I work at the VW plant in South Africa, and the Jetta is one of the models we build here. It's obviously not the same car (we only export RHD), but I think the catalytic converters are produced here.
From what I hear, they're pretty solid cars. Very few returns/problems that I've heard of. I can't comment on the engine because we don't have the 'green' diesel variant over here yet. Good handling and responsiveness, nice ride and feeling through the steering wheel. A bit too long for my personal taste.
Good, solid family car.