Most recently redesigned in 2019, the Jetta is VW''s smallest car and is available only as a 5-passenger 4-door sedan. Riding the same platform that underpins the Golf and Tiguan, the compact Jetta is offered only with front-wheel drive. Changes for 2020 include the availability of wireless device charging, a manual transmission for R-Line models and the addition of VW's Car-Net communications app to all models. Competitors include the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Nissan Sentra, Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla. Competitors to the Jetta GLI include the Honda Civic SI and Type R, Hyundai Veloster N, the upcoming Mazda 3 Turbo and Subaru WRX.
The standard Jetta is available in 5 trim levels: S, SE, R-Line, SEL and SEL Premium. Arriving late in the 2019 model year, the sport-themed GLI is offered in S and Autobahn trim. All standard models are powered by a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The engine mates to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. GLI models get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four that makes 228 horsepower and 258 lb-feet of torque. Transmission choices for the GLI include a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
S models list for $18,895 and include LED headlights, 16-inch alloy wheels and standard touch-screen radio with Bluetooth. The SE has an MSRP of $22,645 and adds keyless access and push button start, sunroof and blind-spot monitoring. The $22,695 R-Line adds 17-inch alloy wheels, two-tone leatherette seating surfaces and fog lights. The SEL lists for $24,495 and adds 10-color interior lighting, Beats audio system and VW's digital instrument cluster. The line topping SEL Premium is priced at $27,945 and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-inch touch screen with navigation and leather seating surfaces.
GLI starts are $26,245 and includes 18-inch wheels, multi-link rear suspension, larger brakes, LED headlights, blacked-out trim and limited-slip front differential. GLIs in Autobahn trim list for $29,945 and add VW's digital instrument cluster, leather seating surfaces and adaptive cruise control. Also available on the GLI is VW's active suspension that is designed to adjust to road conditions.
(This review will focus on the GLI, if you want to get the scoop on the standard Jetta click here.) GLI's turbocharged 2.0-liter four is ripped directly from the Golf GTI. It's a gutsy and potent powerplant in a vehicle that weighs just 3,200 pounds. Stomp the go pedal from a standstill and you'll reach 60 MPH in a scant 6 seconds. More importantly, the engine makes ample low-end torque, resulting in instantons power delivery at any speed. About the only downside is the exhaust note, which is somewhat uninspired and lacks the dramatics you hear in a Civic Type R or Hyundai Veloster N.
In typical VW fashion, the manual transmission has longish throws, but the clutch action is quite good, making it easy to modulate when pulling away from a stoplight. That said, the smart and smooth-shifting automatic almost makes the manual moot (I said almost!). It snaps off quick and crisp shifts in hard acceleration and downshifts promptly when called upon. Plus, there are steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles that allow for semi-manual operation.
Though all-wheel-drive is not offered, the GLI comes standard with an electronically controlled limited-slip front differential that effectively eliminates torque steer in hard acceleration and also seems to provide an added "pull" in hard and fast cornering.
EPA numbers for the GLI manual are 25 MPG city and 33 MPG highway. Automatics have the same city rating but a highway rating of 32 MPG. While those numbers might not look great for a compact sedan, they are impressive once you consider the GLI's mission. Over week-long stint of suburban commuting an automatic-equipped GLI averaged 36 MPG overall and approached 40 MPG on some gentle highway trips. The engine runs fine on regular unleaded and the 13.2-gallon fuel tank provides a range of roughly 425 miles per fill up.
Perhaps the biggest change drivers of the previous generation Jetta will notice is that the GLI rides with significantly more road presence and confidence. The chassis seems to be much stiffer and the longer wheelbase allows for better composure over bumpy roads. Steering and brake feel are greatly improved as well. Of course, the GLI rides more firmly than standard Jetta models, but there's a subtly to the suspension in the way it reacts to bumps that's not found in direct competitors like the Civic SI or WRX.
When the road gets twisty, the GLI comes alive. The softness in the suspension is quickly replaced by a firmness as speeds pick up and cornering forces push the suspension into a "set" where the GLI just does exactly what the driver wants without undue fuss. Part of this might be the adaptive dampers, but is also, no doubt, thanks to the multi-link rear suspension setup that comes only with the GLI. The steering, though not as direct as a true sport sedan has a nice heft and plenty of road feel and the brakes have ample stopping power.
With ample sound insulation, the GLI is the quietest highway cruisers among its competitors. There very little wind rush and the tires remain quiet on all but the roughest of roads.
Front-seat passengers are treated to generous head and leg room and the rear seats can comfortably seat two large adults -- three in a pinch. The GLI's front seats are extremely firm and heavily bolstered. Entry-exit is easy thanks to a "just right" step-in height and large door openings. A reasonably low beltline and tall windows give the GLI best in class outward visibility.
In S trim, the GLI sports a functional, if not somewhat Spartan, interior. Materials are class and price appropriate. Stepping up to Autobahn trim brings lots of luxury trimmings including a programmable all-digital instrument cluster and 8-inch touch-screen audio system.
Digital or analog, the instrument cluster is clear and easy to read -- day or night. The center stack features an easy-to-operate touch-screen infotainment system that provides Android Auto and Apple Car Play functionality with no price premium. Auto or manual, the climate system is controlled by simple dials and buttons. Window, lock and mirror controls are well located in the driver's door armrest.
Boasting 14.1 cubic feet of cargo space, the truck is positively cavernous. The opening is large and the rear seats fold to increase capacity. Interior storage is good, highlighted by a deep center-console bin and large glove box. But the small-item storage to the left of the steering wheel didn't make the model-year jump.
Bottom Line - Jetta GLI is one of those timeless nameplates that has created a cult following. With incredibly reasonable pricing, this version of the GLI is probably the best ever in terms of offering performance and affordability. The multi-link rear suspension lends a subtly to the ride that's never before been realized in the GLI and the turbocharged engine provides plenty of motivation. While some competitors go for all-out performance, the GLI tries to blend performance with price and livability. It's a good match.
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