Volkswagen Jetta Blog
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: GTI-Like Performance in a Sedan Package
Want the power, performance, and sheer fun offered by the Volkswagen GTI but need four doors to suit the entire family? If so, then you should consider the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. With a complete revamp, it is now back to what it was originally intended to be – a GTI with some additional trunk space. What else does it offer? Here’s what you need to know.
Exterior Styling
The 2019 Jetta was completely redesigned from the ground up. The GLI shares that body style but fuses it with GTI-esque elements, including the red accents on the grille and body panel. You’ll also find red brake calipers behind those stylish alloy wheels. With that being said, the exterior style changes depending on the trim level that you chose. The base model is as described above, but the 35th Anniversary trim level brings its own unique touches, such as larger wheels, a black sunroof, and other additions. The Autobahn trim level brings slightly more aggressive styling.
Under the Hood
Raise the hood on the GLI and you’ll find a familiar sight. It’s the same engine as what’s used with the GTI. You even have the same transmission options. The power plant and drivetrain are the same on all trim levels. You get a 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that puts out 228 horsepower, along with 258 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s enough to get the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. Supercar territory? No, but it’s more than respectable for a family sedan.
With transmissions, you get the option of a 7-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission. However, those who want a bit more driving enjoyment will be fine sticking with the base 6-speed manual. Note that automatic start/stop functionality is only available with the automatic transmission.
Fuel economy for the GLI is also pretty impressive. It is rated for 25 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, with an estimated combined 28 mpg. However, testers have reported being able to get around 30 combined mpg out of it.
Braking
As mentioned, the 2019 Jetta GLI comes with red brake calipers, but it doesn’t stop with aesthetics. The brake system itself has been upgraded, and the car now uses the brakes previously available only with the Golf R.
The Cabin
While previous versions of the Jetta might have been utilitarian, the new GLI is definitely sports-oriented. That’s visible from the angular styling of the dash (in order to better center everything for the driver) to the red-stitched black leather of the shifter cover and the racing-inspired seats that wrap around your body.
In Conclusion
When it is all said and done, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is more than a worthy successor of the badge. It’s a true sibling of the GTI in ways that previous GLI models simply were not. It combines comfort, poise, performance, and style into a unique package that links directly to its hot-hatch kin.
Discover the Redesigned 2019 Volkswagen Jetta
Like the Golf and Golf GTI, the Jetta has been a mainstay of Volkswagen’s lineup for a very long time at this point, and it remains one of the most popular cars the automaker offers. For 2019, Volkswagen has completely redesigned the Jetta, equipping it with new features and functionality, and bestowing on it a fully-redesigned exterior. Not sure what the new Jetta has to offer? Let’s take a closer look.
Exterior
As mentioned, Volkswagen went back to the drawing board to redesign the 2019 Jetta. While it remains a four-door sedan, that’s possibly the only similarity to previous models. The body is both longer and wider than previous iterations, but it manages to remain a smaller sedan, so it is nimble and maneuverable. Unlike other cars, the Jetta is now more angular, with cleaner, sharper lines and a distinctive grille.
Under the Hood
Pop the hood on the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta and you’ll find a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 147 horsepower. The base model offers a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Higher trim levels only get the eight-speed automatic. All trim levels have 184 lb.-ft. of torque. Note that the power output and engine performance remain the same on all trim levels.
Interior
Slip into the interior and you’ll find that it has also been redesigned for the new model year. You’ll find comfortable, supportive seats, more than average legroom in the rear, and a highly adjustable driver front seat so you can get the perfect position to command the road. The interior is also surprisingly spacious for a smaller sedan. There’s more than ample leg, head, and elbow room for every driver.
Safety
In IIHS crash testing, the 2019 Jetta scored as high as possible. Volkswagen outfitted the new Jetta with plenty of safety equipment and features including a standard rearview camera on offer with all trim levels. There are also plenty of others, including optional equipment like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, emergency braking, automatic high beams, and blind spot monitoring to name only a few.
Driving
There are many words that help describe the driving experience on offer with the new Jetta. Some of those are “quick”, “peppy”, even “fast”. The turbocharged engine puts out enough power and torque to get you off the mark in a hurry, and while it might not be a speed demon on the road, you’ll find more than enough power to keep up with traffic on the Interstate. The handling is refined, and the car is at its best on the highway. With smooth shifting, little body roll, and eager performance, the Jetta is actually fun to drive.
In Conclusion
Volkswagen completely revamped the Jetta for the 2019 model year and did a great job of it. Between good power output and handling, good interior comfort, and impeccable fit and finish, the Jetta is definitely a worthy contender for your attention.
Extra Room for Rear Passengers & Cargo Make VW Jetta a Great Family Car
The Volkswagen Jetta is the longest it has ever been and that extra area has mostly been added in two places that most often need it: the back seat, providing more comfort for passengers, and the trunk, adding to the valuable cargo space. legroom for rear passengers rates at the very top of vehicles in its category. The trunk is 14.1 cubic feet, which again is generously sized for cars in this category.
The interior of the newest Jetta has a pleasing appearance, with two LCD screens. One is for entertainment and a backup camera. The wider, but narrower screen that sits behind the steering wheel provides a digital cockpit in upper end versions of the Jetta.
Turbocharged for a Fun, but Fuel Efficient Ride
To carry the slightly larger size, the Jetta relies on a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine. It carries 147 horsepower, with an impressive 184 pounds per foot of torque. That gives the car some “go” off the line and in effect hides the effects of a smaller engine. The benefit of the smaller engine is the fact that the Jetta can get up to 30 miles per gallon in the city and a very nice 40 MPG on the highway.
Driving mode selection allows the driver to choose between four different modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and Custom. Owners can choose from a six-speed manual transmission, but most models of the newest Jetta will feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, which takes full advantage of the power from the turbocharged engine.
Jetta Impresses With Superior Safety Features
While the Jetta is bigger, it also is better as far as safety. The newest model features several enhanced safety features. Adaptive cruise control will slow the car when slower traffic is ahead and gently accelerate back to the desired cruise speed once the lane is clear. Front assist will audibly alert the driver of a slower car or object ahead and can even automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not respond. There is also a monitor that alerts the driver of vehicles in the blind spot, and a feature that alerts drivers who may be drifting from their lane. Lastly, a rear-traffic alert monitor helps with safe backing by alerting the driver to cars approaching from the left or the right.
Under the skin of the car is an impressive safety cage. Front and rear crumple zones help absorb
impact and keep it away from the driver and passengers. The Jetta can turn off the fuel pump, unlock doors and activate hazard lights following a collision, if the driver cannot. The car can automatically stop itself after a collision to reduce the potential for further impact.
So Many Reasons to Purchase a Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta deserves a test drive due to its technology and safety features, plus its stylish good looks. Inside and outside, the Jetta impresses with quality, and it offers good value for the money. Add to these benefits the People First Warranty (a six-year, 72,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, that’s even transferable to a second owner) , and Volkswagen Jetta belongs on a short list of excellent new car choices.
Volkswagen Jetta Offers Premium Features in an Economy Compact Package
The newest Volkswagen Jetta has been redesigned. But VW claims it hasn’t been overdesigned. That’s a key to keeping to the small sedan’s somewhat modest roots. Indeed, the Jetta remains an economy compact car, but it does have plenty of premium features - including BeatsAudio.
A Small but Mighty Powerhouse
The Jetta’s turbocharged engine is standard in all models. The 1.4-liter engine is small, but still is responsive off the line, thanks to the turbocharger. The Jetta can get up to 30 miles per gallon in the city and a very nice 40 MPG on the highway.
VW also offers a six-year, 72,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, called the People First Warranty. It is even transferrable to a second owner.
Driving mode selection allows the driver to choose between four different modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and Custom.
Premium Touches on the Inside
The Jetta is practical when it comes to engine and safety but has a premium feel inside. The latest edition of the Jetta is slightly roomier than its predecessors. That’s a bonus for passengers, especially in the back seat. When it comes to storage, there is a lot of room in the trunk, providing plenty of utility.
Drivers can choose available two-toned leatherette seating on the inside with black seats featuring gray inserts for a look that pops. Not only do the seats look great, the front seats are also heated for cold days and ventilated to help in warm weather.
Plenty of Cool Technology
The Jetta has just the right amount of ambiance and edge. Inside are two available screens. There is a 10-inch panel in front of the steering wheel. It can be customized to be a fully digital gauge cluster. This is a high-end feature normally seen in high-end Audi models. To the right on the dash is a standard 6.5-inch touchscreen that can be upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen. It features AppleCarPlay or Android Auto, as well as the backup camera. The Jetta is the first Volkswagen in the U.S. to offer BeatsAudio, which provides a premium audio experience. Passengers will feel the music in addition to hearing it.
Another cool feature is the ability to change the ambient lighting colors inside the vehicle. Change the feel by choosing tones of blue, red, yellow, green or pink to highlight the inside.
Sharp Looking Exterior
Outside, the Jetta has made changes to make the car look sharp. One key touch is an available panoramic sunroof. The Jetta comes with standard LED headlights and daytime running lights, as well as LED taillights. It comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels or optional 17-inch wheels. The R-Line trim gives the Jetta a sportier look with upgraded front and rear bumpers. The hood has creases that help aerodynamically, but mostly provide a little edge to the design.
Re-design Done Right
Overall, the new look and feel of the Jetta has been well done. The newest model has hit its mark in its look and feel while maintaining the traditional appeal of the Jetta.