to 2,648mm.  This means rear legroom is up by 67mm.

The model has also been restyled inside and out, and no longer shares panels with the Golf.

The engine line-up includes two TSI petrols, a 1.4-litre 122bhp entry-level unit and the range-topping twincharged 1.4-litre TSI unit developing 160bhp.

The diesel range starts with a 1.6-litre TDI engine developing 105bhp, which is equipped with BlueMotion Technology features including Start/Stop and battery regeneration as standard and is capable of achieving 67.3mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 109g/km of CO2.

A 2.0-litre TDI engine developing 140bhp is also available, which returns 58.9mpg combined and has a carbon dioxide emissions figure of 126g/km. The 1.6-litre TDI and the 1.4-litre TSI 160bhp unit can be specified with the option of a seven-speed DSG gearbox. The 2.0-litre TDI is available with a six-speed DSG transmission.

All new Jettas are fitted with air conditioning, an MP3 compatible CD stereo, six airbags, ABS, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), an alarm and folding rear seats.

The Jetta is available to order now, with first customer deliveries due in May.