This week, were driving the all-new 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI, delivered in a special 35th Anniversary livery and sporting a 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. 25,995 in S trim. Several things make the GLI stand out and are not to be confused with the 鈥渞egular鈥?Jetta line. First is what sits under the hood, namely a 228-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivering 258 lb-ft of torque with a choice of either the six-speed manual or a special seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The lower priced Jetta models are not as powerful and offer 鈥渘ormal鈥?non-dual-clutch eight-speed automatics. Second is the suspension. Unlike the other Jettas, the GLI now rides on a fully independent four wheel suspension with a multilink rear just like the sibling performance hatchback Golf GTI. Not surprising is the new 2019 GLI now shares platform time with Golf GTI. However, even the 鈥渘ormal鈥?Jettas are quite nice cars and very popular choices amongst compact car shoppers.
Now in its 7th generation, our test drive Jetta is 1.2-inches longer in the wheelbase than the 6th generation model and this new design is pretty much a ground up rebuild. GLI shows well, especially sitting next to other VW sedans like the upscale Passat line. As for pricing, the Jetta family from Volkswagen offers numerous economical choices well below our upper price GLI. 18,745 and is quite a buy for the college commuter or on-the-road business person. 800. (The above mentioned safety items are standard on all of the more expensive Jetta and GLI lines). 26,945. These Jettas receive motivation from a 1.4-liter turbo four that develops 147-horsepower. All are proven performers and Volkswagen鈥檚 six-year, 72,000-mile overall bumper-to-bumper warranty is one of the best in the business. Fuel mileage city/highway is good across the board if not outstanding. The 1.4 delivers 28/40 while our GLI 228-horse 2.0 still delivers well at 25/32. The choice is yours as these Jettas are all noteworthy performers.
Standard on the GLI 35th Edition is a Composition Media 6.5-inch display with AM/FM/HD, Apple/Android and Bluetooth for enhanced listening. The interior features sporty additions, like aluminum pedals and special dashboard performance oriented gauges. As for handling, 18-inch Hankook summer tread tires improve GLI cornering and stopping abilities while the suspension is tuned for both comfort and performance. There are four driver select modes of Normal, Eco, Sport or Custom for your driving preference. All GLI models are 0.6-inch lower than the standard Jetta trims and are similar in performance capabilities with the Golf GTI, including identical drivetrains with limited slip differentials. However, unlike the Golf GTI hatchback, the GLI is a new performance sedan, and that鈥檚 the way Volkswagen wants it. In addition to the standard safety equipment like Intelligent Crash Response, every Jetta GLI Anniversary Edition features all expected airbags, high-performance four-wheel ABS disc brakes with red calibers, traction controls, keyless start/entry and much more.
VW鈥檚 attention to overall safety is rewarded with an overall Five Star government crash safety rating, a notable plus when comparing all compact, front drive models. Inside, Jetta GLI is aesthetically pleasing and roomy. The 35th edition seating, special dashboard, 60/40 split rear seat, Bluetooth, remote keyless entry, push-button start, all the powers, and more make for a sporty atmosphere and comfortably designed cabin. Your Volkswagen dealer awaits your visit to discuss all Jetta models, from S to GLI. Cargo room is excellent, especially for a compact car. The trunk is long and deep enough you won鈥檛 have any problems adding larger items or huge grocery orders into your Jetta sedan. Important numbers include a wheelbase of 105.6 inches, 13.2-gallon fuel tank, 3,217-lb. curb weight, 5.0-inch ground clearance, 14.1-cu. ft. 36.4 ft. turning circle. Jetta in any form is a prime example of Volkswagen engineers delivering midsize dimensions in a compact design. Throw in that wide range of pricing, and you鈥檝e got yourself a winning combination. But if you want a true performance sedan, drive the 2019 Jetta GLI in any state of dress. It鈥檚 the best of the bunch. Likes: Roomy interior, large trunk, 2.0 turbo engines, GLI performance. Dislikes: Prices rise quickly on upscale models, some expected amenities optional.
