First Drive: 2019 VW Jetta GLI
What鈥檚 Good: The seventh generation GLI caps the Jetta lineup with added amenities, new driver techs and a special 35th edition model. What鈥檚 Bad: Smooth performer but would I be whining if I asked for just a little more performance punch? DEAL鈥橲 GAP, NC - There are 318 curves in the 11 miles (18 km) that make up the Tail of the Dragon. Apparently, someone counted them. All I knew was that there seemed to be a lot of corners crammed into one of the twistiest stretches of tarmac in North America. The road has become a Mecca for motorcycles, some of which have left sundry bits and pieces strewn along hairpin corners or nailed in testament to the 鈥淭ree of Shame鈥? I was more securely belted between four wheels, but somewhere between Beginner鈥檚 End and Copperhead Corner, I had come to equally appreciate the smooth, road handling panache of Volkswagen鈥檚 latest Jetta GLI.
Think of the Jetta as sort of a Golf with a trunk. And then think of the GLI as the sporty sedan version of the Golf GTI. Like some celebrity鈥檚 other brother, the GLI never quite got the recognition or respect earned by its hot hatch GTI sibling. But both vehicles are now based on VW鈥檚 modern multi-purpose MQB platform, sharing similar underpinnings, updated powerplants, new performance technologies and other pieces from the parts shelf. Those new numbers were earned on premium octane but this EA888 TSI engine will also run on regular and, even with the GLI鈥檚 added 140 kg of upscale extras, the numbers still work out to a noticeably improved power-to-weight ratio. The extra oomph won鈥檛 exactly put you in a whiplash collar. 1,400), replacing the previous-gen six-speed DSG. Kudos to Vee-Dub for keeping the six-speed manual. The GLI does not feel too big and awkward for snicking through the cogs.
In fact, this smooth-shifting gearbox felt best for rev-matching and making the most out of the engine power. The seven-speed DSG automatic seemed to default to low revs for fuel economy. With the DSG, the GLI requires a firm hand, or, errr, firm foot on the throttle to make the most of its performance potential. Even Sport mode felt more amiable than frenetic, bumping the rpm baseline less than expected. Whatever your preferred pace, the power is put to the pavement via standard front-wheel-drive. So far, we can only wish for the added performance edge of all-wheel-drive but we鈥檒l keep our fingers crossed anyway. The GLI complements the engine鈥檚 extra pop with a slew of added performance features. The black honeycomb grille up front wears the same red accent strip as the GTI, a look complemented by red brake calipers peeking through biggish 18-inch wheels. And the GLI is further bejeweled with standard LED headlights, DRLS and tail lamps. 3,300 less than the previous gen version. A special 35th anniversary edition model, limited to 1,000 units for Canada, ups the optics with a black roof, black mirror caps and spoiler, along with special dark grey 18-inch wheels with a red stripe circling the outer rim. Special 35th edition badging marks interior trim, floor mats, seat tags, lighted sill plates and 鈥渇litzers鈥?(fender badges). The 2019 Jetta GLI comes across with the kind of smooth performance that would be more readily personified in a tuxedo than a tank top. It鈥檚 smooth, strong and secure even in the twisty bits. 750 more, perfectly complementing the 2019 Jetta GLI鈥檚 poised and polished performance.
With its compact dimensions, its wheel posture on every corner and its decently wide 195 section tires, the Up can carry remarkable speed through a series of corners. You soon realize that the secret speed weapon of the VW is not its power. Anyway, in a short time you will find yourself pushing much more powerful machines to and from the corners. Yes, you are likely to lose them on the next straight, but as soon as the road turns, you will be back in the queue. VW has put a price on the rise! VW has not spared the kit, as all versions of the GTI have heated seats, a Color Composition infotainment system, USB connection and air conditioning. Does the Up GTI capture the fun and pioneering spirit of the MKI Golf GTI? Well, yes and no. It is fast, agile and fun to drive, but like all modern VW GTIs, there is a refinement brightness that means that the driver lacks that degree of involvement that marks the biggest problems.
