Volkswagen’s Jetta GLI – GERMAN STEAL

Volkswagen’s Jetta GLI

GERMAN STEAL

What the frunk? It has a trunk!

Let’s get this out of the way right here and now. Most of the buzz surrounding the Volkswagen brand is centered on the company’s all-new EV minivan, the ID Buzz. The Buzz is an unabashedly ‘modern’ take on VW’s iconic bus (in my Lincoln, NE childhood, Kent Seacrest’s mom drove one), but in this admittedly narrow view its size is too big, its range is too short and – for this guy on a fixed income – it’s too damn expensive. Volkswagen’s Jetta 4-door sedan, however, seems just about right.

If you have known Volkswagen, you probably know – or know of – the Jetta. Originally little more than a Volkswagen hatch with the hatch detached, the Jetta has grown into an Accord-like 4-door in both base and GLI trim. That base version is, among U.S. showrooms, the be-all/end-all of good deals, selling for around $25K. Our test GLI is the upmarket variant, offering 2.0 liters of turbocharged power, a more capable suspension and the luxe features typically associated with luxury, performance and a $40,000 window sticker. The good news: VW enthusiasts can get in for under $35K.

Outwardly, there’s a lot to like but little to excite; politically, you might think of it as Tim Walz. To this set of fading eyes, its angularity is a nice change from an Accord’s almost organic vibe, and there’s far less going on in its contours (or lack thereof) than what is offered by Toyota’s Camry. Admittedly, its appeal falls short of my favorite VW 4-door, the Passat CC, but then, it also offers a more generous interior. In its totality there’s little to offend, but also little to delight, and whether you’re shopping for an almost-midsize 4-door or VP, it’s a combo you can live with. 

Inside, there’s generous room for four and occasional room for five, along with what VW claims is 14 cubic feet of trunk – but it ‘worked’ much larger. Behind the wheel the driver will enjoy predictable info, while touchscreen control of the infotainment is both more intuitive than assumed and more annoying than these operations should be. The Germans at one time nailed tactile, while at this point I’d guess the youngsters responsible for product would need spellcheck to, uh…spell ‘tactile’. 

Things get better with Sirius turned down and the Jetta GLI’s turbocharged four turned up. Its spec is relatively modest – 228 horses and 258 lb-ft of torque, but it clears traffic congestion with a confidence you simply don’t see from similarly priced crossovers. The steering provides real feel, and while there’s a bit of body lean, the Jetta’s 18-inch rubber keeps the 3,100 pounds in place with a tenacity that $35K will rarely buy. This is a genuinely fun sedan that delivers as much recreation – within a practical exterior – that you can reasonably expect when paid out over 60 monthlies.

If there’s a fly in this Transatlantic soup, it’s the GLI’s 6-speed manual transmission. I’m all about the manual trans, and have owned them – over some 50 years – in Civics, Jeep Cherokees, an Alfa sedan and the Miata in my garage today. The ones I’ve enjoyed are well connected, and if it isn’t well connected, with short, precise throws, I’d rather have an automatic. And without something in the way of aftermarket support (APR is one outlet for improved actuation – for but a few hundred dollars), I can’t think driving enthusiasts would be happy with this – figuratively speaking – bucket of mush.

I’m also thinking there’s a compelling case for a Jetta R, following the template of the Golf R, which offers 300+ horsepower and all-wheel drive within the GTI footprint. Similar spec in the Jetta could be priced around $40K, and it would literally lap its Asian competition. 

Given that the GLI’s shifting actuation (if you can call it that…) can be fixed, I’d recommend a demo drive if in-market for anything practical with a semblance of fun. VW’s Jetta GLI should be $40K. Take the significant savings and buy yourself some Fahrvergnügen.