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2024 VW Jetta GLI: Redesign, Specs & Release Date – The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a sporty small car that demands to be driven with vigor and passion. The Volkswagen GLI is essentially a GTI hatchback with a trunk, and it is only available in a single fully-loaded trim level. This is comparable to the Honda Civic Si, which is the GLI’s turbocharged adversary. A lively turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower provides the impetus for the front-wheel drive system. The basic transmission is a six-speed manual, but for a little premium, you can upgrade to an eight-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission with no need to swap gears.
Even while we like the GLI’s collection of high-end features, including its heated and ventilated power front seats, leather interior, and clear Beats audio system, we believe that a vehicle with such vivacity should have more capable dance shoes than its basic all-season rubber. Its distinctive GLI red badging and improved performance make it a significantly more exciting ride than the regular Jetta, which was examined separately; yet, in order to compete with rivals like the 286-horsepower Hyundai Elantra N, the GLI could need some more G-O.
Redesign
The Volkswagen Jetta GLI, which was given a mid-cycle redesign for the 2022 model year, will not be subject to any significant modifications in the standard features for the 2023 model year. It continues to use the Mk 7 GTI’s version of the MQB platform, despite the fact that the new GTI has gone on to an upgraded version of MQB that has been enhanced to the point that it has been given an Mk 8 designation by the manufacturer.
The 2024 VW Jetta GLI was once sold in two different trim levels, the basic S and the fully equipped Autobahn. However, this model is now only available in a single configuration, and it comes standard with all of the enhancements that were previously only available on the Autobahn. This features heated and ventilated power front seats, wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, adjustable dampers, a digital gauge cluster, a leather interior, a powerful audio system, and a panoramic sunroof. Customers still have the option of selecting a manual or automatic gearbox, with the latter incurring an additional fee.
Even while the GLI and the ordinary Jetta have the same fundamental layout and a considerable amount of passenger capacity, the GLI is distinguished from the standard Jetta by a few touches of red decoration. The only thing that would make us happier is if Volkswagen used materials in the interior that were of a better grade overall. The molded-in stitching on the dashboard as well as the rough and polished plastic on the doors are both very disagreeable features of the vehicle. At the very least, the GLI comes standard with high-end amenities like a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, ambient interior lighting that can be customized, front seats that are heated and ventilated, and a panoramic sunroof. The Jetta with the most performance is also one of the most versatile. The trunk of the small sedan is rather capacious, and it can easily accommodate seven carry-on baggage.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot that requires a subscription are all included in the user-friendly infotainment system included in the Jetta GLI, which has a touchscreen measuring 8.0 inches. In addition to that, it has a wireless device charging system as well as a BeatsAudio music system that is 400 watts and includes eight speakers.
Specs
A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque powers the GLI. (A variant of this engine with 241 horsepower is used with the Mk8 GTI.) A manual gearbox with six speeds is standard, while a dual-clutch automatic transmission with seven speeds is available as an option. When compared to the 158-horsepower engine found in the normal Jetta, this variant’s acceleration is noticeably superior regardless of the gearbox. During our testing, the six-speed manual GLI reached 60 miles per hour in 6.1 seconds, which was 0.7 seconds faster than a Honda Civic Si that was similarly equipped. Despite this, rowing the stick-shift version was a breeze and provided a wonderful sense of accomplishment.
Our main gripe with the automatic transmission was that it hesitated to downshift when the cornering was very aggressive. When we talk about corners, we should mention that the Jetta GLI has felt some steering, powerful brakes, and a comfortable ride thanks to its standard adaptive dampers. However, it could most likely benefit from a pair of summer tires in order to match the sticky cornering grip of its hatchback sibling.
As a result of the fact that the Jetta GLI’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine is paired with two distinct gearboxes, it has various ratings for its fuel efficiency. It is anticipated that the six-speed manual gearbox that comes standard would get 26 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the interstate. According to the official estimates, models that are equipped with the optional seven-speed automatic transmission can expect to score 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. On our fuel-economy route at 75 miles per hour, which is a part of our thorough testing routine, we put both gearboxes through their paces with a GLI, and both of them achieved an amazing 36 miles per gallon on the highway.
Release Date
A Volkswagen fleet production bulletin revealed that production for the 2023 Jetta should start later this month. There are still 2023 vehicles to be found on dealer lots around the country, so we may anticipate the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta to come up in the fourth quarter of this year. If this is the case, prospective purchasers could have to hold off until much closer to the end of the year before they can get their hands on the most recent model.