I was in the same boat with my new job and DDing a 98 TA
I tried out pretty much everything in the segment that was a compact thru midsize and had some decent features but not over $25k
I'll go into more detail later on if you so wish, I don't know your budget?
I have a 2013 Jetta tdi DSG w/sun and sound package, the only things it doesnt have were navi and push button start from the premium package, and for like almost 2k more I can live without those
For gas mileage I literally have not gotten a tank under 40mpg pump verified. Some days for work during the week I can sit in dead stopped rush hour traffic for almost 2 hours, other days just all freeway so its a very good mix indicator, worse tanks mixed I'll see 40-41. When I do nothing but freeway I keep it between 65-75 max depending on speed limit, thats the sweet spot and Ill see as much as 48mpg for a tank. Did 48mpg to cinci one weekend and I just got back from a trip through central IL and avg 45.x. Its nice to put $50 gal of fuel into the tank 13-14 gal when the ligh comes on and get 600 miles out of it lol. I have 15k on the car now and the mileage has gotten a tad better as the car has broken in. I don't do any BS tricks for mileage besides drive like a grandma sometimes and I have the psi on the tires up 2psi from factory rating
What I really enjoy about the jetta is that it feels much more planted on the road, especially the freeway and the back seat has plenty of room. The trunk is also huge. If you don't believe me, just go check out a cruze and then go the jetta and you'll be amazed. Those are the two top choices for me when I was deciding.
3 year 36k no maint also was nice, though I think most everyone offers that now or at least did?
If you like a little more german feeling car with some higher grade material use I'd definitely say check out the VWs.
Depending on your budget I can say that another reason I went with the vw is that the purchase price for mine was almost 4k under MSRP, they were DEALIN' the 13s when the 14s came to the dealer lots. If you want I can give you the contact of the sales guy I used out in PA who deals specifically with tdi models and sells them way under invoice even, its crazy.