The 2019 VW Jetta GLI performance sedan is priced
from US$ 25,995 (excluding US$ 895 destination) in the United States, making it US$ 1,600 more affordable than the base 2019 Golf GTI. That’s a pretty good deal
considering the Jetta GLI is actually a Golf GTI underneath. The Jetta GLI will
be available in two regular trim levels (S and Autobahn), as well as a 35th
Anniversary Edition. Besides the GLI-specific hardware and styling tweaks, the
base Jetta GLI S brings plenty of features as standard for US$ 25,995.
Highlights include all-LED lights, heated front
seats, 10-color ambient lighting, keyless access with push-button start,
dual-zone automatic climate control, rearview camera, automatic headlights,
rain-sensing wipers, electric parking brake, and a 6.5-inch Composition Color
touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and
MirrorLink.
The list of standard driver-assistance features
includes Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front
Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. Based on the GLI S, the Jetta GLI
35th Anniversary Edition is priced from US$ 26,995. For the extra US$ 1,000, buyers
get 18-inch dark grey alloys with red rim accents, black roof, mirror caps, and
rear spoiler, as well as 35th Anniversary Edition fender badging, scuff plates,
seat tags, and front floor mats. Furthermore, the DCC adaptive damping system
comes standard and adds a fifth “Comfort” mode.
The range-topping 2019 VW Jetta GLI Autobahn starts
at $29,195 and adds plenty of goodies compared to the S trim level. Those
include a panoramic sunroof, 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, 400 Watt BeatsAudio
system with eight speakers plus a subwoofer, leather seats, ventilated front
seats, power driver’s seat with memory and lumbar adjustment, remote start,
alarm system, the 8.0-inch Composition Media touchscreen infotainment system,
and Volkswagen Car-Net remote vehicle services.
All Jetta GLI models come with a standard six-speed
manual transmission. Upgrading to the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic
costs $800. Regardless of transmission choice, EPA-estimated fuel economy for
the Jetta GLI is 25/32/28 mpg (city/highway/combined).
Both transmissions work with a 2.0-liter TSI engine
that delivers 228 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Compared to the regular
Jetta, the GLI adds a 0.6-in (15-mm) lower sports suspension with a multi-link
rear setup, larger front brakes, VAQ torque-sensing limited-slip differential,
variable ratio electric power-assisted steering, and Driving Mode Selection.
The 2019 Jetta GLI will arrive in U.S. dealerships
this spring with a 6-year/72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty.
