2008 Volkswagen GLI Review

PROS
Fun to drive, Fuel efficient, Refined interior

CONS
GLI's firm ride may turn off some, Cramped rear seat, Too much tire noise

The more things change, the more they stay the same. The first car I purchased was a used 1984 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. Prior to that, I spent time behind the wheel in my parent's Chevys, Cadillacs, and uncle's Buick. Compared to those vehicles, the '84 GLI was a feather weight. It was about half as long, weighed half as much and couldn't have a more different on-road demeanor.

Flash forward to 2008. Volkswagen's got a new GLI and it carries with it the flavor of the original. Compact, fun-to-drive, and not too expensive. As in 1984, the '08 GLI is a trim package of the Jetta, Volkswagen's compact sedan. Jetta is available only as a four-door sedan, rides a 101.5-inch wheelbase, and competes with vehicles like the Acura TSX, Audi A4, and Volvo S40.

Jetta was last redesigned in mid 2005. For 2008, S, SE, SEL, and GLI trim levels are offered. All models come with front-bucket seats and a three-place, folding bench seat. S, SE, and SEL have a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, which is up 20 horsepower from last year. The GLI is new this year and comes with a turbocharged, 200-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. S and SE come standard with a five-speed manual transmission. Optional on those and standard on the SEL is a six-speed automatic. GLI buyers can choose from either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

Standard safety features on all models include antilock brakes, brake assist, tire-pressure monitor, and front, front-side, and curtain-side airbags. Stability control is optional on the S and standard on other models. Rear-side airbags are optional across the board. Rear-view camera and park assist are not offered.

S standard features include air conditioning, tilt-telescope steering wheel, cruise control, heated power mirrors with integrated turn signal indicators, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, digital-media player connection, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, and theft-deterrent system and 16-inch wheels.

SE adds to S leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, fold-flat passenger seat, power sunroof, six-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, heated washer nozzles, and alloy wheels. SEL adds to SE upgraded sound system, steering wheel radio controls and 17-inch wheels. GLI adds to aluminum interior trim, HID headlights, and a sport suspension.

Key options include navigation system and an audio-system iPod adapter. Leather upholstery is only available in the GLI-only $3,020 Autobahn Package, which includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, upgraded sound system, power sunroof, heated washer nozzles.

S model has a base price of $16,990. SE lists for $19,760. SEL costs $22,825. GLI has an MSRP of $24,230. All models have a $640 destination charge. Jetta is built Mexico.

Get up and Go
GLI's 200-horsepower engine has more than enough pep in all situations. Unlike some turbocharged engines, the VW four doesn't suffer from any turbo lag--delay in power delivery. It always seems ready to go and willingly pushes the GLI from 0- to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds.

Occasionally, the front-drive GLI exhibits torque steer--tugging at the steering wheel-under hard acceleration, and that's unsettling. GLI comes with sport-tuned touring tires that aren't equipped to handle driving in the snow, so buyers will want to budget in the cost of a set of snow tires or ask the dealer to swap out the original equipment tires for a set of all-season treads.

The manual transmission is a joy to shift. Throws are short and the lever has a very positive feel. The clutch is easy to modulate and engages with a positive feel. The gearing might be a little short for long distance highway cruising though as the engine seems to be surging at highway speeds in sixth gear, though this makes for great passing response without downshifting.

Jetta GLI is EPA rated at 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Those estimates compare favorably with four- and five-cylinder competitors. In real-world driving GLI owners will likely average better than the 21 mpg city rating, perhaps as high as 26 mpg. Volkswagen says the turbocharged engine requires premium-grade fuel.

On the Road
Regardless of trim level, Jetta is a small car that rides like a big one. The suspension is certainly tuned for an athletic feel, when compared to traditional compact cars, but it's never harsh or overly bouncy.

On smooth roads Jetta rides with composure, and when the roads grow bumpy the suspension does an excellent job of being absorbent without allowing too much rebound. GLI models ride with the firmness of a sports car and will appeal only to those looking for a very nimble ride.

When the roads grow twisty Jetta comes alive. Body lean is modest and steering is sharp. Brakes have plenty of stopping power as well. S models are the least athletic, but even that model feels sportier than a traditional compact. GLI models have downright sporty moves and will happily carve up twisty roads.

Jetta is more refined than many lower-priced compacts, but isn't as quiet as the Audi A4 or Volvo S40. There's some wind rush from the front pillars and tire roar is a problem on concrete pavement. The turbocharged four is snooth and has a refined growl in hard acceleration.

Behind the Wheel
True to its European roots, Jetta's interior is understated and refined. The predominant color is black, but there are subtle touches of bright work that keep things from getting too somber. Materials are a step above what traditional compact buyers would expect and easily on par with luxury compacts.

Clearly marked gauges sit dead center in front of the driver. They feature violet illumination at night that is designed to reduce eye strain. Audio and climate controls are clearly marked and placed within easy reach of both driver and passenger.

Though Jetta is a compact, it offers great front-seat leg and head room. Even the tallest driver will have plenty of room. Seats are firm and somewhat narrow. GLI has sport seats that are even more confining. Standard tilt-telescope steering wheel and adjustable center armrest are a boon to driver comfort. Visibility is great.

The rear seat is a disappointment. Though the seat is comfortable, leg and head room are tight. If the front seats are well forward, leg room is adequate for adults. Move the seats back past halfway and leg room disappears. Also the rear door openings are small at the bottom, which complicates entry and exit.

Cargo room is generous by compact-car standards. In addition the opening is large and the trunk lid features slick hinges that don't eat into cargo space. Rear seat folds to increate room further. Interior storage is nice, highlighted by a generous glove box.

Bottom Line
If you are any sort of enthusiast, it is hard not to like Jetta. Though the car isn't cheap, Volkswagen has done an excellent job of staying true to the cars original mission--affordable European driving fun in an efficient package. Perhaps that is why this car is so popular.

Still, the back seat could use a few more inches of leg room and stability control should be standard on all models. Even so, Jetta competes favorably against more-expensive competition like the Acura TSX, Audi A4, and Volvo S40. GLI models are a ball to drive and, thankfully aren't too expensive.