{"id":3207,"date":"2020-06-19T18:12:34","date_gmt":"2020-06-19T22:12:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/?p=3207"},"modified":"2025-03-07T09:27:51","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T14:27:51","slug":"2019-volkswagen-jetta-gli-35th-edition-road-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/2019-volkswagen-jetta-gli-35th-edition-road-test\/","title":{"rendered":"2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 35th Edition Road Test"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"2019
The Jetta GLI offers up a discreet, stylish look that’s as appealing to younger performance fans as it is to those that have been around awhile.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After eight long years of the sixth-generation<\/a> Jetta<\/a>, Volkswagen introduced a ground-up redesign for the 2019 model year and Canadian compact sedan buyers responded by boosting the model\u2019s sales by 14 percent. That\u2019s a good news story for VW Canada, but 17,260 units in 2019 is a far cry from the car\u2019s high of 31,042 deliveries in 2014.<\/p>\n

All we need do to understand this scenario more clearly is compare the VW Tiguan<\/a>\u2019s sales of 10,096 units in 2014 to the 19,250 sold in 2019 (which was actually down 10 percent from the 21,449 examples sold in 2018), and thus we see another example of crossover SUVs encroaching on the conventional car\u2019s traditional territory.<\/p>\n

As VW fans will already be well aware, the German brand controls more of the compact segment than the Jetta\u2019s sales indicate on their own. Most rivals, including Honda<\/a>\u2019s best-selling Civic<\/a>, Toyota<\/a>\u2019s second-rung Corolla<\/a>, Hyundai<\/a>\u2019s third-place Elantra<\/a>, and the list goes on, combine multiple body styles under one nameplate. This was true for VW\u2019s fifth-place Golf for the 2019 model year too, and previously when available as a Cabriolet, but with the SportWagen<\/a> being cancelled for 2020 the little hatchback moves forward with just one profile shape. Speaking of that Golf, if its 2019 calendar year sales of 19,668 units were combined with the Jetta\u2019s aforementioned total, created one collective whole, VW would no longer sit in fifth and sixth places respectively, but instead jump past Mazda<\/a>\u2019s 21,276 unit-sales with a new compact total of 36,928 deliveries. That puts the Golf\/Jetta combo mighty close to the Elantra<\/a>\u2019s 39,463 deliveries.<\/p>\n

\"2019
LED headlamps come standard, as do “GLI” badges and unique red trim accents.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

OK, I got a little carried away with numbers, as I sometimes do (just be glad I didn\u2019t add the 3,667 Ioniq and 1,420 Veloster sales to Hyundai\u2019s 2019 calendar year mix, or the 2,910 now discontinued VW Beetles), but you should now have a better understanding of the situation. Volkswagen continues to be a serious player in compact arena, and the Jetta is a key component of its mostly two-pronged (so far) approach in this market segment. This said, VW has done compact performance better than most of its rivals for a lot longer, with entries like the iconic Golf GTI<\/a> and hyper-fast Golf R playing it out in the hot hatch sector, and the Jetta GLI<\/a> being reviewed here pushing VW\u2019s agenda amongst affordable sport sedans.<\/p>\n

Yes, Honda deserves kudos for its long-running Civic\u00a0Si<\/a> (now with 205 hp) that arrived in 1985 as the CRX Si and in regular Civic form for 1988, and currently puts out a beastly compact sport hatch dubbed Type R (306 hp), which is a similar combo to Subaru<\/a>\u2019s legendary WRX<\/a> (268 hp) and WRX STI<\/a> (310 hp) twins, while Mazda<\/a>\u2019s less formidable yet still respectable 3 GT<\/a> is in the mix (186 hp\u2014how we miss the Mazdaspeed3, but there is recent talk of Mazda\u2019s 250-hp turbo 2.5 with 310 lb-ft of torque improving 3 performance), but the South Koreans have recently been stepping up competition with sporty alternatives of their own, respectively including the Elantra Sport<\/a> (201 hp) and Kia Forte GT<\/a> (201 hp) that actually use identical powertrains and ride on the same platform architecture. While this is good news for performance fans, Ford<\/a> recently nixed its fabulous Focus ST<\/a> (252 hp) and sensational Focus RS<\/a> (350 hp) along with their entire car lineup (sacrificed to the crossover SUV), Mustang coupe and convertible<\/a> aside, showing some come and some go. Yes, there\u2019s something to be said for honest to goodness longstanding performance heritage, and the Jetta\u2019s three-letter GLI<\/a> acronym beats all rivals excepting the GTI<\/a> in the test of time, with its 1984 inception resulting in 36 years under its belt.<\/p>\n

\"2019
Special aerodynamic aids visually separate the GLI’s styling from regular Jetta models.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To its advantage, the new Jetta GLI<\/a> is one good looking sport sedan. Those who might be turned off by Honda\u2019s boy-racer Civic Si<\/a> design and Subaru<\/a>\u2019s rally-ready WRX<\/a> look should gravitate to the sporty VeeDub thanks to its more discreet appearance. The usual blackened exterior trim is once again joined by tasteful splashes of red accenting key areas, this latest version getting a red horizontal divider across its grille as well as big red brake calipers framed by special red trim circling each of its dark grey 18-inch wheels. Of course, the front and rear \u201cGLI\u201d badges are doused in bright red as well, as is a really attractive set of front fender trim pieces that boast this GLI 35th Edition\u2019s unique designation.<\/p>\n

As far as the GLI<\/a>\u2019s glossy black trim goes, there\u2019s a thick strip along the top portion of the grille, plus more of the inky black treatment surrounding the lower front fascia\u2019s corner vent bezels, painting the side mirror housings, finishing the front portion and rear portions of the roof, and coating the tastefully small rear deck lid spoiler. It\u2019s a real looker from front to rear, and more importantly for people my age (let\u2019s just say above 50), the type of compact sport sedan that won\u2019t make you look like you\u2019re trying to relive your glory days when seen behind the wheel.<\/p>\n

\"2019
Exclusive grey-painted 18-inch alloys are encircled by red pin stripes, while red callipers promise stronger standard braking power.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As expected in any performance-tuned VW, the GLI<\/a> includes a well-bolstered, comfortable set of perforated leather front seats. They\u2019re highlighted with sporty red contrast stitching and attractively patterned inserts, for a look that\u2019s simultaneously sporty and luxurious. What\u2019s more, the steering wheel is downright performance perfection, featuring a slightly flat bottom section and ideally formed thumb indentations, plus red baseball-like stitching around the inside of the meaty leather-wrapped rim. VW continues the cabin\u2019s bright red highlights with more crimson coloured thread on the leather gear lever boot, plus the centre armrest, the \u201cGLI\u201d portion of the model\u2019s \u201cGLI 35\u201d seat tags, as well as the identical logo on the embroidered floor mats and stainless-steel sill plates.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also a fair share of satin-silver aluminum trim around the cabin, including the previously noted steering wheel\u2019s spokes, the foot pedals, various switches and accents on the centre stack and lower console, plus more. Additional trim worth noting include a small dose of fake carbon-fibre and larger sampling of piano black lacquer on the dash and upper door panels, whereas the former area is wholly soft-touch due to a premium-like composite that wraps down to the instrument panel ahead of the front passenger, before this premium treatment continues to the front door uppers, inserts and armrests.<\/p>\n

\"2019
Special front fender garnishes include “GLI 35” badging.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While all of this luxury-level pampering sounds good, I\u2019m quite certain most would-be buyer\u2019s eyes will be find the standard digital instrument cluster even more appealing, at least at first sight. If you\u2019ve seen Audi\u2019s Virtual Cockpit you\u2019ll know what I\u2019m talking about, although VW calls theirs a Digital Cockpit. Similarly to the fancier German brand, the GLI<\/a>\u2019s Digital Cockpit includes a \u201cVIEW\u201d button on the left-side steering wheel spoke that transforms the cluster\u2019s look from a traditional two-dial layout with a multi-function display in the middle to a massive MID with tiny conventional gauges below. This is looks especially good when filling the MID with the navigation system\u2019s map, and makes it easier to glance down for directions than when on the centre display. The Digital Cockpit can do likewise with other functions, resulting in one of the more useful electronic components currently available from a mainstream brand.<\/p>\n

The Jetta GLI<\/a>\u2019s centre touchscreen is a big 8.0-inch display boasting high-definition resolution and bright, colourful graphics with rich visual depth and contrast, while just like the primary instrument package it comes well stocked with features such as tablet-style tap, pinch and swipe gesture controls, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Mirror Link smartphone integration, audio, navigation, application, driving mode and fuel-saving eco \u201cpages\u201d, plus finally a performance driving interface with a lap timer and more.<\/p>\n

\"2019
LED taillights provide a bright warning to following vehicles, plus tasteful good looks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Strangely, active guidelines are not included with the backup camera, which is a bit odd for the GLI<\/a>\u2019s top-level trim, which included an available $995 ($1,005 for 2020) Advanced Driver Assistive Systems (ADAS) upgrade bundle featuring a multi-function camera with a distance sensor. This package also adds Light Assist auto high beam control, dynamic cruise control with stop and go, Front Assist autonomous emergency braking, Side Assist blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and Lane Assist lane keeping capability.<\/p>\n

An attractive, well-organized and easy to use three-dial dual-zone auto climate control interface sits just below the infotainment display on the centre stack. It includes switches for the GLI<\/a>\u2019s standard three-way heated and ventilated front seats, the former warm enough for therapeutic lower back pain relief and the latter helpful for reducing sweat during hot summer months, while under this is an extremely large and accommodating rubber-based wireless device charger as well as a USB-A charging port.<\/p>\n

\"2019
The Jetta GLI’s interior combines premium-like features with some sub-mainstream materials quality.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A gearshift lever with a sporty looking metallic and composite knob and aforementioned red-stitched leather boot takes up its tradition spot on the lower console between front occupants, surrounding by an electric parking brake, traction control and idle-stop system defeat buttons, plus a driving mode selector that lets you choose between Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport and Custom settings.<\/p>\n

Speaking of centre consoles, the overhead one above houses a handy sunglasses holder as well as switchgear for opening the big power glass sunroof that also includes an opaque fabric sunscreen with an upscale aluminum handle.<\/p>\n

And so it should, as the GLI<\/a>, starting at $32,445 plus freight and fees for the manual, or $33,845 for my as-tested DSG dual-clutch automated model, is starting to encroach into low-end premium territory. Fit, finish, materials tactile quality and overall refinement is only so-so, however, not even measuring up to VW\u2019s own Golf GTI<\/a>. It used to be that a Jetta was merely a Golf (or Rabbit) with a trunk, the latter useful for mitigating inner-city security risks, but now the two cars look totally different other than the badge on their grilles and backsides and a handful of cross-model components.<\/p>\n

\"2019
The GLI’s instruments and infotainment are a step above most rivals.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The base 2019 Golf GTI<\/a> is available from $30,845 (and when I recently checked plenty were still available in Canada, probably due to the health situation that I don\u2019t want to name due to being negatively flagged by search engines, etcetera) and $850 less than the $31,695 entry-level Jetta GLI<\/a>, but the sporty VW hatchback boasts fabric-wrapped A pillars, just like its more affordable Golf counterparts, while no Jetta, including this GLI, gets this semi-premium treatment. All of the Jetta\u2019s hard composites below the waist, and some of them above, don\u2019t feel all that substantive either.<\/p>\n

Certainly, we need to factor in the Jetta\u2019s compact status, an entry-level model for Volkswagen that doesn\u2019t sell a subcompact car in North America, but such is not the case for its main rivals that are seeing this compact segment as a growing alternative for those who might have otherwise purchase a mid-size sedan or wagon. The fact is, rivals from Japan and Korea are packing more soft-touch luxury and premium features into their smaller cars, and winning over buyers who want to be pampered instead of punished for choosing a more environmentally conscious small car. Just get into a fully loaded Mazda3<\/a>, Toyota Corolla<\/a> or Kia Forte<\/a> and you\u2019ll quickly figure out what I\u2019m talking about. They\u2019re delivering at a high level, and deserve to attract new buyers that aren\u2019t being gobbled up by the\u00a0Civic<\/a>, the Corolla<\/a> and Elantra<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"2019
This is as good as digital instrument clusters get in the mainstream volume-branded sector.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The shame is VW used to lead in small car refinement, to the point that previous Jettas were probably too good for this segment, even starting to be uncomfortably compared against the automaker\u2019s own Audi A4. Therefore, anyone trading in their 2005\u20132011 fifth-generation Jetta for the current version, whether trimmed out to top-line GLI<\/a> spec or not, will probably find the cabin\u2019s finish and materials quality less than ideal.<\/p>\n

By the way, I tested a new Forte GT<\/a> recently, and have to say it does a good job of competing against old guard sport compacts like this GLI<\/a> and Honda\u2019s Civic Si<\/a>, but unlike this car the Forte\u2019s rear door panels were finished to the same high-quality, soft-touch level as those up front, whereas none of the above can be found on the GLI\u2019s rear door panels. I can\u2019t think of another car in this class that misses the mark so blatantly in this respect, and call for VW to step things up before it completely loses its reputation for tactile quality.<\/p>\n

\"2019
The Jetta GLI’s 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen is packed full of convenience and performance features.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This said, a set of heated outboard rear seats would\u2019ve been much appreciated by rear passengers mid-winter, not that these aren\u2019t offered by competitors, but once again the panel surrounding the three-way buttons was about as primitive as this class provides. The seats were comfortable and supportive, mind you, as well as attractive due to the same red stitching and perforated leather as those in the front, not to mention sculpted backrests in the outer window positions. A decent sized folding rear centre armrest includes cupholders, but unlike Jettas that came before there\u2019s no cargo pass-through door behind for stuffing long items such as skis. This means you\u2019ll have to lower the 40-percent side of the 60\/40-split rear seatbacks when four people are on board, forcing one rear occupant into the less comfortable middle seat, and making the rear seat warmer on that side redundant when that rear passenger will want it most. On the positive, the trunk is large at 510 litres, and could potentially house shorter skis diagonally as well as snowboards. Of course, the Jetta is not alone in choosing less costly 60\/40 split-folding rear seatbacks, but the Golf offers the centre pass-through and therefore is the better choice for active owners.<\/p>\n

\"2019
Every new car should come with a wireless charger, and VW makes this large one standard in the GLI.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A few minutes behind the wheel and you\u2019ll quickly forget about such shortcomings, however, as the GLI<\/a> is a blast to drive. Truly, this sport sedan is one of the most enjoyable to drive within its mainstream volume-branded compact sedan class, thanks to a new 228 horsepower 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 258 lb-ft of torque. That\u2019s an increase of 18 horsepower and 51 lb-ft over the GLI\u2019s predecessor, incidentally, and due to only being available with front-wheel drive the motive wheels\/tires have a habit of squealing during quick takeoffs. Certainly, there\u2019s traction control, as noted earlier, but it comes on a bit too late to stop any noisy commotion from down below, so you\u2019ll need to restrain your right foot in order to maintain civility and not engage any police intervention.<\/p>\n

The GLI<\/a>\u2019s new seven-speed dual-clutch automated DSG transmission is as important an upgrade as the engine\u2019s newfound power, and feels even faster between paddle shift-actuated gear intervals than the previous model\u2019s six-speed unit, while gaining a taller final gear to improve fuel economy (it\u2019s rated at 9.6 L\/100km in the city, 7.3 on the highway and 8.5 combined with the six-speed manual and a respective 9.3, 7.2 and 8.4 with my tester\u2019s A7 DSG auto).<\/p>\n

\"2019
The GLI’s standard power-adjustable sport seats are comfortable and supportive.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

While the new GLI<\/a> is nowhere near as fast as the aforementioned Golf R, or some of that model\u2019s equivalently quick super-compact competitors such as Subaru\u2019s WRX STI<\/a> and Mitsubishi\u2019s awesome EVO X (RIP), it\u2019s more than respectable amongst mid-range sport models like the Civic Si<\/a>, while making wannabe performance cars like the Mazda3 GT<\/a> feel as if they\u2019re standing still. Momentary burnouts during takeoff aside, the new Jetta GLI was unflappable when pushed hard through high-speed curving sections of backcountry two-lane roadway, even when pavement was so uneven that the car\u2019s rear end should\u2019ve been hopping and bopping around the road. Fortunately, unlike that top-tier Mazda3 and VW\u2019s more pedestrian Jetta trims below that use a torsion-beam rear suspension, the GLI<\/a> includes a multi-link setup in back, which absorbed jarring potholes and other road imperfections with ease, allowing most of the stock 225\/45 Hankook Kinergy GT all-season tires\u2019 contact patches to remain fully engaged with the road below. To be fair to the Mazda3<\/a>, it\u2019s surprisingly stable during such otherwise unsettling circumstances due to available AWD with G-Vectoring Plus.<\/p>\n

\"2019
Volkswagen provides a comfortable, roomy rear passenger compartment, but the tactile quality of the rear door panels is not up to par.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Back in the city, the GLI<\/a>\u2019s idle-stop system shut off the engine when the car came to a stop amid parallel parking manoeuvres. This wouldn\u2019t normally be a problem, as it should quickly reignite the engine when lifting off the brake, but while I was purposely parked too close to the vehicle ahead in order to straighten the car out, it wouldn\u2019t restart while in reverse. This necessitated shifting back into park and then pressing on the throttle to wake up the engine, and then shifting back to reverse before aligning the car. This is probably a software glitch, but I\u2019d be complaining to my dealer if it persisted. Fortunately, I experienced no other instances of this happening, but remember I only live with test cars for a week at a time.<\/p>\n

The previously noted $32,445 (for the base manual) and $33,845 (for the DSG auto) base prices meant the 2019 GLI 35<\/a> is nicely equipped, with items not yet covered including fog lamps, LED headlights, proximity entry with pushbutton start\/stop, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a potent 8-speaker BeatsAudio system with a subwoofer, a power-adjustable driver\u2019s seat with two-way powered lumbar and three-position memory, and the list goes on. The same goes for the 2020 model, by the way, as there haven\u2019t been any changes except for the discontinuation of this model year-specific 35th Edition.<\/p>\n

\"2019
At 510 litres, the Jetta’s trunk is large, but no centre pass-through means it’s not as useful as the Golf’s cargo compartment.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Speaking of model years, VW Canada will give you up to $3,000 in additional incentives on a 2019 Jetta<\/a> (which remained available when this review was written), while the new 2020 GLI<\/a> can be purchased with $1,000 in additional incentives, although keep in mind that CarCostCanada member<\/a> savings averaged $2,500 for the newer 2020 model<\/a>. To learn more, see our 2020 Volkswagen Jetta Canada Prices page<\/a> and\/or 2019 Volkswagen Jetta Canada Prices page<\/a>, where members can find out about manufacturer rebates, leasing and financing deals, plus dealer invoice pricing that could add up to even more savings. What\u2019s more, you can now download our free CarCostCanada app<\/a> from Google Play Store or Apple iTunes\/App store so you can have all of our important info in the palms of your hands when negotiating at the dealership, whether purchasing this Jetta GLI or any other new vehicle sold in Canada.<\/p>\n

In the end, I can\u2019t help but like the new Jetta GLI<\/a>, even despite its less than ideal shortcomings. It looks great, takes off like a scared rabbit (GTI<\/a>) when called upon, and is filled with most of the features premium car buyers are learning to expect. Yes, I\u2019d prefer if Volkswagen improved some of the Jetta\u2019s touchy-feely interior surfaces, but being that most owners will spend all of their time up front in the driver\u2019s seat, it\u2019s shouldn\u2019t be a deal-killing issue.<\/p>\n

Story and photo credits: Trevor Hofmann<\/p>\n

Photo Editing: Karen Tuggay<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

After eight long years of the sixth-generation Jetta, Volkswagen introduced a ground-up redesign for the 2019 model year and Canadian compact sedan buyers responded by boosting the model\u2019s sales by 14 percent. That\u2019s a good news story for VW Canada, but 17,260 units in 2019 is a far cry from the car\u2019s high of 31,042 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":3208,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-container-style":"default","site-container-layout":"default","site-sidebar-layout":"default","disable-article-header":"default","disable-site-header":"default","disable-site-footer":"default","disable-content-area-spacing":"default","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[31,45,568,59,39,567,566,312,118,79,78,146,38,64,141,320,321],"class_list":["post-3207","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-carcostcanada","tag-31","tag-45","tag-35th-edition","tag-compact","tag-four-door","tag-gli","tag-jetta","tag-leather","tag-performance","tag-review","tag-road-test","tag-saloon","tag-sedan","tag-turbo","tag-turbocharged","tag-volkswagen","tag-vw"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3207","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3207"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3207\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3241,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3207\/revisions\/3241"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3208"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3207"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3207"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/articles.carcostcanada.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3207"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}