Middle-aged sedan-loving family men rejoice, there’s a new Volkswagen Jetta in town. Ninety millimetres longer overall, and riding on a stretched wheelbase, gen-6 has a sharp new suit, an-all new interior and a fully turbocharged engine line-up that runs from 1.2-litre petrol to a 2.0-litre diesel. Sized and priced to fit directly between the Polo and Passat sedans, the new Jetta offers cosseting comfort, capable dynamics and ultra-refined mechanicals. Perhaps the exterior style could be more distinctive, but at least it hasn’t been rendered as merely a Golf with a boot. Handy speed-sensitive steering and crisp manual transmissions back up the torquey range of engines, while a truly compliant ride and capable dynamics lend a laidback attitude, perfectly in tune with family sedan motoring.

The launch route took in both bumpy R102 and speed-controlled N2 between Port Elizabeth and Knysna both underlining the Jetta’s best attributes. New Jetta has a pleasingly relaxed gait, especially when paired with the un-frenzied power delivery of the two diesels on offer. Refined and quiet, I’d go for the 77kW five-speed 1.6 TDI over the 103kW six-speed 2.0 TDI, if only because it’s subjectively quieter and objectively more fuel efficient. The only petrol on launch was the top 118kW super and turbocharged 1.4-litre unit. The twin-charger configuration is both powerful and characterful, but I reckon the less complex turbo-only petrols are the sweeter powerplants. Don’t choke on your rice crispies, but entry-level Jettas are powered by a 1200 turbo. After having driven and been mightily impressed by a similarly-sized 1.2 TSI Touran I’m happy to use the word powered. The Touran felt like a strong natasp 1600 and I have no doubt it would move the Jetta’s 4.65m-long body with similar ease. A seven-speed DSG is available but initially only in 1.6 TDI guise.

The interior has undergone a metamorphosis similar to the Golf 5 to Golf 6 transformation. In other words, it’s brilliant to touch and use, though again not that exciting to look at. Equipment levels are handy too, with important stuff like ABS, ESP, Traction control, a hill hold feature and six airbags all standard. On the comfort front, you get aircon, radio/CD, multifunction leather steering wheel, electric windows, heated mirrors, rain sensing wipers and 16 inch alloys. Comfortline spec adds cruise control, a tyre pressure monitor, front fog lights, ‘comfort’ front seats and a folding rear seatback. Highline trim gets you ‘sports’ seats to go with a 15mm lower suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels. Things like full leather, park sensors, Bluetooth phone prep, dual-zone climate control and satnav are all optional. New Jetta is on sale now, with prices starting at R222k for the 1.2 TSI, rising to R297 200 for the Highline diesel. Solid, elegant, spacious, relevant and maybe just a little too sensible. That’s Jetta to a tee.