my take, owning a 2.5 passat, having test driven the 2.0 nonturbo, 1.8 and 1.4 jetta. 2.slow/simple really wasn't bad. 1.8 is a hoot. 1.4 runs out of steam on the highway. the redesigned 2019 jetta doesn't feel as tight as the 2018. vw sedans depreciate like rocks. if a passat is too big or a golf too pricey, i would buy a cpo jetta, 2018 being the sweet spot for a lower price, better suspension and super long warranty.