2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: 4 Facts We Learned
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 car frowns at and refrains from grand gestures, so turn in with restraint while staying in the taller gear then open up the steering early and feed the torque diligently. The reward is a captivating blend of cornering grip and exit speed, a high level of composure, immaculate body control, not much understeer, and plenty of feedback. You always know exactly where you are with this Golf, be it one tenth under or over the limit. A scalpel rather than a butter knife, it carves a fine line without leaving deep grooves on the blacktop. Physically pulling itself together the instant fast forward switches to fast rewind, the GTI shines through the ubiquitous second-gear twisties. Overdriving the hatch upsets the handling balance by inducing excess understeer and destructive ASR/ESP interference. It鈥檚 much better to keep this car on a long leash, give torque preference over power, time driver inputs defensively, maintain a steady flow. After all, this is no longer your father鈥檚 GTI 鈥?or the GTI I still remember vividly from the original press launch. The Golf has grown up, put on weight and learned new tricks 鈥?but is still delightful to drive. Of course, we expect a sharper Golf R and European-only track-bred Clubsport to follow. In a way, the GTI feels more like a detuned Golf R without all-wheel drive, like the cruiser version of the line-topping bruiser. But don鈥檛 forget that Mallorca and its winding by-ways are only one side of the coin. Picture this car on fast country roads or on the autobahn and it will no doubt collect more brownie points. After all, no contender can match the epic Golf for its sweet ride-and-handling mix and the rare combination of laid-back competence and absolute commitment.
The GTI, like the i30 N, could look sportier inside, yet its cabin feels the most premium out of our contenders - a factor that undoubtedly contributes to the VW鈥檚 popularity. It鈥檚 also the best packaged, because despite the Golf being the shortest car here (and with the shortest wheelbase), its rear-seat space is comparable to that of the longest-in-group Megane. Legroom is tighter in the back of the i30 N, if certainly not to the point of discomfort provided tall passengers aren鈥檛 trying to sit behind tall front occupants. It鈥檚 a close call between the Hyundai and Renault for comfiest rear bench. All three provide plentiful headroom, as well as centre armrests and cupholders. Only the Hyundai misses out on rear vents. Each hatch features a 60-40 split-fold ratio for its rear seatbacks, with the GTI scoring higher practicality points for its completely flat floor and ski-port. There鈥檚 a small step in the Renault where the seats fold, while there鈥檚 an even bigger step in the Hyundai - as well as a strut brace (which can be removed).
The i30 N, however, has the deepest boot, plus handy hooks, luggage net, and a 12-volt socket not offered in the Megane. The Megane has the widest boot - and the biggest by quoted capacities: 434 litres v 381L (i30 N) and 380L (GTI). So, the Megane RS will cost owners more to fuel based on our average fuel-test figures and its 98-RON diet, and there鈥檚 further bad news. Renault Australia no longer offers a five-year warranty for its RS models - dropping it back to the below-industry-average three years (yet other Renault models remain on five, inexplicably). We鈥檇 recommend bartering with your local Renault dealer for five years, which would match the warranty offered by Hyundai. Volkswagen has also upgraded its permanent warranty to five years. Roadside assistance is complimentary for each vehicle provided owners adhere to servicing schedules with official/supported dealers. This is offered up to 10 years with the i30 N, for five years with the GTI and up to four years with the RS.
