The new GLI is essentially a slightly sportier version of the standard Jetta. It features the same oversized grille and sporty front bumper, but combines design cues seen on the Golf GTI. For instance, the horizontal and vertical slats in the standard grille were replaced with a honeycomb layout, while the horizontal trim that splits the element in two is finished in red, just like on the Golf GTI. But instead of a red "GTI" badge, the sedan sports red "GLI" lettering. Volkswagen also upgraded the standard headlamps to LED projector units and LED daytime running lights. Below, the center vent features a honeycomb mesh, while the fake side outlets have black surrounds and a black plastic inserts with fins instead of foglamps. Overall, the Jetta GLI looks a lot like a modernized Golf GTI up front. The GLI鈥檚 profile looks rather generic though. Outside the "GLI" badge on the front fender and the 18-inch, aluminum-alloy wheels that are exclusive to this car, the GLI remains identical to the regular Jetta. The sporty suspension lowers the four-door 0.6 inches closer to the ground, but that鈥檚 barely noticeable.
Around back, Volkswagen added LED taillights as standard and glued a small spoiler on top of the integrated trunk lid spoiler of the regular model. The bumper remains identical to the standard Jetta, but there鈥檚 a diffuser-like element worth mentioning thanks to its small fins and round exhaust pipes that replace the usual trapezoidal outlets. These are also finished in chrome for a more exclusive look. A red "GLI" badge on the trunk lid rounds off the rear fascia. Opt for the slightly more exclusive 35th Anniversary model, and you also get black wheels with red stripes, black roof, black mirror caps, a black rear spoiler, and 35th-anniversary badges. The fact that the Jetta is a fresh design already makes the interior a nice place to spend time in. It looks modern, crips, and stands out in its segment as a premium-type cabin with plenty of cool features. The "GLI" badge makes things even better by adding features taken from the Golf GTI, like the red stitching on the steering wheel, gear shifter, armrest, and floor mats and sportier front seats.
The latter come in black in every trim, but while the base cloth seats have grey piping, the perforated leather upholstery in the Autobahn model sport red accents. There鈥檚 also a Diamond flag decor trim, while the 35th Anniversary model adds unique seat tags, floor mats, and door sills. The Jetta GLI also comes with an extended list of standard features, like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, keyless access and push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, and auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The Driver Personalization setting, which includes setups for driver seat memory, driver assistance system preferences, temperature, ambient lighting color, and radio presents is also standard. You also get App-Connect with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink smartphone integration, as well as the 10-color ambient lighting. You can further customize the Jetta GLI with features from the options list, which includes the HMI display from the Golf GTI and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display. The latter comes with a reconfigurable display with unique GLI graphics and the possibility to position navigation data in front of the driver.
Other features you can select include a sunroof, 400-watt BeatsAudio system, Volkswagen Car-Net vehicle services, SiriusXm radio, Voice Control, a second USB port, power driver seat with memory and lumbar support, ventilated seats, and remote start. The Jetta GLI is a full-fledged Golf GTI under the skin. Motivation comes from the same turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That鈥檚 identical to the current Golf GTI and an 18-horsepower and 41-pound-foot boost over the previous Jetta GLI. That鈥檚 also an extra 81 horsepower and 74 pound-feet over the regular Jetta. All that oomph travels to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic. The DSG is obviously optional, yet another setup that鈥檚 similar to the Golf GTI. The automatic also features a start/stop system that improves fuel economy by stopping the engine during idle when the brake pedal is pressed. Volkswagen has yet to release performance figures, but the new Jetta GLI should be notably quicker than the old sedan, which needed 6.7 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start. Expect the new four-door to get there in less than six seconds.
Top speed is likely limited to 155 mph, just like the Golf GTI. But how does it compare to its rivals? Well, the GLI doesn鈥檛 have many rivals, as most vehicles in this niche have less 200 horsepower. The Toyota Corolla, for instance, generates only 140 horses in its most powerful version, while the Honda Civic comes with a 174-horsepower rating. The Civic Si version comes closer tho, thanks to a 1.5-liter four-cylinder mill rated at 205 horsepower and 192 pound-feet. That鈥檚 a 23-horsepower and 66-pound-foot deficit though, so you鈥檙e better off with the Jetta GLI in the performance department. The Subaru WRX is a worthy performance-oriented sedan that the GLI might go against. But this Japanese four-door is notably more capable thanks to a 2.0-liter flat-four mill that cranks out a solid 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of twist. That鈥檚 30 horses more and identical torque. Getting back to the Jetta GLI, you can drive it through four individual modes.
