Volkswagen delivers two ’20 Jetta GLI trims
This week, we’re driving the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged fourcylinder engine. However, before we delve into the performance GLI Jetta model, remember that the lower cost Jetta models (that deliver 40 MPG highway) are always available at mostly attractive entry prices.
These lower priced Jettas offer outstanding values with numerous choices well below our upper price tester GLI. The entry level Jetta S with a six-speed manual starts at just $18,745. And, when equipped with a recommended $450 optional safety driver assistance package, which adds VW’s Forward Collision Warning with Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor and heated side mirrors, you can park one in your driveway for a retail of $20,115 including $920 delivery.
If you want the eight-speed automatic transmission, add another $800. (The above mentioned safety items are standard on the GLI trims).
Jetta then moves up to the SE at $22,645, R-Line at $22,695, SEL at $25,495 and SEL Premium at $27,945.
These Jettas receive motivation from a 1.4-liter turbo four that develops 147 horsepower with 184 lb. ft. of torque.
Now, onward ahead to the GLI Autobahn that to me is one of the best performance car values available today.
Most important is that the two available 2020 Jetta GLIs (S and Autobahn) are similar in horsepower and drivetrain components. Both feature the powerful GLI turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 228 horsepower and 258 lb. ft. of torque.
Two transmissions are available, the standard six-speed manual or for $800 more, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Our GLI arrived with the automatic, and it performed flawlessly with downshift rev-matching and nice, firm shifts under acceleration.
Also notable is the GLI performancebred suspension features. Both S and Autobahn feature fully independent sport-tuned four-wheel setups with struts up front and a multilink rear similar to its sibling performance Golf GTI. Although still classified as a Jetta, the two GLI trims are now stand-alone performance sedans that won’t show up when studying the “normal” Jettas online. You’ll have to click on the Jetta GLI “Performance Sedan” button to find VW’s two available offerings. The S starts at $26,245 while the Autobahn starts at $29,945. Our GLI came in at a final $31,665 with the $800 automatic and $920 delivery included.
The big difference between the two
GLI trims is the Autobahn’s Dynamic Chassis Control, also known as Adaptive Chassis Control. This high-tech addition features five modes of adaptive chassis settings (Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Custom) that are selectable and easily tweaked by the driver ala steering stiffness, differential, throttle, engine sound and climate control settings to suit all driver likings. From the Comfort setting for freeways to dialing in the Sport mode for stiffer, better handling results, GLI Autobahn delivers.
And how fast are these GLI Jettas? Expect zero to 60 in about 5.8 seconds, 14.4 second quarter miles and a governed top speed of 155 mph. Yes, they truly are Volkswagen’s performance front-drive sedans.
However, even the “normal” Jettas are quite nice cars and very popular amongst compact car consumers. Jetta is now in its seventh generation as of last year, featuring a longer wheelbase than the sixth generation model. This new design is really a ground up rebuild as our GLI looked great wherever we took it. You can tell by the slippery and finessed lines and sporty touches that the Jetta GLI is special, although so are the lower cost Jettas as they look grand, too.
Volkswagen’s Jetta line is a prime example of its designers delivering a car in a wide range of trims and pricing, from a more timid family sedan to an out-andout performance car.
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