MOST versions of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta are capable of inducing a sort of reverse sticker shock, since they now cost some $1,700 to $2,300 less than the cars they replaced. No one is going to organize a protest against lower prices, but it is unclear how consumers will react to how Volkswagen achieved the savings.

In one change, the basic S version gets a smaller engine with 55 less horsepower than last year.

In another, rear disc brakes, once standard on all Jettas, have been replaced by cheaper drum brakes on some versions.

The independent rear suspension is gone, replaced on all but one model by a less expensive torsion-beam design.

The styling is decidedly conservative, and the interior lacks the high-rent look of past Jettas.

On the other hand, even that S base model has electronic stability control, a life-saving feature. Base versions of the Honda Civic and Hyundai Elantra do not, although the Toyota Corolla and Chevrolet Cruze do.