On the back, it says “GLI,” but it doesn’t say “Jetta.” That’s probably wise. It has been a while since the Volkswagen Jetta was genuinely embraced by performance enthusiasts, so this new sports model, the GLI, might do better on its own than forcefully dovetailed into the Jetta family.
The GLI is a Jetta, though, no denying that, but there are subtle and not-so-subtle differences. Our red test car had red-painted brake calipers (they are red no matter the exterior color), bold five-spoke alloy wheels and P225/45R-17 performance radial tires. Other differences are under the skin, such as a stiffer suspension, a lower-restriction exhaust system and xenon headlights.
Under the hood, there’s a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, pumping out 200 horsepower. The more I drive Volkswagen and Audi models with this engine, the less I miss the turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder, one of the smoothest little engines ever. On the test vehicle, the transmission is a sophisticated six-speed automatic that is perfectly matched to this engine. Power is not of the neck-snapping variety, but it’s more than adequate.
Inside, the GLI comes standard with cloth-covered seats, but the tester had a $3,200 option package that included leather upholstery, as well as a power sunroof, Sirius satellite radio and a few other features. The automatic added $875, and with one additional option package and $615 in shipping charges, the $23,790 base price rose to $29,230. I like the stuff that comes with that $3,200 option package, but not $3,200 worth. A base model GLI with a six-speed manual transmission, at just more than $25,000, would be a bargain.
One reason: There’s loads of standard equipment, including air conditioning, cruise control, stability control, antilock disc brakes, side and side-curtain air bags, a good stereo with an in-dash CD changer and full power-operated features. The GLI’s interior is nicely executed in a means-business way. Front seats are excellent; rear seats are adequate for adults, but if you plan to use that rear seat a lot, consider a Passat.
And at any price level with the GLI, you still get a sweet powertrain, big tires and a beefy suspension that make the GLI beg to be taken off the expressway, onto winding back roads. Try as they might, other manufacturers just can’t quite match the road feel of a good German sedan — even a German sedan that is built in Puebla, Mexico.
The GLI is the most appealing Jetta in years. Well done, Volkswagen.
Sentinel Automotive Editor Steven Cole Smith’s TV reports air today on Central Florida News 13.
