Just a quick personal opinion. I just bought my wife a 2008 city jetta and love it. We have a 2008 ford F150 crew cab XF4, A 1998 Dodge durango 5.2L 4x4 7 passenger, and now our new little jetta. I've read a lot on this site and read about fuel economy, sure a Yaris, or an echo are better at the pump. But you know what, I am not embarrassed at all when it comes to driving a CITY Jetta, compared to the others in that price range. All my family and friends think its a great car, I have only 2500 KMS on it and owned it month now, I have no kids and just wanted something in the garage that costs less per month than the price of fuel in the other 2 trucks i have. Believe it or not ,I am honestly getting 7.6L/100km. Sure the motor's not that great, not that fast, But i paid $22,000cdn FOR A 4DR ,6spd auto with tiptronic, on board computer, temp and fuel economy readings , heated seats, heated mirrors ,usb/aux/CDplayer,ESB w/ABS power everything air tilt cruise and the smart car last time i heard was $23,000,(please don't quote me on that) and has none of these perks as far as i know,and Not so embarrassing to drive, but like i said this is my opinion. I feel this is a great car,and couldn't find anything else that has as much luxury for the same price!I like the honda's and Corrolla's, but hey with all these options they are more $,if you can even get one with these options.