- A new performance edition of the Jetta sedan is unveiled.
- The 2012 Jetta GLI is offered in three trim levels, including an Autobahn edition.
- Buyers can choose from a six-speed manual or DSG automatic with paddle shifters.
CHICAGO — Volkswagen is adding a sporty GLI variant to its Jetta family for 2012. The uplevel Jetta GLI goes on sale in May and comes in three trim levels, priced from $24,265, including a $770 shipping charge.
The new Jetta GLI is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard; buyers can opt for a DSG automatic with paddle shifters. VW says the EPA has not yet officially certified the fuel economy, but the company expects the GLI to return 31 mpg with the manual and 32 with the automatic.
In addition to the basic Jetta GLI, VW is offering a GLI Autobahn ($26,315) with 18-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated leatherette seats and Fender audio system, as well as a range-topping GLI Autobahn with navigation ($27,215) that also bundles keyless access and push-button start.
Standard GLI hardware includes 17-inch alloy rims, four-wheel disc brakes with floating calipers and VW's XDS cross differential system.
Cloth bucket seats with red stitching are standard on the Jetta GLI, along with a flat-bottom sport steering wheel with red stitching and aluminum pedals, shift knob and accents.
Inside Line says: No more scintillating visually than the standard Jetta. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
olbc says:
10:23 AM, 04/27/2011
I seriously LIKE the way the new Jettas look. I might be biased because I am a european, but after I saw the 2011 generation of the VW I went "Now that's a nice looking car".
Just look at it's profile - really simple, clean straight lines. Nothing swirly or funky going on. This kinda stuff ages really well.
k55 says:
10:01 AM, 02/14/2011
"In addition to the basic Jetta GLI, VW is offering a GLI Autobahn ($26,315) with 18-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated leatherette seats and Fender audio system, as well as a range-topping GLI Autobahn with navigation ($27,215) that also bundles keyless access and push-button start."
GLI- 26k and leatherette? I was really close on a base 11 GTI w/DSG but went forward on a 11 MINI Cooper S w/6SPD. It was an even toss as each has it merits. I had a prior 2002 MINI Cooper S and a 2006 VW GTI. The 11 GTI would have been quite nice but this time the MINI won based on higher MPG ( by about 4mpg) ,lighter and better handling, slightly cheaper ...and a better salesperson........The GTI had a better quality interior, more space ,more standard equipment. No doubt a very nice car and you will not be disappointed if you choose a GTI. I would buy a GTI in the future though.
kg4mvp0521 says:
11:54 PM, 02/12/2011
I have a 2009 GLI and it's a great car. I went to the Chicago auto show Saturday and wasn't even expecting the new GLI to be there. When I saw it was, I was really disappointed. This car looks no different then the new Jetta. It is extremely boring. I really have nothing to complain about for the interior, but the exterior just sucks. My dad was thinking about giving my car to my little sister and getting me the new GLI, now from seeing the new one id rather keep the one I have. No boost in the horsepower is disappointing as well but expected cuz the GTI wasn't boosted but it just doesn't make sense. Usually every new car that is made has more power then the generation before it. I am just really unimpressed and disappointed. No red stripes, no honeycomb grille..just bad
kzone86 says:
10:22 PM, 02/12/2011
Uh, not sure if anybody has noticed this but a loaded GTI tops out at over $30,000. The GLI does it for $27,215. I agree its not the most visually striking sedan on the road, but essentially it looks to me like VW is providing a cheaper way to get into a decked out car with their 2.0T in it. It forgoes a nice headliner and doors but has leather, navigation, 18" wheels and premium audio, so whats the fuss? And by the way, does anyone know anything about this Fender system? I'm interested to see what it can do.
tbone85 says:
07:16 PM, 02/11/2011
If the automotive press' love affair with the Kizashi and the American public's love affair with the Corolla and Accord are any examples, looks are not everything when it comes to cars.
akitadog says:
01:16 PM, 02/10/2011
What, not even a lip spoiler on the trunk? Make it at least LOOK like it's worth the money.
GTI is still the better value, and the better vehicle.
scottyscooter says:
05:29 AM, 02/10/2011
I'm still on the fence with this cars design; I cant decide if it's a nice simple classic clean design like threem is pointing out or if its just an uninspired offering like many of the cars you would have see on the roads in the 1990's. I think that when I actually see one in person driving on the road, I will know right away...
I definitely like the other things about this car, though. The 200 hp turbocharged engine, 6 speed manual, fuel economy, price and interior are hitting a positive cord with me. They should have posted a picture of the interior in addition to the exterior. I looked one up on another site and the interior of this car looks pretty nice; the red stitching, accents, and sport steering wheel really looks good in there.
threem says:
11:19 AM, 02/09/2011
Though VW, WHY didn't you go with GL, GLS, GLX and GLI instead of all this "SEL" nonsense........
threem says:
09:02 AM, 02/09/2011
Wow, I must be OLD. I really like this car because of its simple and elegant lines (which apparently are boring). The best thing about my Mark IV is it's clean lines that age well, still looks good ten years later- which is important when you keep a car longer than a three year lease-one of the reasons I would not buy a Sonata-not sure how I would feel about it in 2020....
So this car is functional and elegant, has a nice interior, good suspension and steering, a legendary engine everyone loves in the GTI, you could buy it when you are 35 and not be ashamed to drive it when you are 45 and you can get it for 25K and change.....yeah, you are right...this car sucks!!???!!?
bonzjr says:
08:57 AM, 02/09/2011
As usual, Paul Lienert can't get anything right. Come on, VW even spotted you the press release -- it's not like you had to even add any of your typically awful analysis to it! Seriously, Edmunds, why do you employ the Lienerts? Do they have pictures of someone or something? They've been spewing mistakes, weak analysis and bad prose for years. It seriously dings the credibility of your organization.
Anyhow, the correct information is that VW will offer the car in three levels of trim: GLI, GLI Autobahn and GLI Autobahn Navigation. The base prices (including destination) for all three respectively: $24,265, $26,315 and $27,215. How about changing the starting base price (might help with some of the negative comments) and writing the description a little more cleanly? Autoblog got it right at 11:30PM last night.