2019 VW Jetta GLI: A Short Walk Around This Sporty Jetta

• The 2019 VW Jetta GLI is a sportier, sportier version of the Jetta sedan.
• Upgrades include 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels and dual chrome exhausts
• Upgrades include a limited slip differential and a multi-link rear suspension.

sixth generation Volkswagen The Jetta GLI just rolled off the Chicago show floor, and if you've got a sports sedan item that won't break your bank account, then this one is worth checking out. No, it's not a BMW or an Alfa Giulia, but it's almost as fast and costs significantly less. In a way, you could call the 2019 VW Jetta GLI a poor man's Audi S4 (except for all-wheel drive). It is German, it is correctly connected, it is modern and efficient.

On top of that, VW guaranteed this thing at Wazoo: six years / 72,000 miles bumper to bumper.

Clearly, VW is serious when it comes to competition.

Modernized style

The 2019 VW Jetta GLI features a coupe-like profile, oversized grille and sporty styling to make it stand out. There are LED projector headlights and LED daytime running lights flanked by a black honeycomb grille that has a red accent line. At the rear, you'll see standard LED taillights, a unique rear bumper, finned diffuser, dual chrome exhaust tips and a custom lid spoiler.

2019 VW Jetta GLI. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Related: Good value for money. complete review of the 2019 VW Jetta.

Interior treatments

The interior is full of technology, security and multimedia trinkets. Stylistically, it is mostly black with red accents throughout. The sports seats have red stitching and are available in cloth or perforated leather with Autobahn. Heated seats and dual-zone automatic climate control keep you comfortable. Standard convenience features include automatic headlights, push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

There's ambient lighting and a 400-watt BeatsAudio system that should blow your ears.

In terms of technology, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink are standard. The Jetta GLI includes VW services linked to Car-Net as well as a digital cockpit. And, oh yes, safety features: Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind-spot monitor, rear alarm and automatic braking system after a collision. Everything is standard.

2019 VW Jetta GLI interior layout. Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Power Performance

Did I mention the word sport? I did, yes! To reinforce that idea, the 2019 VW Jetta GLI comes with a 2.0-liter turbo (EA888 TSI) direct injection engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. torque. That's a lot for a sedan of this size. To increase efficiency, the engine is equipped with VW's variable valve timing and variable exhaust valve lift system. Power is sent to the front wheels via a standard six-speed manual transmission, although a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic is offered.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the GLI is 25/32/28 mpg (city/highway/combined) regardless of transmission choice. Standard start/stop functions are fitted to the junction boxes to further improve efficiency.

Suspension Riding Modes

The 2019 VW Jetta GLI is suspended with independent installation on all four corners. The rack-mount configuration at the front and the multi-channel layout at the rear provide 0.6" lower travel height than normal. The brakes are taken from the Golf GTI and Golf R, meaning 13.4-inch ventilated front discs strong enough to stop a freight train.

The new Jetta GLI is standard with an electronically controlled VW VAQ, torque-sensitive limited-slip differential to reduce understeer.

You can even have fun with all computer Whatzits. There is a driving mode selection that allows you to customize how the Jetta GLI behaves. You can choose from Normal, Sport, Eco, and Custom. Normal gives you a balanced driving experience, while Sport is more dynamic in terms of gas and transmission. The Sport also delivers firmer handling and more punchy exhaust notes. Eco optimizes everything for fuel economy.

Custom mode lets you switch between steering, throttle, front differential, engine notes, and climate control settings.

Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Related: A quick look at the 2019 VW Jetta lineup.

Pricing Availability

The 2019 VW Jetta GLI hits dealers this spring with a starting MSRP of $25,995. There's also a 35th Anniversary model that comes with black red-striped wheels, a black roof and spoiler, and an adaptive damping system.

Tony Borroz has been racing vintage and sports cars all his life. He is the author of the bricks Bones: Endearing Legacy and the Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of the Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Gallery

Photo Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.