The GLI is all the things we love concerning the GTI in a Jetta-shaped wrapper.
Emme Hall/Roadshow
The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is what occurs when a scorching hatch grows up. This sporty sedan has all the trimmings of its rowdy GTI sibling, packaged in a good-looking, mature wrapper.
LikeWonderful handlingPowerful turbo engineHandsome design, if a bit uninteresting
Don’t LikeNumb steeringBad infotainment tech on the bottom trim
The GLI units itself other than the usual Jetta with bigger air intakes, a low entrance spoiler and distinctive facet skirts. The grille takes some styling cues from the GTI with its honeycomb sample and traditional crimson accent stripe. The GLI sits 0.6 inches decrease to the bottom than the usual Jetta and has a singular rear bumper and diffuser, in addition to twin chrome exhaust suggestions. But even with these sporty touches, the GLI nonetheless slides underneath the radar.The Jetta GLI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine pushing out 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque — the identical powertrain you may discover within the GTI. The GLI comes with front-wheel drive, and whereas you may get a seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission, my tester has the six-speed guide. Score.
My Autobahn trim comes full with the DCC adaptive damping system, with modes for Normal, Sport and Eco, in addition to a Custom setting. DCC permits me to dial in that Custom configuration, with particular person choices for the damping, steering, drivetrain, engine sound, entrance differential and even local weather controls.However, I do not suppose the Custom setting makes a lot of a distinction. Despite attempting out a bunch of various setups throughout my week with the automotive, the Normal and Sport modes work simply advantageous. Much of my reward for the usual Sport setting is due to the limited-slip entrance differential that works with the GLI’s digital differential lock. Torque goes to the entrance wheel with essentially the most grip, there’s little to no understeer and wheelspin is nonexistent.
The 2.0-liter engine produces 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
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The base Jetta will get an old-school torsion-beam rear suspension, however the GLI upgrades that {hardware} to a multilink unbiased setup. Combined with the GLI’s beefier roll bars and stiffer springs, this sedan is unquestionably able to play. It swiftly settles after pavement undulations, popping out of an off-camber flip with nary a hair misplaced. The steering is fast, direct and weighty, although it may use a bit extra in the best way of suggestions. The 13.4-inch vented entrance brakes are lifted from the Golf R hatchback, paired with 11.8-inch diameter brakes within the rear. These stoppers are strong, though I want the pedal’s engagement level was only a tad greater.
The GLI is a blast on backroads, however it’s advantageous for each day commuting, too. Standard on the GLI are superior driver’s aids corresponding to forward-collision warning, computerized emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. My top-level Autobahn trim goes additional with lane-keeping help and adaptive cruise management. Yes, adaptive cruise management works with a guide transmission, though solely at greater speeds. There is not any type of low-speed observe and as soon as the GLI thinks it is going to stall, the system disengages and the motive force takes over.The Jetta GLI’s gas economic system is respectable, returning an EPA-estimated ranking of 24 miles per gallon within the metropolis, 33 mpg freeway and 28 mpg mixed. Even after every week of decidedly aggressive driving, I’m nonetheless in a position to hit that 28-mpg common.The inside is generally advantageous, however lacks visible aptitude.
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Inside, the GLI’s cabin tech is easy and easy. The normal infotainment setup makes use of a tiny 6.5-inch show, however the Autobahn bumps that as much as a nicer 8.0-inch display screen operating VW’s newest MIB3 expertise. This system can deal with a number of Bluetooth telephone pairings without delay, and I really like that the display screen is angled in the direction of the motive force so it is simple to see and attain. MIB3’s menus are laid out thoughtfully so there is not an enormous studying curve, both. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are each normal, and along with a wi-fi charging pad, there are three USB-C ports and a 12-volt outlet to maintain your units juiced.The Autobahn trim has Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit, a 10-inch customizable gauge cluster that provides the motive force all types of knowledge like car information, driver-assistance characteristic standing and audio and telephone entry. It can be custom-made with completely different designs, together with a full-screen navigation view. It’s not fairly as fancy-pants as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, however it’s basically the identical concept, and one in all my favourite automotive inside options.The GLI Autobahn will get an 8-inch touchscreen.
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It’s a little bit of a bummer that the GLI is not provided with any quirky inside design touches just like the GTI hatchback’s plaid seats. All you may discover right here is black fabric or elective leather-based with contrasting crimson stitching. The Jetta at the very least has a 10-color LED ambient lighting system that coordinates along with your chosen driving mode: white for Normal, crimson for Sport and blue for Eco. If that does not fit your temper, you may select your personal colours, as nicely.Like the usual Jetta, the GLI’s inside supplies are good however not nice. Some of my colleagues lament the cheaper plastics and too-soft seats, particularly for the reason that GTI’s cabin feels extra premium by comparability. The sedan’s trunk is pretty spacious at 14.1 cubic toes, and my 5-foot, 9-inch body suits simply advantageous within the rear seat — my knees do not contact the entrance seatbacks and my head would not brush the roof.As far as opponents go, you may nonetheless snag a Honda Civic Si, or the all-wheel-drive Mazda3 Turbo is an effective possibility, although it is costlier. The new Hyundai Elantra N Line has rather less energy than the GLI, however it’s additionally provided with a guide transmission and has some significantly cool design. The Subaru WRX is one other various, however it’s getting a little bit previous, and the Jetta is a nicer all-around automotive.The GLI actually flies underneath the radar.
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The 2021 Jetta GLI begins at $27,340 together with $995 for vacation spot. The Autobahn is a $4,000 upcharge, and whereas I do not suppose the customizable DCC chassis makes an enormous distinction, the cabin tech is considerably higher. All in, an Autobahn with the six-speed guide like this take a look at automotive prices $32,335.Of course, the GLI’s largest competitor is the GTI sitting subsequent to it within the VW showroom, and the Jetta undercuts its Golf equal by a couple of thousand {dollars} whereas nonetheless offering principally the identical on-road thrills. The GTI’s hatchback design is much more sensible, however the GLI appears like an altogether extra grown-up package deal — although it is nonetheless greater than keen to get a little bit rowdy.