The Volkswagen Jetta GLI has long been the most affordable way for European sports sedan fans to get their fix, and the latest incarnation is arguably the most appealing in more than three decades of availability. I鈥檝e always liked the understated simplicity of the sixth-generation Jetta鈥檚 design, and especially appreciated the 2012 GLI for reintroducing an independent rear suspension as well as soft-touch interior trim to the Jetta line. The 2016 Jetta GLI moves things up a notch or two: Its cabin now features Volkswagen鈥檚 impressive new MIB 2 infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, while its exterior gets pumped up with yet more eye-catching style. New details include a subtle but effective colour substitution on the honeycomb grille, the lower chromed horizontal underline exchanged for bright red. The sportier hue continues outward into the revised headlamps, just like the previous chrome line, albeit with more dramatic effect.
The lower fascia is the real spectacle, however, now completely de-chromed and reworked with a narrower air intake and deeper lip spoiler that鈥檚 divided into two body-coloured sections with additional black aero elements. It鈥檚 more aggressive, more substantive, and wider-looking. Additionally, the old Jetta GLI鈥檚 black-on-black fog lamp strakes are now black-on-body-colour, and more artful in the way they wrap around new squared-off fogs. Things are more subdued in the back where the rear bumper gets a similar split look to the front spoiler, albeit affecting the diffuser-like design just below. The tiny deck lid spoiler and darkened LED taillights remain unchanged, while my tester wore the same optional 18鈥?Mallory wheels as last year, these still framing large rotors with red-painted brake calipers for a decidedly track-ready look. The aforementioned MIB 2 touchscreen is certainly more advanced than Volkswagen鈥檚 previous unit, now featuring proximity-sensing links that expand as your finger approaches, predicting your choice and making the digital button larger and easier to push while driving. What will matter more to many drivers are the simple things, like finally replacing the standard 30-pin Apple connector with a regular USB. Dual SD card slots are pretty cool additions, too.
Of course, a rear-view camera comes as part of the standard GLI package. The only problem is that you鈥檒l likely be gawking at all of this techno wizardry, not to mention the GLI鈥檚 sport-luxury detailing, when your eyes should instead be focused on the outside. The cabin of the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is all done out in black with red stitching, plus piano black plastic with glossy red pin striping, along with the usual bright aluminum touches VWs are famous for. Great-looking, red-stitched leather seats continued the sporty theme in my Autobahn model, while providing superb support with aggressive bolstering. What鈥檚 more, beautifully finished leather wrapped around the gorgeous, flat-bottomed sport steering wheel, also detailed with red thread, while red-stitched leather adorned the shifter boot, handbrake grip and skirt, plus the centre armrest/storage bin lid. There鈥檚 certainly no shortage of headroom up front and more than enough shoulder and hip space for my 5鈥?鈥?frame.
In the rear, I had about 3鈥?of clearance above my head and the same amount next to my shoulders, with plenty more ahead of my knees and feet. Overall, the Jetta proves ideal for taller folks. The back seat offers good lower back support and features a centre armrest with dual cup holders, but no outboard seat heaters. I like the way the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI balances comfort with performance. It鈥檚 a sports sedan, for sure, but it hasn鈥檛 forgotten its need to be an everyday driver and family hauler, either. It鈥檚 the type of car that keeps a person at ease during daily commuting no matter how bad the traffic jam is, and then lets you happily enjoy multiple hours on your way out of the city on the weekend. Ergonomics are excellent and visibility is superb. The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI needs all the traction it can get, mind you, as its powertrain is plenty responsive. Also critical, a very capable set of 4-wheel discs slows the relatively lightweight 1,432kg sedan quickly with little fade after repeated stomps, allowing confidence for late braking before corners. Then again, if things go awry, post-crash automatic braking will mitigate the effects of a secondary collision鈥昻ot that I want to quell your enthusiasm for spirited canyon carving. Of course, all the usual standard active and passive safety features are included, while my top-line Autobahn tester also featured blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. On the plus side, all Jettas earn a best-possible 5-star rating from the NHTSA. The 2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn really is a practical, do-it-all compact sedan when needed, and an autocross track star when wanted. Not many cars pull off such diverse dual personas as effectively while providing such a high level of comfort. Now equipped with state-of-the-art infotainment, it鈥檚 hard to fault.
