2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Review: The Secret Bargain of VW's Lineup?

[@MrNemo721]

Mike, love your presentation style. I have been watching GI reviews all morning and it looks like a good balance of performance, features and price. Wish it came in blue but I'll take a gray one.

[@moviewinnerorweiner]

I prefer Mike to the others on TFL

[@jamesengelsman9369]

Great to see you there, Mike! Catch you on the next one

[@m1kerophone]

Likewise James! Nice to meet you both.

[@roselandvolkswagen4691]

Drove one recently...for FWD this GLI drives pretty damn good. I personally think it looks best in grey and black though

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Personally, where have all the bright beautiful colors gone these days? Sea of grays/blacks/tans everywhere. I hate red, but I'd take an awesome blue, or green, or get adventurous with an orange or yellow.

[@BoopSnoot]

Its 2020, I really thought we'd move beyond seeing color at this point and just judge vehicles based on their merit. Don't be on the wrong side of history.

[@ARentz07]

I dislike the black. When I saw a red one at the dealer, I changed my mind and decided to go for that color. I don't regret it.

[@doccyber]

Finally a worthy GLI

[@maybelive765]

But jettas were good because they were light and small.... This is the TOTAL opposite!!!!

[@scirlouie3960]

Terrible looking

[@scirlouie3960]

@@maybelive765 horrible lookinv

[@2liter8valveABA]

Not a very large car at all, and at 3217lbs it weighs less than a golf R.

[@Lionaljohn]

@@2liter8valveABA It weighs like 150 lbs more then the GTI which is Negligible at best. It also beats the GIT by .1 second in a drag anyway.

[@Jeremiah17seven]

Great car...great review! I bought the 35th edition in white for my wife and we both really like it a lot! So much cool for your money!

[@isaacsmiranda4902]

Yes it is 2019 Black Wheels with a Red Stripes,a black Roof,Black Mirror caps,and a black spoiler Volkswagen Jetta Gli 2.0L 4-CYLINDER 228 Hp and 258 torque Midsize Sporty Sedan!!!!

[@82mattlopez]

Sub compact.

[@spook5756]

@@82mattlopez compact

[@82mattlopez]

@@spook5756 correct sir

[@jacobreed47]

Blacked out cars are all played out. Time to move on, black is the worst color for vehicles period.

[@kevinhobbs1832]

Excellent review young man! You hit on some features that other reviewers did not.

[@kbarrett1844]

Nice review Mike. I have to say, the new Jetta looks much better in GLI trim. Lease it!

[@solen1849]

What a great video, packed with good information and didn't feel like it was drawn out or over done. You guys have become pros, I love it! Great job, I am trying to convince my wife to get one of these haha

[@pbentsonable]

GLI Autobahn! ❤️ But it needs fog lights and the same level of equipment as the fully loaded regular Jetta.

[@Lionaljohn]

I opted for the 35th anniversary over the Autobahn. The Autobahn didn't have enough bells and whistles over mine to justify the 3k extra cost.

[@Omar-et7sb]

Add a trim with an all-wheel-drive and this will be perfect.

[@jpack85]

The GLI needs fogs lights to strengthen its aggressive face.

[@Jeremiah17seven]

I don't think that will add any aggressiveness to it's front end. But it would be a nice safety feature. It should come standard!

[@JeffSpehar-ov1cn]

@@Jeremiah17seven It has LED headlights, more than enough.

[@Lionaljohn]

@@JeffSpehar-ov1cn The only issue is that because of the headlights, the Gli jetta didn't get a top safety pick with some award safety thing. I see no issue with the headlights.

[@brado2273]

@@Lionaljohn brightest lights I’ve ever seen. Everyone who gets in my gli comments on the headlights and how bright they are

[@2liter8valveABA]

I’ve owned my 19 GLI S (DSG) for 4 days now, I got mine for a hair over 24k. I was blown away after my first drive. Even more enjoyable than my previous 18 GTI. Great review

[@keeperzero]

Was that price all in or before tax

[@2liter8valveABA]

That was 1k off sticker. Right at 30k out the door with tax & licensing.

[@scmorton8]

We are enjoying our 2014 GLI Edition 30 with a 6-speed. Sporty enough to be fun but practical enough to drive everyday.

[@isaacsmiranda4902]

Oh and one more thing 25-32 315 Miles On this 2019 Jetta Gli.

[@christopherwodecki1863]

Just bought the 35edition. Really fun drive. Love the multiple drive modes. Obviously AWD would put this car over the top but for the price. Someone mentioned commenting on the stereo. I would rate it as fair to good. Nothing special. But I didn't buy this car for the stereo. I bought it for the feeling I felt when I took it for a test drive. Like the reviewer says when you are talking right curves or turns the car really powers through the turns. 15 years ago I paid 20,000 for a Corolla S manual transmission also super fun. For only $6000 more you can buy the GLI. Great value all around. My opinion may change when i need to replace the brakes and rotors and tires. And the cost to maintain skyrockets. Time will tell if the reliability lives up to my Toyota.

[@MrBamastang]

I had an edition 30 GLI, loved that car. The limited slip was unavailable then and badly needed

[@emphase6]

Looks good, wish reviewers would take more time and talk about the stereo. I can't find 1 reviewer that mentions how the audio sounds.

[@mathew10676]

Emphase I just test drove a GTI and a GLI. Stereo isn’t any better than my 15 Jetta S as far quality of audio. Didn’t make time to play around with it too much though.

[@xdas32]

Hope this is not too late, you can check out savagegeese chanel. They do brutally honest car review, including audio

[@emphase6]

@@xdas32 yup, subbed to him he's great.,Thanks for the tip though!

[@macbookpro57]

That car is a dang good deal, i never considered a Jetta until now lol

[@mvelazquez3557]

Great Review my friend, congratulations

[@phuot1]

Look great. They put an engine in the Jetta. Let's party! Rent the automatic transmission and buy the manual.

[@johnn8117]

Thanks Mike for the review. Do you know if they have fixed the carbon buildup problem with the European dual injectors or are we still getting the inferior single injectors?

[@davesearle2766]

Good question

[@stephenhendricks103]

No dual injection on the US spec engine as far as I know. Arguably, the "carbon build up" problem has been overblown and doesn't impact that many vehicles. (I've owned two GTI's and neither has experienced the problem, though admittedly that's an anecdote, not a convincing case. Dual injection was added to Euro spec vehicles as a result of the demands of EU regulators who imposed the requirement as a result of the EU's tighter (and increasingly tighter) emission standards.

[@mikepayne3154]

No DCC on a top of the line model, when the lower trim 35th gets it is a deal breaker for me.

[@t.k.morris]

How tall are you? And do you fit as well in the GTI back seat?

[@Dannlexon]

Still don’t know how this is considered “compact” this almost the size of a Passat 🤯

[@alextube1101]

Everything is massive

[@RoyalFizzbin]

Just got one. Yeah, it’s somewhere between a Civic and an Accord. Definitely still a lot smaller than the Passat, Accord, Camry, etc, but bigger than the Civic, Mazda3, etc.

[@sinisterscatpack3929]

The Smoky mountains you guys need to do more videos there and the tail off the dragon is awesome in sports cars and on bikes. And it's not far from their Chattanooga vw plant and that friggin plane is huge over I think 128 acres but still awesome.

[@alexitoe30]

So aside from dashboard and infotainment what is the difference between this and the autobahn in turns of like suspension and performance

[@8CD8]

Why doesn't that gli have a full digital display, I thought all the 2019 gli's did?

[@BugManRides]

The New Jetta is just not an attractive car, it may be extremely value packed however it is just not a handsome vehicle.

[@MsBoris66]

Yep the generation look flat !

[@stephenhendricks103]

I'm always amused by blanket universal statements about what is undoubtedly the most subjective, individual aspect of an automobile, its overall looks. There's nothing wrong with expressing a personal opinion, of course, but some recognition of its subjectivity would be refreshing.

[@reko3103]

Does it come in yellow?

[@davesearle2766]

We have purchased the first 35 Edition in red with manual transmission, picking up next week. In Canada you get all the Autobahn trim in the 35 Edition with only the $995 Can driver's assistant as an extra cost. Small gripes as we have a 2016 GTI and have had a few Jettas, no "Homelink" no gas struts for the hood which is quite heavy and those trunk hinges interfere with a full trunk, suitcases etc..On my test drive I thought it felt a bit sluggish but had only 22 kilometres on the clock and was interesting to hear that torque came on 300 rpm later than on the GTI. Looking forward to when we pass the break in period.

[@stephenhendricks103]

For some mysterious reason VW Canada seems to have a different relationship with VW Germany than VW USA. It's not unusual for a manufacturer to provide different configurations for North America but there are frequently differences in VW's in the US and Canada. For example, in 2018 Golf R's were far more readily available in Canada than in the US. On the other hand, GTI's were less widely available in Canada. And Canada had a huge range of colors available on the GTI while US spec versions were limited to a few rather common colors. For 2019 US buyers were promised that large pallet (at a stiff price) but as far as I can tell, they haven't materialized. As for the 35th Anniversary edition, as you note it's simply an optional package in Canada while in the US it's a specific (and rather odd) trim level. I'll leave it to others to figure it out.

[@davesearle2766]

@@stephenhendricks103 Our car which has all the Autobahn features available in the States cost $25,099 USD. (35 Edition)

[@raphaelbullock]

Would you get this over the Mazda 3 GT AWD? Does the performance make up for the cheaper materials and the uglier design?

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

C’mon VW. Add DCC to the Autobahn trim level.

[@818Cali_Tali]

And fog lights.

[@wocaomade]

They also need to add them too their SUVs

[@theexterminator]

I know... No DCC on the top trim? What genius made that decision?

[@stephenhendricks103]

I have a feeling that stemmed from component availability when the GLI was introduced. I suspect they didn't have sufficient availability to add DCC to the top trim Autobahn in the US so they restricted it to the limited edition "35". I'd be surprised if the issue isn't remedied with the 2020 model lineup.

[@billmalec]

Bought a 2019 Jetta S(base model) new with 6 sp manual for $16,900. Couldn't pass that up. Driver's assist package included. 6yr/70,000 mile warranty from the factory. Much better mileage than EPA estimate. Deal and a half. GLI is awesome also.

[@diliprathore85]

Why such narrow tires ?

[@charlesmyers1253]

Yep...now I want one

[@karlpiepenburg3157]

Why do the cheaper Jettas have sunroofs but this doesn’t?

[@sanzoTravels]

Time for a new Eos on this platform.

[@alextube1101]

T Roc Cabrio should be imported to North America

[@artistryandmotion]

Why doesn't the GLI have rear air vents like the the GTI? Where are the plaid seats?

[@stephenhendricks103]

(1) Cost cutting. (2) Plaid seats are and always will be an exclusive GTI feature.

[@davesearle2766]

Only real leather in Canada, no extra charge, my 2016 GTI has the plaid seats and they are comfortable but don't wear as well as leather (especially bolsters)

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

I've always liked the unstated good looks of the Jetta. By the time that I get around to buying a new car, there won't be any new Fiesta STs, so this might be an alternative.

[@davesearle2766]

Understated looks allow for a more sporting drive without being noticed

[@cicada3312]

I like this car. Nice review. I love hearing you talk.

[@itzed]

I don’t understand the reasoning for moving the HP and Torque peaks up in the rev range. I have a 6M GTI and the gearing is very long, why not keep the torque down low where you need it with the long gearing?

[@stephenhendricks103]

I"m puzzled as well, but I suspect it has to do with VW's belief that GTI owners (like you and I) prefer the "punch" of the turbo at lower RPM's.

[@brettking6355]

Is the volswagon jetta a good and reliable car? Really thinking about getting one. I just never bought a volswagon before but I would definitely start with a Jetta. Please help thanks yall!

[@savedby_grace6110]

I owned a GTI....fun but not all that realiable at 90k. I decided to get an new Accord 1.5T for 22k out the door. I'm happy with my decision.

[@ninetymm]

Thumb up for locking yourself in the trunk.

[@jhaddix07]

one of your best reviews

[@drewhiz7334]

TOD (tail of the dragon) is awesome! I've went in 2016-17 in my JGCSRT. Great vid and the GLI is quite frankly, a sleeper car.

[@kingdingaling781]

"I've went"?

[@2themaxgaming]

How tall are you Mike?

[@stevenhaas9622]

so the top trim GLI costs $5k less than the top trim GTI?

[@stephenhendricks103]

Yes. And there are even some features not available in the 2019 US Spec GTI. The most prominent is the digital cockpit not yet available in the US spec GTI, a larger sunroof, and multicolored ambient lighting. But there's also some cost cutting. Here and there some hard plastics compared to soft surfaces in the top trim GTI. No adaptive (steering) headlights. No "performance monitor" or lap timer. No dual zone climate control or backseat HVAC vents or controls. No 12V outlet (I believe) in the center console that can be used with a USB adapter reachable within by a front seat and/or a backseat passenger. Likewise, the GLI lacks adaptive cruise control (non-adaptive only) and (for what it's worth) automated parallel parking. (That's on my 2018 GTI but I'm not sure about the 2019. Wouldn't be surprised to see it dropped. I rarely use it.) Finally, VW believes the iconic status of the GTI is worth some $$$ compared to the GLI. You may or may not agree.

[@ARentz07]

@@stephenhendricks103 The base GLI "S" trim comes with dual zone automatic climate, and the GTI "S" does not. Kinda lame. I do agree on the material quality though.

[@gothens08]

Great review man! Thank you!

[@lego4virgo]

Wow, VW got all these GLI reviews at 'Tail of the Dragon'? Pretty brazen. Really believe in their model.

[@NGMonocrom]

Yeah, it looks great. Just one question.... Why is VW's Mid-size Passat masquerading as a "Compact" Jetta. It's not fooling anyone. Is it?

[@marcinf9926]

Good review of a fun car.

[@nelsonvanvickle8862]

Everyone begrudges the sticker price on these cars. And they ARE pricey. But there is also a better option. Just follow my lead and wait it out for the dealerships to start making room for the incoming 2021s. I picked up my 17' GLI as a year end clearance model and the dealer took almost 6k off the MSRP. Got it for 23k out the door, fully loaded- sunroof, DSG trans, front and rear parking sensors, rear traffic alert, park pilot, Fender audio, summer performance rubber, leatherette, and even came with the high dollar GLI rubber floor mats, lol. Spent less than a grand on an ECU flash and catback exhaust it would roast this mk7 off the line. Think about that. All for about 6 grand LESS than what you'd pay for a comparably equipped mk7...😂😂😂😂😂

[@davesearle2766]

Our 2019 GLI 35 Edition (also Autobahn in Canada) Was $33,440 with Driver's Assistance Package. ($25,099 USD) Our 2015 Jetta 1.8 manual "Highline" was $27,985 and our 2006 Jetta Highline TDI was around $29,000 so this case with all it offers is a bargain, remember these prices are in Canadian dollars.

[@threeer02]

And you tested the manual! That's how you do it! Thank goodness you didn't fold and do the automatic! Nice...

[@nick-cb6dl]

I wonder if the engine will need to be cleaned out in 60,000 miles becuase of carbon build up like my GTI

[@Jeremiah17seven]

Use Premium fuel and it won't. My son's 2011 GTI went 80k before it needed the injectors cleaned. Don't know if Premium was always used in it since he bought it used and it can run fine with regular unleaded.

[@caedom21]

I like Mike.

[@WheelsandWallets]

Vents under the back seats

[@jahciple]

You know how VW makes the sound different on the different modes? They have a vibrator on the windshield called Soundaktor.

[@kieransteele7223]

Manual accord 2.0T or this with the manual??

[@82mattlopez]

Accord is a bigger car.

[@kieransteele7223]

I guess I mean more from a driving standpoint, which is the more enjoyable car? I know they’re not directly comparable because the Jetta is smaller, but they do have similar sized engines, six speeds, and are the sporty versions in their line up.

[@82mattlopez]

@@kieransteele7223 I've own a Gli but not a Accord. I always thought a Accord was a old man's car.

[@kieransteele7223]

Matt Lopez haha that’s fair, I just drove the new one recently with the 2.0T and it was a hoot, and it looks a lot less old man than in the past haha. So I wonder how they compare

[@82mattlopez]

@@kieransteele7223 I'm 49 so I was just kidding about the old man comment. Did you drive the Accord sport?

[@jacobreed47]

I regret buying an all new Jetta SEL now that the GLI has arrived. I wasn't familiar with VWs and didn't know what a GLI even was. Now it's here, I wish I could trade in my Jetta for the GLI with more powah baby and independent rear suspension. Well worth it. Good job VW. This will eat Civic Si easily.

[@andyestrella14]

I have the 2016 GLI, which I think has a more aggressive look and can be distinguished easily from the standard Jetta. The 2019 GLI still looks like a 2019 standard Jetta with a different grill and larger wheels.

[@moviewinnerorweiner]

I'm curious how much the GLI will actually sell for. I got 6k off sticker on my GTI. If I could get a similar deal on a GLI, I would probably get one!

[@stephenhendricks103]

I purchased a 2018 GTI Autobahn/DSG for about $6000 under MSRP, as well. I doubt, however, that the GLI will come close to that discount. In the first place the Jetta is VW's best selling US model. If you don't buy it, the guy who comes in tomorrow may well purchase it. Second, the MSRP, especially the top trim, is already considerably less expensive than a top trim GTI. That's not to say you can't negotiate a discount; just don't expect as good a deal as you got for your GTI.

[@davesearle2766]

Car and Driver's test is up on their website . Like performance, don't like the cheating out on the little stuff.....

[@stephenhendricks103]

Thanks for the heads up, Dave. I'll watch for it. Never done the Tail of the Dragon in a four wheel vehicle but I've done it several times on two wheels.

[@davesearle2766]

@@stephenhendricks103 Editors told me they needed to have the car back to their office for some instrument testing and SHOULD be up by Wednesday....

[@davesearle2766]

@@stephenhendricks103 It is up on their website, don't like the interior but do seem to like the performance, in Canada they are all Autobahn, no base models with cloth seats, all have digital dash. We pick ours up Tomorrow at 1pm and get a 100 k drive home so should be interesting. They got a 0-60 time of 5.6 which betters my 2016 GTI

[@geocom200]

I like this guy. Great reviewer.

[@mk5721]

Front end still looks frumpy. They can't seem to get that right.

[@mbd501]

Agreed. I don’t like the front end of this, or of many other new cars nowadays. Carmakers have gone off the deep end with all the oversized grills.

[@davesearle2766]

@@mbd501 I agree as well, too much up front but that seems to be the way these days unfortunately, we can overlook this as the price is so good.

[@roshanmanilal5315]

It reminds me so much of the passat. It would be more appealing if it was a little more sportier. I am a true vw fan, it's only an opinion that I am putting forward, the jetta mk4 /5 were good builds. I also loved the mk 2 during its era, very reliable and economical, owned 5 of them. I owned all of the jetta models, hated the mk 3 . The jetta start to resemble the passat fro the mk6 going forward.

[@davesearle2766]

@@roshanmanilal5315 We picked up our Tornado Red 35 Edition (Autobahn in Canada) manual transmission. My impressions on driving it the 60 miles back to our home were...It's BIG compared to our GTI and the 2015 Jetta we traded it, it's comparable to our old 528 BMW, feels big and looks it, not a bad thing just has grown a lot, don't like the hard plastic on the doors, dashboard is fine. Found the steering a bit "darty" for lack of a better word, needed a lot of corrections on the freeway which I do not notice in town, may just need getting used to and may be the cheap Hankook all season tires it comes with. Seats are great, hard on the bottom which is typical, the bolsters are not as confining as my GTI. Lots of power as expected and after the 1,000 mile break in period will be fun to drive.

[@davesearle2766]

@@darekm6859 We have had our red 6 speed for 5 days now and apart from the dealer putting 46 psi cold in the tires it's working pretty well, feels like a 5 series size wise and a lot bigger than my GTI. Not perfect but a lot of fun for the money.

[@82mattlopez]

It looked better with the dual exhaust tips on one side.

[@jayczyzyk9707]

The,tree of shame is where james,from full throttle found the poop of the dragon

[@DavidFernandez-sc5ws]

Why not give DCC to the Autobahn trim? Wtf.....

[@stephenhendricks103]

Odd, I agree. I suspect that once the limited edition 35 anniversary version goes away the DCC will show up on the Autobahn. It makes little sense to me but one theory might be supply issues with the components. Enough for the US Spec 35th Anniversary trim but not enough for the entire Autobahn run.

[@krane15]

No rear seat A/C vent is just a glaring omission and an unforgivable step backwards. This car is just too advanced to have that type of omission. Sitting in the rear seat is like you went from first class to steerage class. The first generation Jetta GLI was my first new car. Its hard to believer its been 35 years. FYI, my first generation 100 hp, 5-speed GLI got the same gas mileage as this current model. Of course it didn't have all of today's advanced gadgets and gizmos, but at least the rear windows did go all the way down. Imagine that.

[@roshanmanilal5315]

Best was the mk 4 jetta Gli. They should have made it a coupe 2 door , 4 exhaust chrome tip pipe.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Would you promise to buy a dozen and convince your friends to do the same? If there were enough of you purchasing multiple vehicles VW might make a profit on a two door model.

[@jordanthompson2926]

I still have my mk4 GLI with the 24v vr6 🙌🏾

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@jordanthompson2926 You're a member of a rare breed, my friend. :)

[@cornercarver636]

Stephen Hendricks What’s the difference between the MK4 Wolfsburg Edition and the MK4 GLI?

[@roshanmanilal5315]

Jordan Thomson, I owned the 2.0 apk motor and the 1.6 Akl motor. Unfortunately the Gli Vr6 never reach our shores (south Africa ) in the mk4 model I am planning to build one, the engines are available ,we do have importers of this motor in south africa. I hope you can advise me on a gearbox that will marry up with this engine hence not affecting it's ratios. It would be great if vw made a coupe 2 door similar to the BMW M4, 4 pipe. I am pretty sure it will be an instant success , it will never happen now though as they are moving away from ( ICE )internal combustion engines. A true vw fan , i owned 10 vw vehicles thus far.

[@donwhitehead4587]

Nice job, Mike.

[@reserva120]

well done sir...

[@turdzilla1675]

I'd like to see this compared to the Civic Si and the new N Veloster all optioned to like 27k max and see how they compared. I bet the Veloster without it's performance pack would be a pretty even comparison. With the performance pack though I'm sure it smokes them.

[@davesearle2766]

Older buyers like myself like the more subtle appearance, not a "boy racer"

[@turdzilla1675]

Ok...

[@stephenhendricks103]

Or how about a GLI vs a Mustang GT? Or a Vette? There are different categories of vehicles, you know. The GLI is a "sporty" (not a "sports") compact family sedan.

[@turdzilla1675]

@@stephenhendricks103 lol how is the Veloster N and Civic SI not comparable to the GLI? They are all front drive sport compacts in the same price range.

[@turdzilla1675]

The GLI even makes more power and torque than the Civic SI and is about the same size. The Veloster is different, but still front drive, and you don't even get a lsd like you do until you pay 28k for the performance pack.

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

Why JETTA ain't AWD or RWD biased with much superior engines?TLF also mention the cheap built quality of the new jetta ...is that applicable to GLI as well

[@Jeremiah17seven]

My wife and I LOVE our new 35th edition GLI. An amazing car at a great price.

[@belalberry]

I wish tfl focus more on driving and handling of the car

[@Cameron38]

I would be willing to pay a bit more for an autobahn edition that included a few more goodies like adaptive cruise, 360 camera, and rear seat vents. It would be a G70 2 liter killer at a much lower price!

[@stephenhendricks103]

Same here with regard to adaptive cruise and rear vents. Until I purchased a car with adaptive cruise control I considered it something of a gimmick. Now I wouldn't do without it in any vehicle I expect to subject to long distance freeway slogs. And rear seat vents are a deal breaker, not only for me, but also for my big dog.

[@Chris-dy1cb]

If one of you nerds complains about no sunroof on a performance based package i swear to god

[@jimbergmann8633]

Soyboy when you live in Phoenix you appreciate them to vent hot air on startup.

[@NukePooch1]

Good car, VW! I still lean toward the GTI for the practicality, styling, and of course, plaid seats, but this Jetta looks good. (I also like the fact that Golf production is heading back to Germany!)

[@jacobreed47]

Golf and GTI is always made in Germany, the Jetta,Beetle and Tiguan are made in Mexico.

[@NukePooch1]

@@jacobreed47 The Golf's been manufactured in Mexico since 2014, it's scheduled to come back to Germany this year for the new Golf model.

[@davesearle2766]

@@jacobreed47 Our 2016 GTI was made in Mexico and zero issues with quality and finish

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@davesearle2766 Same here, Dave. In fact, my 2018 GTI is tighter and quieter than my 2013 GTI, the last year the GTI was built in Germany.

[@davesearle2766]

@@stephenhendricks103 I think one software recall and nothing else, not a rattle or any other issues, our 2006 Jetta was built in Brazil and our 2015 Jetta in Mexico, Clutch issue in 2006 which was dealt with by VW (Sachs clutch) pretty happy overall

[@story1162]

I have the 1989 recaro ed jetta and a 2004 gli recaro ed. I like the new gli they have been listening to the fans!

[@OldDirtyCollector]

I’ve driven both this GLI and The GTI. Gotta say the GLI is too boaty and slower. I went with a 2019 GTI S Manual. Not to say the GLI isn’t a nice car. If you want more room, spend less money, and a decent amount of speed to it, go with the GLI. Personally, you do tend to sit a bit to high up when it comes to the seats without any option to lower them and I don’t like the grill. Looks like the car has braces. Not feeling it.

[@Lionaljohn]

Slower? The GLI beat the GTI in a drag race. The GLI is also roughly Only 40 pounds heavier then the GTI with is negligible at Best.

[@driveshift]

Those 35th anniversary wheels look like they’re cheap aftermarket wheels. I’d prefer the base GLI wheels

[@Jeremiah17seven]

I LOVE the rims on my 35th edition GLI! They look AMAZING! It's one thing that really stood out to my wife and I. I don't really like the standard GLI rims.

[@iroquoispliskin6077]

Mk2 is best looking and drivetrain but this is a close second there with better suspension and interior so it may be the best GLI yet.

[@NukePooch1]

So, Mike...did any GLI parts end up nailed to the tree?

[@m1kerophone]

Thankfully, No!

[@abc123fhdi]

My Bimmer makes 355 HP and 369 torque and gets 33 highway. It's also a proper RWD sports sedan.

[@colostomybag922]

Wow were all so impressed

[@JRAnalyzes]

cool story

[@Lionaljohn]

Which costs how much? Did you get the extended warranty? I get a new vehicle every 5 years. I just bought a 2019 GLI 35th edition in grey Yesterday. 5 years, 72,000 miles warranty. With taxes and fees cost me 25k total. Didn't have to buy the extended warranty as this one will last until i need to trade it in, which will be for another GLI or a GTI. You cant compare a BMW that costs roughly twice as much to this one and charges extra for a Warranty that brings up the factory one to roughly the same as the standard VW warranty.

[@CliffWarren]

I had a 2001 GLI, and that car spent half of it's life broken. This is not an exaggeration. If a passenger sneezed in the car it would go into limp mode. I do hope they are better now. Once I form an opinion about a brand, it's hard to change it.

[@danstewart3894]

Cliff Warren I had a 2010 Wolfsburg. Damn it cost me a lot in repairs. But I loved driving that car.

[@errorsofmodernism9715]

This guy's name is Mike Demuro

[@JD-kf2ki]

3:55 Civic doesn't stand a chance.

[@britshell]

Mazda could learn a few things from the GLI, after their disappointing new Mazda 3.

[@thekaysers3301]

The thing I like about this car in comparison to the new Mazda 3, is actually the appearance. Some people say it's "too simple" - but I prefer this simple, sporty look to the "look at me" look the new Mazdas give. It's subjective, but some people prefer a simple more classy style rather than a loud style.

[@britshell]

@@thekaysers3301 The appearance is unoffensive, it looks like every other Asian compact car, and that is not a bad thing. What really matters is how it drives. That is where the Mazda falls short.

[@thekaysers3301]

@@britshell I am surprised the new Mazda 3 falls short in this area..

[@britshell]

@@thekaysers3301 The 3 has always been a bit behind the GLI/GTI, it was never as refined feeling. But now that Mazda has gotten rid of independent rear and still refuses to sell a version with a turbo (The 4 cylinder engine from the mazda 6) It shows that they want to make the 3 a budget offering and do not care about actually making performance version.

[@britshell]

@@thekaysers3301 Have you driven a Mazda 3 and GTI/GLI back to back? It's night and day. And I don't even mean the extra power, It just can't hold onto the road the same way.

[@jdepape]

How tall are you ??? I only ask so I can get an idea!!!

[@m1kerophone]

6'2"

[@jdepape]

Cool ... thanks you !!:)

[@Mando077-1]

Why not compare it to the pervious gli

[@isaacsmiranda4902]

Tail of the Dragon yeah man i was right mike Curtis!!!!!!!!!

[@TopKick818]

Cute but not as driver oriented (fun) as the MKII 16V Jetta GLI.

[@colostomybag922]

And have you driven one? Also, its not the 90s anymore

[@Viper-zp9vz]

Copying the DRL design of the Charger. Not impressed with this car. They are late with the independent rear suspension. The 2015 Dart had independent rear suspension. Not impressed. Styling is basic. They can do better. For some reason America auto reporters gush over over price foreign cars. It's sick!

[@matrixnote3820]

Review is ok I just Dont like the design of these new jettas, Maybe is just me.

[@roshanmanilal5315]

No it's not you, the best shape was the mk4

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@roshanmanilal5315 Thanks for the recognition that it might be a question of individual taste.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Now if only Toyota and Subaru WOULD GET A TURBO 2.0 IN THAT BLASTED 86/BRZ ALREADY...

[@stephenhendricks103]

Excellent review, Mike. Obviously you know your VW's. (Not surprisingly). I was surprised and gratified to see that VW opted not to neuter the engine and drive train from the GTI in the GLI. And given the price points they were aiming for I can understand that some cost cutting was necessary in the GLI. Unfortunately, though, sometimes a minor issue can be major problem, even a deal breaker, for some customers. For me it would be the lack of any HVAC vents, much less separate controls, for the back seat. After providing an unusually roomy back seat for a compact sedan, that's a puzzler. I frequently transport my 14 y/o daughter and big dog in the back seat of my GTI and each (especially my dog) would find that one feature to be a deal breaker or at least a source of endless complaints.

[@Jeremiah17seven]

Get some premium tint and your A/C will get the whole cabin cool in very little time. Rear vents in such a small cabin are not really needed.

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@Jeremiah17seven I shared your comment with my dog. He responded, 'GRRRRRRR...." No sale, I'm afraid. He likes the breeze from the vents.

[@drsnowmon]

I will not be getting the Autobahn, seriously Beats???

[@CactusDronography683]

And they put an an engine cover on this one but not the sel model and others.

[@poppyneese1811]

Does Volkswagen employ any stylist, good Lord is is boring looking automobile. The other day the Volkswagen Grand Cherokee sized SUV passed me and I though, pitiful looks.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Well, the VW group vies with Toyota as the largest automotive manufacturer in the world and that's not because they sell millions of Porsches. So somebody must like the looks and design. As for the VW Atlas (that I'm assuming you're referring to) sales in the US have zoomed since the Touareg was replaced with it. I happen to think the Touareg is a far better looking vehicle but many others apparently disagree.

[@davesearle2766]

@@stephenhendricks103 I agree that the Touareg is better looking but after 140 odd cars I like Volkswagens because they are fun to drive, they may not be the best but I always look forward to getting in a VW (I had 5 Sciroccos)

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@davesearle2766 I bow to your experience, Dave. :)

[@Lionaljohn]

The GLI is a sleeper sports sedan. No stupid wing, No rice boy looks. Hell even the Golf R looks like a sleeper. I pray they NEVER go the Type R, WRX STI or WRX rout.

[@germanher7528]

Best jetta: the tojetta!!