Always entertaining to drive, accommodating rear seat and trunk, costs less than the hatchback GTI. Smooth cars fast and Comfortable. Along with being more affordable and The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI has the same amazing driving attributes that make the Golf GTI a smash hit, and that earned it an Editors' Choice award. Although the hatchback has a nicer interior, it's actually the sedan that's more practical, thanks to its roomier back seat and bigger trunk. Both VWs boast a potent 228-hp turbocharged four-cylinder that mates to either an engaging manual transmission or a quicker-shifting automatic. The having a bigger back seat, the Jetta GLI sedan has the same performance acumen as the Golf GTI hatchback.

Traded from a 2020 base Jetta which was impressive for being a base car. The GLI for what you pay and for what you get is a true masterpiece of a car. Most car reviewers have praised the interior, the handling, the drive, the power overall the whole driving experience you get with the venerable Golf GTI you get here. And they are right yes something like the Veloster N has more Power but it will never have the refinement of a German engineered driving machine. After all it's still a Hyundai what more can be said.

I really wanted a GTI but realized I needed something a bit more passenger friendly and, voila! the Jetta GLI. Everything the GTI has, but a little more grown-up. Importantly (for me) the GLI has some of the tech that won't be in the GTI (digital dash) until 2022. Got the Autobahn version, which is loaded with everything you could possibly want (including a phone charger pad) in red and couldn't be happier. It is fast and a complete blast to drive. I hesitate to say a poor man's Audi, but there it is. Yes, VW did cost cut a bit over the GTI - no passenger power seats or manual height adjustment. The upholstery isn't GTI cool, but the bang for buck is unquestionable. Back seat is surprisingly large and the trunk is ample. It's truly an unassuming pocket rocket that makes me smile every time I drive it. What more could you ask?