VW Jetta GLS: Jetta ahead!

Read on how asking yourself about your preferences in a car bring you down straight to the VW Jetta.

Did you just find yourself in the market for a midsize sedan? Has it become clear to you that there’s a puzzling array of these cars to choose from?

They’re good cars that will haul five adults, ride smoothly, get halfway decent gas mileage, perform with a somewhat entertaining personality and should last years with minimal maintenance.

Let’s assume that you already have narrowed the search to a compact sedan with front-wheel drive that is as far from boring as you can get while still being practical.

You’re probably looking at a car that is above average in looks and, most importantly, is fun to drive.

With those qualifications in mind, I can direct you to about a dozen cars.

I’m not much help, am I?

OK. You want the styling to be decidingly European, somewhat youthful and yet mature, too, and you want a lightweight turbocharged four-banger with a slick shifting six-speed transmission — and you want to keep the sticker under $25,000.

Now, that’s a little more helpful, isn’t it?

Within those parameters, we’re down to a few cars.

However, your practical side drops by for a visit and says that you need adequate trunk space, and a car with a fold-down seatback so that you can carry lots more stuff when necessary.

Well, now you’re down to one car that comes to mind — the new Volkswagen Jetta GLS.

The Jetta GLS represents one of the sportiest new exterior designs in the VW lineup.

Visually, it has more personality than the offerings from Japan and more spunk than the domestics.

In short, it’s a better driver’s car. It also is a contender for title of best fun-to-drive sedan — for the money.

Now that you have a family and responsibilities, and that R32 you really wanted so much just won’t cut it, this new Jetta from VW should keep you smiling while you are being the picture of responsibility.