Expected to debut in February 2019 at
the Chicago Auto Show, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI was spotted near Volkswagen’s technical
center at the Nürburgring. Only the car’s front and rear ends are covered with
camouflage foil, which is surprisingly revealing. The sports sedan clearly
features a sharper body kit than the standard model, adopting Golf GTI-inspired
bumpers, pointier side sills, unique alloy-wheels (probably 18 inches as
standard, 19 inches as optional), and red brake calipers.
The front fascia looks more aggressive than on the
regular Jetta, getting a sporty honeycomb mesh treatment for the grille and
lower air intake. The bumper also features subtle strakes on each side that are
clearly a GTI cue, as well as an extension at the lower end for a sportier
look. Expect the grille to also feature a red trim strip just like the Golf
GTI.
At the rear, the 2020 Jetta GLI features a
redesigned bumper as well, which incorporates a diffuser flanked by two round
exhaust tips. The bumper is also deeper, with the lower side sills continuing
around the rear for a more planted stance. Inside, the changes should be more
subtle and consist of sports seats, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, alloy pedals,
and possibly revised trim and upholstery.
As for the hardware, the Jetta GLI will source the
powertrain and brakes from the facelifted Golf GTI. Expect a 220 hp 2.0-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to either a six-speed manual or
seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, although a limited-slip differential
should be on the menu as well. The GLI will also get a multi-link rear suspension instead of the
standard Jetta’s torsion-beam setup for better dynamics.
