The New 2019 Volkswagen Golf R High-performance Hatchback
The Golf R will go on sale in early 2012, and features a high-output version of Volkswagen's 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder FSI engine, making 256 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. There will be just one transmission option: a six-speed manual. Drive is taken to all four wheels through a fourth-generation Haldex system. In keeping with the R's mission as a performance flagship for the VW brand, the vehicle is equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and unique 18-inch wheels. Even the Electronic Stability Control system has been re-tuned for a sportier driving experience. With a predicted weight of 3325 pounds for the two-door model, distributed 60 percent up front, it鈥檚 estimated that the Golf R will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds. Top speed will be electronically limited to 130 mph. The fuel economy is predicted to be excellent for such a sporting car, with 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The Golf R will be available in both two- and four-door forms, the first time in the U.S. Golf R model. The car signals its sporting intent with a number of interior and exterior enhancements. The front bumper has a motorsport look, there鈥檚 a high-gloss black radiator grille and dramatic LED DRLs are integrated into the Bi-Xenon headlights. Gloss-black-painted brake calipers nestle behind stylish new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. At the rear of the car, there鈥檚 a center-mounted chrome twin tailpipe and a racing-style diffuser, also highlighted in gloss black. The interior gains a unique steering wheel, shifter knob, door sill plates and trim that differentiate it from the GTI. There are two trim levels: Base and High. Inside, the Base model features a multifunction steering wheel and leather-topped seats with the R logo, while the High trim adds a sunroof, the RNS 315 navigation system, the Dynaudio sound system, and keyless entry with push-button start.
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.
