LOOKS
The Jetta is a compact sedan -- competing with rides like the Ford Focus and Mazda3,
You can fit four people comfortably despite the limited size, and the back seat is surprisingly roomy, as is the trunk.

The Jetta has been redesigned for 2015, for the first time since 2011. VW has added some adjustments to styling on the front, rear and interior of the vehicle (which also improve aerodynamics and mpg, another bit of that German efficiency).

The easiest way to describe the Jetta’s appearance both inside and out is to say it has a very basic look, truly a “people’s car” for the everyman. Nothing too fancy inside and lots of small, almost hidden buttons. The Jetta is the opposite of gaudy.

You can opt for a power sunroof on some trim levels; and also offered are leatherette seating, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

ENGINE, HORSEPOWER
There are three engine options on the Jetta. First, you have the choice of a somewhat outdated 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine, then you get two turbocharged engine options. (HINT: Skip the base engine, as you’ll lose mpg and save very little money by getting it)

My test vehicle had a 1.8-liter, 16-valve, turbocharged four-cylinder engine with direct injection. There is also an option for a 2.0T Clean Diesel E288 engine.

The base engine offers 115 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, and mpg of 25 city/34 highway. Nothing too exciting there.

On the other hand, the turbocharged engine on my test ride offered 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. But it feels like more, to be honest, as this sucker flies. Official mpg on this engine is 25 city/37 highway.

If you go the diesel route, you get get up to 46 mpg.

Engine weight has been trimmed, helping improve mpg (there goes that efficiency again). Both automatic and manual transmissions are offered on the Jetta.

The handling on the Jetta is top-notch and very sporty, and the vehicle features front and rear independent suspension. It's easily among the best-handling cars I have tested, and a joy to drive on curvy roads.

And the surprising speed on this ride will take you by surprise when you first experience it. You’ll get moving in a hurry, whether it’s from a stop of while you’re already rolling.

TECHNOLOGY
The Jetta’s interior, like the outside, is very simple, and that includes the tech. There are easy-to-use screens in the vehicle to check your mileage and whole lot more info about the car and its systems (Note: MPG is under the very European label of “consumption”), and the controls on the tech interface are also user-friendly.

Buttons are small and the screen is not large, but that fits in with the look of this car well. It’s not what I would call the best tech user interface out there, but VW has not laid an egg either as it does its job well. It just takes a little getting used to.

The base model of the Jetta includes air conditioning, Bluetooth connection, cruise control, power windows and locks, keyless entry, aux-in and power heated exterior mirrors.

Options beyond that include: Satellite radio (subscription required after trial period); rearview camera; heated front seats; touchscreen navigation; and push button start.

Fender Premium Audio is an option too, if you want to play Kraftwerk or Einsturzende Neubauten tunes at extra loud levels in your Jetta.

SAFETY
In terms of safety, Volkswagen has a pretty strong record, and the Jetta is no exception. You’ll get a full complement of airbags, Electronic Stability Control; Intelligent Crash Response System; and child safety rear door locks.

And perhaps most importantly, the vehicle gets all four-star and five-star government safety ratings.

New tech features that have come to the Jetta and are optional upgrades on some trim levels include: Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert and Forward Collision Warning System. These are all very helpful safety features to have if you can afford them..

PRICE
The Jetta has many trim levels, starting with the base with manual transmission for $17,325, all the way up to about $30K for its top levels with all the trimmings (and there is a hybrid version that is just over $31K). My test ride came about middle of the pack at just over $26K.

BOTTOM LINE
If you’re looking for a small sedan that’s a blast to drive but don’t need a fancy look to your vehicle, don’t ignore VW. While competitors like the Ford Focus and Mazda3 are also strong in this category and compare well in many areas, the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta and its European tendencies might efficiently convince you that this car is the one you want.

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Matt Myftiu can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu.