The GLI's latest facelift has been brilliantly executed.
The Volkswagen Jetta GLI holds a dear place in the heart of many car lovers, the iconic three letters dating back to the mid-1980s. Affectionately known as a "GTI with a trunk" by many, the dynamic Jetta has received model enhancements for 2022, first revealed back in August.
Some of the changes introduced for the 2022 model year included a revised front bumper that features red accents on both sides of the car, giving it a sportier look. Teamed with a redesigned radiator grille, the Jetta GLI looks fresher than ever. Two chrome strips span the width of the honeycomb design, separated by a striking red pinstripe. To maintain interest in this Honda Civic Si rival, Volkswagen has just released a walk-through video of the Jetta GLI to explore the various changes of the 2022 model.
While the changes have been described before, it's always a different experience seeing them in a video. Hein Schafer, Senior Vice President of Product and Strategy, was joined by Rachel Whitwell, Project Manager for the Jetta and Jetta GLI. The duo begins with the car's more aggressive face which boasts the aforementioned updates along with the new VW logo. This particular model comes equipped with the GLI Black Package, an option that adds black 18-inch wheels, a black roof, and black mirror caps. Together with the Kings Red Metallic paint, it could be argued that the new Jetta GLI looks even sportier than the new Civic Si.
The rear of the seemingly Audi-inspired Jetta GLI has gained a lower, more athletic-looking diffuser for 2022 along with a new exhaust that isn't only bigger than the items fitted to previous models, but now has amplified sound for a rortier exhaust note. Standard LED taillights now mirror the items up front, while a subtle black lip spoiler finishes everything off nicely.
Inside, perforated leather seats receive a stylish red undertone to emphasize the GLI's performance standing. It complements the red stitching found on the door panels nicely, creating a sporty interior ambiance. Tying everything together is the red and black decor found on the dashboard.
The cabin also gets the digital cockpit that's also standard for the 2022 model year, allowing drivers to choose what they want to see. The MIB system remains unchanged, but wireless app connect and charging are both standard. A significant inclusion for the 2022 Jetta GLI is I.Q DRIVE; the safety suite includes lane assist and blind-spot detection.
Driving enthusiasts will applaud VW's decision to offer a six-speed manual gearbox in the GLI, although a quick-shifting seven-speed DSG gearbox is also available. All GLI's will be equipped with adaptive dampers, the brand's VAQ differential, and progressive steering.
The 2.0-liter turbo engine produces 228 horsepower and 258 Ib-ft of torque. This isn't far off the more powerful Golf GTI which offers only 13 hp and 15 Ib-ft more. Even with the additional tech and luxury features, the revised GLI remains a performance bargain.
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