The seventh generation Jetta to carry the iconic moniker, the latest GLI joins it regular sibling in moving to the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, but with the fitment of a sport suspension that lowers the overall ride height by 15mm.
In addition, the GLI distinguishes itself further by coming equipped with bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels, a black honeycomb grille with red striping like the Golf GTI, red painted brake calipers with the stoppers themselves sourced from the Golf R, projector-type LED headlights, a revised rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, standard LED taillights and dual chrome exhaust outlets.
As part of the Jetta’s 35th anniversary in the United States this year, the aptly titled 35th Anniversary edition adds commemorative badging, black wheels, mirror caps, roof and boot spoiler, as well as Volkswagen’s Dynamic Chassis Control system that, while standard on the regular GLI, adds a Comfort mode to the already available four settings (Eco, Normal, Sport and Custom) in addition to adjustable dampers.
Far from being skin deep, Volkswagen has made a number of tweaks underneath the Jetta’s skin, with a torque sensing limited-slip differential, variable electric power-steering and all-round independent suspension being fitted to the GLI.
Inside, the bespoke touches consists of black leather with red stitching on the gear lever, sports steering wheel and floor mats, grey piping on models equipped with the cloth comfort seats and red accents on the perforated leather Autobahn chairs, diamond flag inserts and on the 35th Anniversary model, unique seats tags, door sill kickplates and floor mats.
As with the previous GLI, the newcomer is again powered by the same 2.0 TSI engine as the Golf GTI, but with power lifted to 169kW/350Nm. No performance figures were divulged, though Volkswagen has confirmed that the GLI will be equipped as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox while retaining the seven-speed DSG as an option.
Like its sibling and indeed the Passat and Atlas, production of the GLI will take place at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga Plant in Tennessee, but as previously indicated, it will not be offered in South Africa due to the phasing-out of right-hand drive availability.
