It seems that every name in motoring is making a comeback. We have MINI, Volkswagen Scirocco and, tested here, the VW Jetta.

What next? A Jowett Javelin, maybe? Don’t rule it out!

The Jetta was first on sale in the UK in the early 1980s as a sort of booted version of the Golf for markets which prefer saloons to hatchbacks.

It sold reasonably well, but I guess not well enough. After a brief revival as Vento and Bora, it fell out of favour. I guess we just don’t like compact saloon cars enough in this country.

But here it is, the new Jetta. So, how exactly does it fit into the VW family? Well, it’s a proper saloon which is bigger than a Focus or Golf and smaller than a Passat or Mondeo.

It falls between two stools, which means, I suppose, that it’s easy for both big saloon car types and Focus-types to rule it out of their possible-buy list.

It fits between two very successful models, Golf and Passat, and VW believe that the company’s reputation for quality and affordability will help it catch on.

It’s fair to say the Jetta isn’t the prettiest VW. Certainly, the Golf and Passat and definitely Scirocco have more pzazz.

But it feels like a classy car. The cabin is solid and sensible, and while it doesn’t look as tempting as, say, a recent Ford dash, it is very good.

It’s fair to say that the modern day Jetta’s appeal is a special one. The UK’s appetite for compact premium saloons is modest, and dwarfed by that of consumers in America and mainland Europe.

The flipside to this situation is that on the dull and wet roads of Blighty, something like the Jetta does tend to stand out.

For all the Jetta’s modesty, it would be wrong to assume that this compact VW is a dull car. Driver and passenger satisfaction levels are high; if it’s not the car’s impressive build quality, it’s the highly-refined cabin ambience. Far from being a VW Golf with a boot, the Jetta boasts a personality all of its own.

Typically, one reason to purchase a compact saloon over the family hatch is because you might want a slightly sportier driving experience. It’s why BMW products have done so well, but it’s a trait that has been lacking from VWs in the past.

Tested here is a 1.4 litre model which was better than expected. The Jetta is a pretty solid car, so you might imagine such a lightweight engine could struggle. But it was very good, in fact, zipping to 60mph in just over 11 seconds.

Brisk and, when you really need it, very quick, this particular Jetta is more than a match for the traditional compact performance saloon competition – especially so if you take into consideration the VW’s asking price.

It’s also an enjoyable car to drive briskly, although the Jetta will happily play nice when you need to commute to work or go to the shops. The car’s sports suspension does a good job of smoothing out road imperfections, too.

And guess what, the Jetta is no less accommodating than a Golf when it comes to practical matters. The cabin is not only well-built but also spacious, and the boot is exceptionally big. It holds 527 litres, which is only slightly smaller than a Mondeo’s.

The best has been left until last, however. Along with this Jetta’s smooth power delivery is the option of a smooth-shifting DSG auto-style gearbox over the six-speed manual version. Like a regular auto, it can be left alone; but unlike a regular auto, the gearshifts are more decisive and prompt, plus when you select the manual mode it’s race-car quick without the hassle of a clutch pedal.

It is a bigger and more substantial car than the Golf but it is heavier and thirstier, and it won’t hold its value quite as well. The Passat is a better car, but if it’s too big for you, the Jetta might be just the thing.

PRICE: £17,825. What Car? reckon you could get this model for £15,644. The range starts at £15,815.

ENGINE: a 1.4 litre unit generating 157bhp via front-wheel drive.

PERFORMANCE: Top speed 120mph, 0 to 60mph in 11.1 seconds.

COSTS: average 42.8mpg.

INSURANCE: Group 7.

EMISSIONS: 154g/km.

WARRANTY: Three years, 60,000 miles.