One might (rightly) expect a few more features, too.
The tester lacked the nearly-standard satellite radio, intelligent key and power adjustable seats you'd easily find elsewhere for the same buck. The tester had a Bluetooth phone button on the steering wheel, but the feature itself wasn’t installed.
An entertaining drivetrain
There were also paddle shifters on the steering wheel—but these weren’t just for decoration. They connect to the GLI’s optional Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), allowing drivers to click off gear changes via an exciting manual mode when desired.
This robotic gearbox can sometimes feel a bit clutzy in slow traffic, but it functions flawlessly when pushed. Quick, obedient and responsive, the DSG automates shifting and clutching to fire off perfectly blipped and near-instantaneous shifts, every single time.
Purists will argue that the DSG computerizes one of the most rewarding parts of driving. For them, a standard six-speed manual is available for $1,400 less.
In either case, power comes from an internationally-celebrated two-litre turbo engine that sends 200 horsepower to the front wheels. The powerplant delivers a flat torque curve, a pleasing sound, and smooth, punchy thrust whenever called upon.
The Jetta that scoots
With notably quick steering, a direct road feel and flat cornering, changes of direction come with an ‘on rails’ connectedness to the road. Whoever designed this suspension definitely loves roller coasters.
As front-drive sedans go, the GLI handles with top-notch levels of amusement. The low-profile rubber can diminish ride quality on certain rougher surfaces, but enthusiasts won’t mind given the benefits. Brakes are powerful and sharp too, though perhaps not as effortlessly modulated as some will wish.
The tester lacked the nearly-standard satellite radio, intelligent key and power adjustable seats you'd easily find elsewhere for the same buck. The tester had a Bluetooth phone button on the steering wheel, but the feature itself wasn’t installed.
 |
| The tester had a Bluetooth phone button on the steering wheel. |
An entertaining drivetrain
There were also paddle shifters on the steering wheel—but these weren’t just for decoration. They connect to the GLI’s optional Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), allowing drivers to click off gear changes via an exciting manual mode when desired.
This robotic gearbox can sometimes feel a bit clutzy in slow traffic, but it functions flawlessly when pushed. Quick, obedient and responsive, the DSG automates shifting and clutching to fire off perfectly blipped and near-instantaneous shifts, every single time.
Purists will argue that the DSG computerizes one of the most rewarding parts of driving. For them, a standard six-speed manual is available for $1,400 less.
In either case, power comes from an internationally-celebrated two-litre turbo engine that sends 200 horsepower to the front wheels. The powerplant delivers a flat torque curve, a pleasing sound, and smooth, punchy thrust whenever called upon.
The Jetta that scoots
With notably quick steering, a direct road feel and flat cornering, changes of direction come with an ‘on rails’ connectedness to the road. Whoever designed this suspension definitely loves roller coasters.
As front-drive sedans go, the GLI handles with top-notch levels of amusement. The low-profile rubber can diminish ride quality on certain rougher surfaces, but enthusiasts won’t mind given the benefits. Brakes are powerful and sharp too, though perhaps not as effortlessly modulated as some will wish.
 |
| In either case, power comes from an internationally-celebrated two-litre turbo engine that sends 200 horsepower to the front wheels. |