2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

With no proper ‘R’ or ‘GTI’ version of the Volkswagen Jetta, the GLI stands as the performance spec of the line-up. Dubbed the ‘GTI with a trunk’ back when the first Jetta GLI was released in 1984, the intent is to deliver some of the magic that the GTI Golf offers but in the Jetta package.

With all that said, the Jetta GLI has a 2.0L turbocharged inline 4 engine that has been rated at 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Figures that are slightly lower than the Golf GTI’s 241 hp and 273 lb-ft. Transmission options consist of a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic spanning across two trim levels, the S and Autobahn.

The styling of the GLI has been adorned with a few visual flashes to hint at it being a more performant Jetta than normal. The front grille features the ‘GTI’ red line running through it, and the front fascia has larger lower air intakes with a inner blade element finished in red. The wheels are bigger and painted black and the rear end now has dual tail pipes and a red ‘GLI’ badge.