Chicago Auto Show was the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. It promises to be the much-loved GTI but in a sedan skin. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is as powerful as the GTI with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Plus it gets a mechanical limited-slip differential and multi-link rear suspension. Naturally, we wanted to know a little more about this spunky sedan, so we got a tour of the new GLI from Adam Reinhardt, VW's American product marketing and strategy person, who told us key details. If you want to set a top-speed record with a small performance VW, you'll want to choose the Jetta GLI. Reinhardt told us it has a lower coefficient of drag than the GTI. Much of the credit goes to the fact that sedans are generally more aerodynamic than hatchbacks. When asked whether this could result in better fuel economy, Reinhardt simply said they're expecting about the same fuel economy, possibly a little better for the GLI.
While the Jetta GLI is more slippery than the GTI, it's a tad more portly. Reinhardt told us that it will probably be about 150 to 200 pounds heavier than the hatch. This is interesting, considering that the regular Jetta and Golf only differ in weight by around 50 pounds at the most. But the regular Jetta uses a much simpler, lighter torsion beam rear suspension. The heavier multi-link suspension that's exclusive to GLI is likely a source of that extra weight. Besides lightweight and low-cost, another reason automakers sometimes use torsion beam suspension is to free up cabin space. And since the Jetta was designed with the torsion beam in mind, we wondered if adding a multi-link setup would result in a smaller trunk. But Reinhardt assured us that the GLI's trunk is just as big as the regular Jetta's. The fuel tank is the same size, too, so it seems VW managed to avoid sacrificing any interior space. With that being said, we can basically guarantee the Jetta GLI won't have the same range as a regular Jetta, because there's no way it will be as efficient. Volkswagen didn't reveal pricing on the GLI, but we were able to get Reinhardt to say that pricing will be similar to the GTI. 28,000. He also mentioned that, trim for trim, the Jetta GLI will have a bit more equipment. So it seems that, whether the GLI is cheaper or not, you might get a little more for your money by choosing the GLI.
This makes the Jetta accessible to shoppers on strict budgets. And when you pair its low price with its generous range of standard features, it becomes clear the Jetta offers excellent value. You鈥檙e protected. The Jetta comes with excellent warranty coverage. Sometimes a new car doesn鈥檛 offer the dependability you expect. In cases such as this, it鈥檚 helpful to have the support of a good warranty. Warranty coverage helps make sure you don鈥檛 have to foot the bill if the life span of an expensive car part winds up being much shorter than you鈥檇 anticipated. Volkswagen is known for its exceptional warranty coverage, and this protection backs the Jetta. This VW sedan comes with 6-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty coverage. And if you choose to sell your Jetta while it鈥檚 still under warranty, the coverage transfers to the new owner at no extra cost. This is a great perk that can make your car more appealing on the used market. Many car buyers like having a few powerplant choices to consider, and automakers often cater to this preference.
Take the Hyundai Elantra, one of the Jetta鈥檚 rivals. This compact car allows buyers to choose from three engines. In previous incarnations, the Jetta was available with gas-only, hybrid, and diesel powertrains. For the 2019 model year, the range of available engines has been whittled to one. All Jetta sedans come with a turbocharged, 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 147 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. This engine does a respectable job of motivating the Jetta, but the slim powertrain lineup will be a disappointment for drivers who like to have a range of options. The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta delivers Germanic refinement at a very affordable price point. 20,000 base price aren鈥檛 natural bedfellows, but this unusual mix of qualities is part of the package with the 2019 Jetta. This Volkswagen sedan is easy-going and capable, offering an upscale cabin, smooth handling, and competitive fuel economy. The Jetta makes European quality accessible to the masses. If that piques your interest, you鈥檒l probably appreciate what this sedan has to offer. Did you find this article helpful? If so, please share it using the "Join the Conversation" buttons below, and thank you for visiting Daily News Autos.
