Can GLI And R Trims Make The New Jetta Look More Interesting?

Jan. 29, 2018 2:20 PM ET by Jared Rosenholtz Engine / 5 Comments

The new Jetta is kind of boring, but it will soon be more interesting.

Volkswagen revealed the all-new 2019 Jetta at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show. While the new Jetta borrows some design cues from the stylish Arteon, Volkswagen played it a bit too safe. The Jetta has never been a big stunner, but sporty models like the GLI have managed to keep it somewhat interesting. So far, VW has only confirmed a 1.4-liter turbocharged TSI engine with 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. We hope that Volkswagen builds a new GLI or perhaps something even greater in the near future.

XTomi Design clearly had the same thought, because the rendering artist has just taken a crack at designing a GTI and R version of the new Jetta. We aren't sure why XTomi went for a Jetta GTI instead of a GLI, but the idea is basically the same. This sporty Jetta would borrow the five-spoke blade wheels from the Mk7 Golf GTI as well as the sportier front fascia with a red stripe. A Jetta GTI (or GLI) would borrow the GTI's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and swap out the Jetta's eight-speed automatic for a six-speed manual or optional dual-clutch. The Jetta R would take performance to an even higher level.

The Jetta R would likely borrow the Golf R's more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 292 hp (in the US). Like the Golf R, this model would also be AWD. VW has never built a Jetta R, so we doubt that it will start now. Still, it is cool to see what a performance sedan from VW could look like.

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Can GLI And R Trims Make The New Jetta Look More Interesting?

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Can GLI And R Trims Make The New Jetta Look More Interesting?

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