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Saloon

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

JETTA

Does just about everything the Passat can do - for less

Used Volkswagen Jetta Saloon 2006 - 2011

The Jetta may have a premium image, but the insurance costs are reasonable. Even the high-performance, 197bhp, 2.0-litre turbo is rated in group 15, which is two groups lower than the Golf GTI, even though the Jetta is pretty much as fast. Both, for the record, are rated at 35.3mpg.

The most economical Jetta is the 53.3mpg 1.9 TDI, but the 2.0-litre is not far behind, returning an impressive 48.7mpg. The entry-level 1.6-litre petrol returns 40.9mpg and is the cheapest of the lot to insure with a group 6 rating.

Like the Golf, the Jetta has variable service intervals, so the way you drive could save you money. Look after your car and it could run to 15,000 miles before needing fettling. Servicing costs are pretty to similar to what you'll pay for the Golf.

Neither are as cheap to look after as the Jetta's Volvo S40 saloon rival, though. The Swedish car is also marginally more economical and, due to its depreciation, less expensive to buy second-hand.

Does just about everything the Passat can do - for less

VW didn't fit the Golf's basic 1.4-litre petrol engine to the Jetta and instead the range kicks off with a 113bhp, 1.6-litre, direct-injection petrol unit that's well up to the job. Two other petrol engines are also on offer: a 150bhp non-turbo 2.0-litre and the Golf GTI's 197bhp 2.0-litre turbo. Both are good.

If you'd prefer a diesel - and we think you should - there's a choice of two turbodiesels, a 103bhp 1.9-litre or a 138bhp 2.0-litre. We recommend the 2.0-litre; its 243lb ft of pulling power provides amazing and effortless acceleration from very low revs.

You won't be badly off with the entry-level S, which gets six airbags, electric windows, a CD player, alloy wheels and air-con as standard. However, we'd pay the extra for SE, which adds climate and cruise control, a chrome-plated grille and better interior trim, while Sport models have lowered suspension, front foglamps and sports seats.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;

Family

There's little information available regarding reliability, but given their shared mechanical underpinnings, the Jetta is likely to be afflicted by the MkV Golf's gremlins.

There have been reports of timing belt tensioners failing on the 1.6-litre petrol engines, while diesel fuel pumps have been prone to leaking. A few cars have required steering rack repairs. Drivers of the MkV Golf have also complained of minor electric problems and headlight faults.

A thorough check of all electrical components, including the air-con, is essential. Check that manual gearboxes change smoothly and that there is no hint of clutch slip. There have been no major recalls on the Jetta, but keep an eye out for these at www.vosa.gov.uk as they may arise.

The Jetta may not have the ultimate practicality of the VW Golf hatchback it's based on, but the saloon does have some advantages.

Rear passengers get a better deal, for a start: it's easier to get into the Jetta's rear seats and there's plenty of the room in the back. You also get the same sort of boot space you'd find in a Ford Mondeo - it's massive - although it could be better shaped and there's quite a high load lip.

There's plenty of room up front, too, the steering adjusts for rake and reach, and the driver's seat is height-adjustable. Quality is impessive, as are safety and security, but, like many cars of the era, the thick front A-pillars create a slight blind spot.

Other than its body, perhaps the biggest difference over the Golf is that the Jetta has stiffer suspension. That means it handles very well, although the ride is slightly firm ride around town.

Used Volkswagen Jetta Saloon 2006 - 2011 review

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