2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Up Close
If you’re one of those types of people who poke car dashes to see if they’re soft or not, you’ll love the new Jetta GLI. The high-performance version of the redesigned Jetta — which debuted late last year to lukewarm online applause yet major sales — adds some higher-end material to the dash and seats to help warrant its $23,495 price tag.
More 2011 Chicago Auto Show Coverage
You might think everyone would be discussing the spectacular-looking 18-inch wheels, red brake calipers, integrated lip spoiler and silver accents along the windows, but all journalists wanted to do and talk about during the car’s unveiling was that soft dashboard.
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My take? Yes, it was nice, improved for sure, but it wasn’t going to sell me on this car. Instead, I’d take the nice red-stitched leatherette seats and upgraded Fender stereo in the midlevel Autobahn trim on display; it starts at $25,545. The sound was clear even at high volumes and tuned for fans of rock, such as myself.
The climate controls are also new, but didn’t seem to be of stellar quality.
Without driving the Jetta GLI — arguably the main selling point of a high-performance sedan — I’d say it is worth the price versus the base model’s $16,000 entry. I just don’t think I’d touch the dash often when I’m driving.
