Behind the Wheel: the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
VW turned its hot hatch into a swift sedan. Welcome the new GLI
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00:00 Hi, I'm Billy Rabock with Automobile Magazine, and this is the 2019 Jetta GLI.
00:07 So Volkswagen sent us out to Tennessee to drive the car for the first time on the tail
00:19 of the Dragon.
00:20 They have moved everything over from the GTI into this car.
00:25 I just got out of the car with the dual-clutch transmission, which is snappy and efficient
00:31 and gives great sounds when it shifts, but this manual is just like, this is good.
00:37 The 2-liter turbocharged engine produces 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which
00:42 is the same as the GTI.
00:44 Shift throws are snappy, the clutch is responsive, it's really easy to figure out where the shift
00:48 points are.
00:49 Another incredible thing about this car is that it gets the Golf R brakes, so it'll stop
00:53 on a dime.
00:54 This is the first time Volkswagen has given the GLI its due diligence in a long, long
01:00 time.
01:01 The GLI gets independent suspension again, and it's all the better for it.
01:06 It's unbelievable, at some of these corners I could have been on the throttle more, and
01:13 it would just grip and grip and grip.
01:16 The twin exhausts are real, too.
01:17 No fake tips on this car.
01:20 It does amplify the exhaust, which to some enthusiasts may be a turn-off.
01:28 The burbling exhaust note just sounds incredible, and you can hold it in the gear better with
01:32 the manual.
01:33 That engine just sings, it's a really, really good 2-liter turbo.
01:37 The car I'm driving right now comes out to about $26,000 before destination charge, which
01:43 is really reasonable for what a performance bargain it is.
01:46 Although I'm driving the base model right now, the top-tier trim level, Autobahn, comes
01:50 out just under $30,000 before destination.
01:53 The GLI doesn't get the virtual cockpit that some other Volkswagens get, so it is a little
01:58 bit down on the technology.
01:59 However, it does get a full array of safety assist features.
02:02 There it is, there it is, there it is.
02:05 I can't believe this is a base model car.
02:07 This thing is just so satisfying to drive.
02:10 A notable design cue is the driver-oriented infotainment system and HVAC controls.
02:17 Volkswagen wanted the Jetta to be a driver-centric car, so the screen is tilted towards me.
02:23 If I had to offer any criticisms of this car, it would be that the interior is a little
02:27 bit spartan.
02:28 But what do you expect for a car that comes out under $30,000?
02:32 This car is exactly what a Volkswagen should be.
02:34 It's a car for the people.
02:36 It's affordable, it's fun to drive, and it's very practical, too.
02:39 [MUSIC PLAYING]
02:43 (upbeat music)
02:45 (upbeat music)