Volkswagen Jetta GLI blends power, performance
Volkswagen’s Jetta GLI compact sports sedan combines razor-sharp German design, class-leading engine and transmission refinement, and enough trunk space to haul a family-sized pile of Samsonite luggage.
Why, then, does it feel overshadowed by its rock star stablemate, the formidable Golf GTI hatchback? Our test car’s bottom line tells the tale. With an as-tested MSRP of $29,815, the top-of-the-line Jetta GLI is both a bargain and a stretch.
It’s a bargain in terms of actual content and performance and a stretch in terms of its market segment. Most Jetta buyers are economy-minded, entry-level customers. With a sticker price approaching $30,000, however, the Jetta GLI 2.0 is only about $1,300 less than a base Audi A3.
That said, I found my week in a gray metallic Jetta GLI factory tester to have been a compelling driving experience. As a commuter car, GLI is nimble and quick. In traffic, it feels like a fish weaving its way downstream, which is to say it handles with slick efficiency.
Jeremy Holsomback, general manager of Village Volkswagen of Chattanooga, notes that the dealership has a GLI in stock.
› Just the facts. The Jetta GLI is a compact sports sedan featuring Volkswagen’s ubiquitous — and brilliant — 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engine. The powerplant makes 210 horsepower and slingshots the Jetta GLI from zero-to-60 miles per hour in about 6.5 seconds. The engine is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, an advanced design often found in cars costing twice as much.
The GLI comes in one, well-equipped trim level which includes 18-inch alloy wheels, power sunroof, dualzone climate control, leatherette seating, Fender audio and a blind-spot monitor.
The GLI may have the mild-mannered profile of the Jetta family, but VW has done a good job of adding some special design cues to spice up its look. In the “less is more” department, VW changes the look of the dark interior with red stitching. Meanwhile, a red pinstripe of color on the GLI’s grille, is also an effective accent.
Despite its high-performance chops, the Jetta GLI has fuel economy ratings of 33 mpg highway and 24 mpg city.
› Worthwhile options:
VW has simplified the GLI into a single trim level, so you don’t have to waste time checking option boxes. The GLI comes with most of the features buyers at this price point expect.
› It’s good for Chattanooga because: With 210 horsepower, the Jetta GLI has no problem pulling the city’s hills and mountain roads. The city is a perfect playground to accentuate the GLI’s quick acceleration and sharp handling.
› Cool stuff: The Jetta GLI has some of the most comfortable, supportive seats in the class.
› New for 2017: The GLI got a bit of a face-lift for 2016, so the sedan is virtually unchanged for 2017.
› Something we could do without: Hard plastics used in the cabin could stand an upgrade.
› We wish for: VW just announced a ground-breaking limited bumper-tobumper warranty for its Chattanooga-made Atlas SUV which extends the coverage period to six years or 72,000 miles, whichever comes first. VW lovers, no doubt, hope this warranty will one day extend across the brand to products like the Jetta.
› While you are looking: Check out the Hyundai Elantra Sport and the Subaru WRX.