Volkswagen has revealed the 2019 Jetta GLI, wrapping the 2.0-liter TSI engine of the Golf GTI in a performance sedan body. It’s based on VW’s MQB architecture, unsurprisingly, just like the more mainstream 2019 Jetta. However into that the automaker drops its EA888 TSI engine, for 18 hp and 41 lb-ft more than the outgoing Jetta GLI. There’s variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust sides, along with variable exhaust valve lift. Power is routed to the front wheels, and VW is giving a nod to purists by spec’ing a six-speed manual transmission as standard. Those who prefer not to row their own gears have the option of a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic instead. That comes with auto start/stop, too. Independent sport suspension is standard, with a strut-type setup at the front and multi-link for the rear wheels. 13.4-inch vented front disc brakes are shared with the Golf GTI and R, too, and there’s the VAQ electronically-controlled, torque sensing limited-slip differential.
Variable ratio electric power steering is standard, and the 2019 Jetta GLI 35th Anniversary model will also get DCC adaptive damping. Drivers get four drive modes to choose between: Normal, Sport, Eco, and Custom. The latter allows the various settings - steering, throttle, front differential, engine note, and climate control - to be adjusted individually. The 35th Anniversary GLI will also offer control over damping settings in Custom mode, as well as add a fifth, Comfort mode. Inside, heated seats and dual-zone climate control are standard. There’s keyless entry and start, together an infotainment system that works with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. An auto-dimming rearview mirror is standard, as is forward collision warnings, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, and automatic post-collision braking. Options will include a sunroof and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. That replaces the standard analog gages with a fully-digital display, complete with special GLI graphics. A 400W BeatsAudio system, VW Car-Net connected services, SiriusXM, Voice Control, and a second USB port are also available, as is a power driver seat with memory and lumbar adjustment, ventilated seats, and remote start. As you’d expect, like the regular Jetta the 2019 Jetta GLI gets VW’s six year/72,000 mile warranty. That can also be transferred to subsequent owners. VW says the 2019 Jetta GLI will arrive in dealerships in the spring of 2019. There’ll be both the regular trim, and the 35th Anniversary Edition. Pricing for both will be confirmed closer to the on-sale date.
If you want more power, however, you can opt for the Golf R, which features a 292-horsepower turbo-four. Fuel-conscious buyers may want the all-electric e-Golf, which features a 134-horsepower electric motor. Another Golf trim - the Golf GTI - slots between the base model and the Golf R. To read more, check out our full review of the Volkswagen GTI. The Golf gets worse gas mileage than many competitors. With the automatic transmission, the base model earns 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The e-Golf, on the other hand, gets excellent mileage. According to the EPA, it gets 126 mpg-e city and 111 mpg-e highway, for a combined rating of 119 mpg-e. The e-Golf has a range of 125 miles. 4 more per month on gas in the Kia Soul. 17 per month on gas driving the Honda Civic or Mazda3. The Golf is one of the most athletic cars in the class.
Its precise steering and adept handling make it more than a match for both winding roads and city streets. This isn’t just a one-trick pony, though. It also delivers a cushioned ride over most road surfaces. Is the Volkswagen Golf Reliable? The 2018 Volkswagen Golf has a predicted reliability rating of three out of five from J.D. Power. That is considered average for all new cars, but many compact cars have higher ratings. The Volkswagen Golf is covered by a six-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, which is a longer warranty than many class rivals provide. The 2018 VW Golf has a five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It earns four out of five stars in the frontal crash and rollover tests. At the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Golf receives the highest score of Good in five individual crash tests. The Golf comes standard with a rearview camera. Available driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.
