For 50 years, the Jetta has proven itself as one of the most trustworthy and beloved Volkswagen models ever created. Especially popular among the North Americans, the Jetta GLI offers enhanced power and performance, as well as cutting-edge safety and utility features.
The Jetta GLI first arrived in the US back in 1984. Following the success oft the Golf GTI, VW team decided to create a similar sporty version of the Jetta. However, unlike the Golf, the Jetta offers four or five doors, as well as spacious trunk, and ample cargo space.
This meant that the GLI’s first iteration was able to incorporate tons of cutting-edge technologies. Such included a fuel-injected, 90-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine with revised cylinder heads, lighter pistons and higher compression ratio. It also had a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission and improved sports suspension.
Throughout the years, Jetta GLI evolved even more and in 1990 debuted with the first 16-valve, 2.0-liter engine.
Sometime later, the new millennium brought new improvements to the Jetta. Such include 2.8-liter narrow-angle VR6, and an efficient 1.8-liter turbocharged for even later versions. Then the Mk5 was unveiled – the vehicle featured an agile 2.0-liter TSI turbo engine that generated a total of 200hp and came with an independent rear suspension and exclusive 18-inch alloys.
In 2012, Jetta GLI Mk6 was introduced and offered a fully independent rear suspension and luxurious interior.
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In 2020, the current generation of Jetta GLI debuted at the Chicago Auto Show, based on the successful MQB platform, offers the 2.0 liter engine out of the GTI with 228 horsepower and an available manual transmission. These Mk7 GLI models feature a VAQ electronically-controlled, torque-sensing, limited-slip differential which hydraulically varies torque to each front wheel, working in tandem with the XDS electronic differential lock to reduce understeer and limit wheelspin. The seventh-generation Jetta GLI includes a plethora of new interior features including available ten-color customizable ambient lighting, heated front seats, and the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit.
For 2022, a midcycle refresh brings Jetta GLI a ton of changes. The refreshed Jetta GLI keeps the 2.0-liter turbo TSI engine, which now delivers 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and is mated to either the seven-speed DSG automatic or a six-speed manual. The GLI exterior upgrades include a new honeycomb grille and a bumper which encompass the signature GLI red accent lines on either side. The design is rounded out with new 18-inch alloy wheels. GLI interior upgrades refine the sporty appearance of this much-loved model.
For seven generations the Volkswagen Jetta has delivered a neat mix of European handling and a four-door convenience in a single package. The model is so popular that about 18 million units are sold globally and about 3.2 are sold in the US. As the latest model arrives later this year, we take a closer look at some of the most notable vehicles in the lineup.
Volkswagen of America, Inc. announces that results from a maintenance cost study reveal that some of the brand’s models have the lowest cost of maintenance. The analysis is performed by Vincentric, an automotive data firm. It shows that Atlas and Jetta’s lineups offer the lowest costs for maintenance over the first five years of ownership, whereas Tiguan, Passat and Arteon outperformed key models from competitive brands.
Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced full details for the new 2019 Jetta GLI. Celebrating 35 years since the first mode was introduced back in 1984, the latest family member showcases sexy exterior, advanced drivetrain system and extended list of standard features.
Volkswagen today announced that new 2019 Jetta has been named the finalist of 2019 Green Car of the Year event. This is a prestigious recognition that honors vehicles that contribute to cleaner environment and incorporate ecologically friendly drivetrain system and features.
Volkswagen announced that the latest 2019 Jetta has been recognized as part of the Wards 10 Best UX list. Highlighting vehicle’s handy and easy-to-operate technologies and refined drivetrain system, the jury has given VW team the prestigious award at the third annual WardsAuto User Experience Conference.
Volkswagen of America, in collaboration with the creative agency Deutsch has landed the new marketing campaign “Betta Getta Jetta” in order to support the launch of the latest 2019 Jetta. The project includes numerous spots that would showcase an outstanding computer-generated design and would accent on the 10-color ambient lightning system.
Volkswagen presents 2019 Jetta: with further improved fuel consumption efficiency and refreshed looks, the new guy in the lineup would try to appeal as many customers as possible. How? By earning our trust with additional goodies, technologies and this vast interior space. Let’s check out more!
What will happen to the 2016 VW Jetta GLI 2.0T if it is tweaked by MOMO team? The answer is quite satisfactory. The lucky vehicle now comes with numerous upgrades and mainly driver-focused technology and functionality changes.
2012 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid is exhibited at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Great news from Volkswagen! The company has introduced the European edition of 2011 Jetta, which was launched earlier this year in the USA. The European edition boats better interior trim options and some additional engine choices.
At the Times Square in New York, Volkswagen has exclusively pulled-off the cover on its next-generation 2011 VW Jetta.