Review: 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Volkswagen, the German pioneer automaker is all charged up to storm the automobile market with all new 2012 Jetta GLI after witnessing the humongous increase in sales figure by approx 74 percent in the United States over last year with 2011 Jetta. Even though, 2011 Jetta was nixed on the part of the key elements the German automaker is known for, the solid driving dynamics, high-end material and the sense of premium, it was still accepted and embraced by the market as a up market, cut priced sedan to give a head on to the sleek and premium contenders like Toyota Corolla, Honda civic and Chevrolet Cruz. After the positive response to 2011 Jetta, the 2012 GLI is much awaited by all car enthusiasts across the globe.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

What does it offer?

The new Jetta GLI is a class apart and most differentiated Jetta offered by Volkswagen group till now. Sleek and sporty, the new age Jetta GLI is a perfect combination of comfort and sophistication. Aggressive performance with elegance is what the new 2012 Jetta GLI is all about, carrying forward its rich heritage of the Volkswagen group. The new Jetta comes as a great relief after the larger, less impressive, lower priced version of Jetta for the US market. The all new Jetta GLI is sure to give the adrenaline rush to everyday drivers as much as automobile enthusiasts across the globe .

The beauty

For the design of the Jetta, it has the exact same looks as the previous version of it. However, the chrome-framed honeycomb grille is an addition that sets it apart from the pedestrian brethren. The air dam is wider now and there is a single chrome ring that adorns the lower bumper. In new Jetta the fog lights are vertically place unlike the usual horizontal placement by the automaker. The wheels or the alloy ones has split spoke in 5 piece unit giving it a modish appeal. The tyre size is 225/40 R18 and the rear view is Audi A4 inspired with black skid plates and twin tail pipes. The new Jetta looks more mature and definitely boasts of its sporty and sleek appeal.

The beast

The beast on the road 2012, Jetta GLI offers you what you expect from Volkswagen vehicles. The equipments are standard with the independent rear suspension and 200hp turbocharged 2.0L with 4 cylinder gasoline engine with an impressive torque of 207-lb ft at 1700rpm. Jetta GLI also has XDS electronic differential slip for better handling and driving experience. Armed with 6-speed manual or DSG automatic dual clutch, the new GLI will impress you. The two hundred horsepower might not sound too exhilarating, but it’s actually perfect for the vehicle and makes way for a smooth ride. The car doesn't exhibit the torque steer and is interesting enough for a great ride. However, probably the biggest fault with the new Jetta is that it doesn't have an off button to the exhaust note for the stability control. Even though it is not a problem in the short drive, it will hurt the acceleration. With the off button, the driver can engage launch control and all VW products with dual clutch automatic has this max acceleration feature. Also the GLI power steering setup lacks decent feedback like all the other electric power steering setups.

The thrill

The new Jetta GLI will give you 31 mpg on highway with manual gear or 32 mpg with the automatic gear shift. Even with the restricted stability control, the 2012 Jetta GLI is fun to drive with the comfort and power balanced well. The vehicle can race up from 0 to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds. After the disappointing GTI, Jetta GLI is definitely the elements of Jetta redeemed. The new Jetta GLI has the enticing exhaust note making it throaty and rumble to make your heart thumping.

Interiors

Compared to the previous Jetta, the new version is sportier and has more performance oriented interior with sport bucket with red stitching seats and also a flat-bottom with red stitching sports steering wheel that is different aluminum accented. There is also option for cloth or leatherette for the interiors. The centre console has all new look and is slightly inclined towards the driver to increase the comfort behind the steering wheel. The new console also has intuitive controls for radio and climate. The other equipments include standard multi-functional display of vehicle status, trip, radio and also the navigation information(when equipped), touch screen of 6.5" and premium VIII radio with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity, dual zone climate control, the standard one-touch power for up/down on all four windows, RNS-315 navigation system and most importantly keyless entry with push-button start.

Exteriors

For exteriors, there is a black radiator grille in high gloss along with a fully painted bumper, a very sporty cooling air intake, a front spoiler in tray shape and a v-shaped engine hood with fenders on the sides. As mentioned above the new Jetta will also have a distinctive front grille and trapezoidal headlight which distinguishes the new version with the previous one. With 17” alloy wheels, the smoked tail lights and dual exhaust tips, the Jetta GLI is looks impressive and sleek.

Should I buy one?

If you were discontented with the Jetta GTI for axing the Euro car’s soft touch dashboard for the harder plastic and the multi link rear suspension for torsion beam set-up, then time for you to rejoice as the switchovers have not been implemented in the New Jetta GLI and it goes back to its true VW spirit with standard equipments. It is also slimmer and lighter for about 100 pounds for better performance and is still the sportiest in the league. You must buy it if you are a fan of Volkswagen linage. The new Jetta GLI is carrying forward the tradition of this world famous automobile company.

Price and availability

Sales for Jetta GLI will start in Spring 2011 and will carry a price tag of $23,495. There will be an increased price for GLI Autobahn’s goodies with $25,545 and the GLI Autobahn with navigation will cost you $26,445. Even though there will be additional $10,000 to the GLI models, with its performance, technology and style, it’s worth the extra bill.

Industry buzz

The 2012 GLI is considered as an attempt to woo the hardcore VW crowd, that doesn’t like the Jetta, even if it’s a huge hit. Not very surprising that the new Jetta GLI is getting the somewhat positive industry buzz. Car and Driver calls it 'an honest-to-goodness German performance sedan'. Auto Blog calls it 'a GTI for the masses' and writes:

Yet for the masses, the Jetta GLI fits the bill. Like the standard Jetta before it, the GLI seems to leave some of what we appreciate on the table, but in exchange nets a total package that's more endearing to the average buyer.

After crafting a larger, lower-dollar, more basic and less impressive Jetta for the U.S. market, Volkswagen has just revealed a car that clearly states the company’s simultaneous mission to maintain a focus on performance. Yup, Vee-Dub fan boys, your car has arrived.

Picture Gallery

2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The Jetta's tune changes on the inside to excellent effect