2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Review
Coming this spring is the feistiest version of the all-new Jetta; the small, sporty GLI. Marking its 6th generation, the 2019 GLI swaps the Jetta’s 1.4-liter engine for the GTI’s 2.0-liter turbo, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque – increasing its power over the previous generation. And yes – a 6-speed manual is still available while a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional. Its brakes are shared with VW’s other performance cars as is the limited slip differential that helps to improve traction and further performance by reducing understeer. A fully independent, lowered sport suspension is made even more sophisticated on the special 35th Anniversary model by adding an adaptive damping system which includes a Comfort setting to the 4 standard drive modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and Custom. In addition to a more dynamic throttle and shift response and tighter steering, Sport mode includes a more spirited exhaust note. The black interior can be specified with either cloth or leather depending on trim while available features like the Digital Cockpit display, 400-watt Beats Audio system and 10-color customizable ambient lighting add pizzazz. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is available in 2 regular trim levels and a 35th Anniversary Edition. Pricing has yet to be announced.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn Review
Affordable, fun and frugal; the GLI has been fitting that bill now for a number of years. And even though this model is all-new the GLI continues to deliver on that heritage.
Perhaps more so than any other brand, Volkswagen has an instantly recognizable character, particularly from behind the wheel. Whether you’re in a Golf, Jetta or Passat the family lineage is palpable; from the slightly astringent new car smell to the squared off windshield, VWs possess a set of personality traits that convey exactly who they are.
Priced at over $7,000 more than the Jetta from which it is based, the GLI sits lower upon a specifically tuned stiffer, sport suspension with Golf R front brakes, a torque vectoring electronic limited slip differential vastly improving handling and cornering performance, variable ratio steering for speed appropriate turning effort, and Driving Mode Selection with Normal, Sport, Eco and Custom settings that affect a number of variables including exhaust note. You also get the GLI look with red accents, more aggressive styling and dual exhaust tips and inside there are comfort sport seats in the front and very thoughtful contoured seats in the rear so your passengers can enjoy your spirited driving without sliding around. Oh, and of course there’s a power upgrade where the Jetta’s 1.4-liter turbo is swapped for the GTI’s 2.0-liter turbo with considerably more output than the previous GLI; 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. And ironically, I find that VW’s fuel economy estimates are more accurate than most and as you can see I’ve averaged about 30mpg this week with lots of sporty driving. Again, the GLI offers a coveted balance of performance and efficiency, and that’s with this standard 6-speed manual that actually returns the same mileage as the optional 7-speed auto…you don’t see that much anymore. Speaking of the stick shift, I’m not one of those save the manual sycophants but I still enjoy one in the right car and this is definitely one of those times. In lock step with the GLI’s overall balanced nature, the manual throws and clutch pedal movements are satisfyingly easy…a good one for first timers to practice on. It is weird though to have an electronic parking brake and not a hand brake.
The GLI is also a car that might not shine on a quicky test-drive at your dealer. It’s not until you drive it every day in a variety of situations that you really start to appreciate the overall offering. It’s comfortably simple and relaxed yet sporty and excitable when you want it to be…a very nice dynamic range for $30,000. This is the top-of-the-line GLI Autobahn with real leather seats, a panoramic sunroof and the cool-looking Digital Cockpit but it doesn’t have the desirable adaptive chassis control feature of the 35th Anniversary Edition slotted just below it. Even so, this GLI rides with the trademark compliance of VW’s sporty cars while engaging the driver in a more organic and fun natured way. You really feel like you’re driving this car and not the other way around and this limited slip, cross-differential system is the real deal doing a yeoman’s job of neutralizing understeer and surefootedly powering out of turns. It’s light and nimble with great steering feel and simply put, a fun way to get around without sacrificing practicality or comfort.
Getting into a VW is like going to visit your grandparents; familiar, welcoming, but kind of stuck in time. You know exactly what you’re going to get and that’s not necessarily a criticism because VW’s formula for building fun to drive cars simply works. The GLI still offers a stick shift and it’s as easy as Sunday morning, the flat cowl provides excellent forward visibility and the turbo adds zip. It’s not groundbreaking stuff but put it all together and it just feels right. Spacious, efficient, reasonably priced and dialed in the GLI is the right Jetta for the driver who wants a little more.
Yes, VW’s atavistic styling opens itself up to scrutiny and their cabins are not exactly the most current or exciting but they do work with a quaint simplicity. The new infotainment is a competent touchscreen replete with a couple of knobs and interesting features like the performance monitors and 10-color ambient lighting. And the 400-watt Beats Audio System with 8 speakers and a sub is a bass blaster with big sound. The rear seats are sculpted and play large but VW’s giving passengers nothing back here; one seatback pocket, and no USB ports. The center console is pleasantly large for a European car as is the trunk, speaking to the GLI’s larger than most compact dimensions. The Civic Si is awesome and the Elantra Sport is no slouch but the GLI just feels like the veteran player that sets the bar for prudent, German-engineered, automotive entertainment.
Perhaps more so than any other brand, Volkswagen has an instantly recognizable character, particularly from behind the wheel. Whether you’re in a Golf, Jetta or Passat the family lineage is palpable; from the slightly astringent new car smell to the squared off windshield, VWs possess a set of personality traits that convey exactly who they are.
Priced at over $7,000 more than the Jetta from which it is based, the GLI sits lower upon a specifically tuned stiffer, sport suspension with Golf R front brakes, a torque vectoring electronic limited slip differential vastly improving handling and cornering performance, variable ratio steering for speed appropriate turning effort, and Driving Mode Selection with Normal, Sport, Eco and Custom settings that affect a number of variables including exhaust note. You also get the GLI look with red accents, more aggressive styling and dual exhaust tips and inside there are comfort sport seats in the front and very thoughtful contoured seats in the rear so your passengers can enjoy your spirited driving without sliding around. Oh, and of course there’s a power upgrade where the Jetta’s 1.4-liter turbo is swapped for the GTI’s 2.0-liter turbo with considerably more output than the previous GLI; 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. And ironically, I find that VW’s fuel economy estimates are more accurate than most and as you can see I’ve averaged about 30mpg this week with lots of sporty driving. Again, the GLI offers a coveted balance of performance and efficiency, and that’s with this standard 6-speed manual that actually returns the same mileage as the optional 7-speed auto…you don’t see that much anymore. Speaking of the stick shift, I’m not one of those save the manual sycophants but I still enjoy one in the right car and this is definitely one of those times. In lock step with the GLI’s overall balanced nature, the manual throws and clutch pedal movements are satisfyingly easy…a good one for first timers to practice on. It is weird though to have an electronic parking brake and not a hand brake.
The GLI is also a car that might not shine on a quicky test-drive at your dealer. It’s not until you drive it every day in a variety of situations that you really start to appreciate the overall offering. It’s comfortably simple and relaxed yet sporty and excitable when you want it to be…a very nice dynamic range for $30,000. This is the top-of-the-line GLI Autobahn with real leather seats, a panoramic sunroof and the cool-looking Digital Cockpit but it doesn’t have the desirable adaptive chassis control feature of the 35th Anniversary Edition slotted just below it. Even so, this GLI rides with the trademark compliance of VW’s sporty cars while engaging the driver in a more organic and fun natured way. You really feel like you’re driving this car and not the other way around and this limited slip, cross-differential system is the real deal doing a yeoman’s job of neutralizing understeer and surefootedly powering out of turns. It’s light and nimble with great steering feel and simply put, a fun way to get around without sacrificing practicality or comfort.
Getting into a VW is like going to visit your grandparents; familiar, welcoming, but kind of stuck in time. You know exactly what you’re going to get and that’s not necessarily a criticism because VW’s formula for building fun to drive cars simply works. The GLI still offers a stick shift and it’s as easy as Sunday morning, the flat cowl provides excellent forward visibility and the turbo adds zip. It’s not groundbreaking stuff but put it all together and it just feels right. Spacious, efficient, reasonably priced and dialed in the GLI is the right Jetta for the driver who wants a little more.
Yes, VW’s atavistic styling opens itself up to scrutiny and their cabins are not exactly the most current or exciting but they do work with a quaint simplicity. The new infotainment is a competent touchscreen replete with a couple of knobs and interesting features like the performance monitors and 10-color ambient lighting. And the 400-watt Beats Audio System with 8 speakers and a sub is a bass blaster with big sound. The rear seats are sculpted and play large but VW’s giving passengers nothing back here; one seatback pocket, and no USB ports. The center console is pleasantly large for a European car as is the trunk, speaking to the GLI’s larger than most compact dimensions. The Civic Si is awesome and the Elantra Sport is no slouch but the GLI just feels like the veteran player that sets the bar for prudent, German-engineered, automotive entertainment.
2019 Volkswagen Jetta Review
In the compact sedan class, everyone is chasing the Civic. But VW believes they are about to raise the bar with the all-new 2019 Jetta. The Jetta is one of those nameplates most everyone recognizes for its frugal yet fun-to-drive nature. But this time VW wanted to embolden the Jetta with sexier, coupe-like styling and a more assertive stance. Compared with the current car, the new Jetta grows outside in every direction adding up to more interior space, as well. The cabin takes fit and finish up a notch with high tech features and refined materials. And the center storage console has been Americanized, holding up to 5 liters which is large enough for an iPad. The driver-oriented cockpit features an infotainment screen placed high in the dashboard, to make all vehicle information easily accessible to the driver and every Jetta offers standard Driver Personalization with up to four driver settings. Driver Assistance features? Yup, they’re here too including an updated version of adaptive cruise control for use in stop and go traffic. The motor behind it all continues to be a 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making 147 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque routed to the front wheels via a standard 6-speed manual or optional 8-speed automatic transmission, the later equipped with a Start/Stop system to improve fuel efficiency. Pricing starts at under $20,000 for a Jetta S. Other trims include SE, SEL and SEL Premium. An R-Line trim will join the lineup during the Jetta’s 2nd quarter launch featuring sportier styling and a limited slip differential.