- Latest-gen Jetta gets the heart of a GTI
- Increases in horsepower and torque
- 35th-anniversary edition features adaptive damping
- A chassis that loves corners
- Excellent brakes from high-performance Golf R
Last year, Volkswagen introduced the all-new, 7th-generation Jetta. The latest version of the German automaker’s compact sedan proved a good evolution, bringing technology like a digital instrument cluster derived from VW’s luxury cousin Audi, improved safety systems, and new-to-Jetta creature comforts like ventilated seats and a Beats audio system. And once again, the new 2019 Jetta stood out from rivals like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla with its athletic manners and fun-to-drive nature. But with only 147 horsepower under the hood and a simpler rear suspension system, it could only do so much.
The new 2019 Jetta GLI rectifies that. This top-line, higher-powered version of the Jetta brings all the amenities of the standard model, plus a heaping portion of performance.
GTI in a sedan suit
The Jetta GLI has long been thought of as a Golf GTI in sedan form, as it used similar components to VW’s venerable hot hatch. With this all-new Jetta GLI that is truer than ever. Indeed, if the standard Jetta and GTI had a baby, the 2019 Jetta GLI would be the result. Whereas past GLI’s made slightly less horsepower and torque than the GTI, the all-new 2019 Jetta GLI uses the exact same engine as its hatch sibling. The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder in the latest Jetta GLI puts out 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque – that’s an increase of 18 horsepower and a significant 51 units of twist over the prior model. And the performance upgrades don’t end there.
Whereas the standard Jetta has a simple torsion-beam rear suspension, the GLI uses a proper multilink. Then there are the transmission choices. The standard Jetta uses an 8-speed automatic that prioritizes comfort and efficiency, but the Jetta GLI has a snappier 7-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic.
More significant for driving enthusiasts craving the most engagement is the availability of this model’s 6-speed manual transmission. While the standard Jetta can only be had with a manual on the base model, it is standard on all three trims of the Jetta GLI, with the 7-speed DSG automatic optional.
The Department of Braking has also been bolstered, with all GLI models now using brakes from the high-performance Golf R.
Dragon tamer
For the new Jetta GLI’s media test-drive introduction, Volkswagen invited us to Knoxville, Tennessee, not far from one of the greatest driving roads in America: Tail of the Dragon. Technically part of U.S. Highway 129 and straddling the Tennessee/North Carolina border in Deals Gap, this road boasts 318 – yes, 318 – turns in just 11 miles. It’s not a road for those prone to getting car sick. But for the kind of driving enthusiasts that the Jetta GLI attracts, it’s like nectar to a bee.
In lesser cars, this kind of road could prove laborious and vexing. The new 2019 VW Jetta GLI, however, ate it up and asked for more.
The willing turbo-4 engine with its newfound power – especially that torque – was a perfect partner for this road. Unless you’re on 2 wheels, realistically you won’t (and shouldn’t) be going insane speeds on the Tail. Between a mountain face on one side, a cliff on the other with no guard rails, and overzealous drivers and motorcyclists taking up more than their share of the two lanes, Tail of the Dragon requires smooth inputs and slow-in, fast-out cornering.
Check out the new and redesigned cars of 2019
The GLI’s new grunt helped pull this sport sedan with newfound eagerness, especially with the driving mode toggled to “sport,” which optimizes throttle mapping, steering, and even tunes the interior lighting for a more aggressive characteristic. Even more rewarding is the steering feel. It’s just spot on.
Between the steering wheel’s communication of the road below and the limited-slip front differential, the GLI is a joy to drive in the twisties. If you’re still wary that a front-wheel-drive car can truly clip apexes like a pro, get behind the wheel of the new Jetta GLI and see if your mind isn’t changed.
Transmissions and other thoughts
We drove the Dragon both coming and going, in both an automatic and manual transmission GLI. The automatic will likely be the choice for most buyers, and it’s easily recommendable thanks to its snappy shifts. But if you consider yourself a car enthusiast, you owe it to yourself – and the VW engineers who fought for it – to at least try the manual.
In short, the 6-speed is a joy to use, and makes the nature of the Jetta GLI even more playful and engaging. When the engineers say they had to fight for it they mean it, too. It was absent in 2018, but here it’s not only available on all three trims, but standard.
Regardless of which you choose, you’ll get a highly rewarding compact performance sedan with appreciably more power than a Honda Civic Si, and more engaging, more Europeanly taut manners.
2019 Car Reviews: First takes on new models
Our nits are relatively minor. Except for the top-line version with the digital dashboard, the GLI’s interior is relatively bare, and it’s hard to overlook deficiencies like a lack of air vents in the rear cabin and the non-sliding passenger-side sun visor. And apart from a lower stance and some sporty aesthetics, the Jetta GLI looks very similar the standard model. So if you want something that screams performance with its looks, this may not be it. Conversely, if you dig a wolf in sheep’s clothes, here it is.
Trims and availability
As we previously noted in our First Look story, the 2019 Jetta GLI is offered in three trims: Base that starts at $25,995, the 35th-anniversary edition for $26,995, and topline Autobahn for $29,195, all before the $895 destination charge. The 2019 Jetta GLI is on sale now.
For our money, we like the mid-trim 35th-anniversary edition. For just $1,000 beyond the base price, it adds unique 18-inch wheels, black roof and other exterior bits, plus commemorative badging. What we really like, though, is it’s the only model with DCC adaptive dampers, plus a “comfort” drive setting, making it even more of a sedan that’s rewarding in both the daily commute and weekend corner carving.
Ready to get a Jetta? See if a dealership near you has the Jetta GLI in stock
