2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI First Drive Review & Drive

( http://www.TFLcar.com ) The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is back and ready to rumble. The new VW Jetta GLI comes with Volkswagen's proven 2.0L turbo-charged engine that produces 200 HP and likes to tear up the tarmac. Unlike the base Jetta the GLI gets independent rear suspension, sporty body kit and red stitching on the interior leather plus a soft-touch dashboard, and perhaps more importantly much quicker steering and better handling. So is it a sedan version of VW's hot hatch Golf GTI? Watch the video to find out.

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  Autos & Vehicles

[gene978]

Pretty Great is right Roman. Did we test any Subaru 2.5GT, or 3.6 Legacy sedan?

[romanmicagearguy]

I drove and reviewed the Subaru a few months ago but they really don't compare in my book as the Jetta is front-wheel-drive while the Subaru is all-wheel-drive.

[laamor99]

Hey Roman, love ur reviews. Do you think quality control is still a factor since the Jetta and the Beetle are built in Mexico? I'm hesitate to buy any car built in Mexico. Also, whats ur feeling about the new Passat TDI?  Thanks.

[romanmicagearguy]

I personally like the Jetta TDI Wagon. My neighbor has one and he loves it and unlike the Jetta sedan...the wagon is really a German Golf wagon and built in Germany (if that factors into your buying decison). BTW: I owned two second generation Beetles and both had quality issues.

[techdude6693]

I'm not sure how this is more practical than a 5-door GTI

[romanmicagearguy]

Good point, I would only add that the Jetta GLI is a much, much bigger car when compared to a Golf GTI. I would not want to go on a long road trip in the back of the Golf...but the new Jetta's back seat room is huge in comparison.

[Steve Graziano]

They do have the DSG's.....

[Daniel13l]

Ive always preferred golfs over jettas but this GLI look awesome, I'm liking it even more than the new GTI

[letsgowarriors30]

IDK about Jetta but the Passat, CC, and Touraeg definitely have one

[AWDfreak .]

Eh, I beg to differ. It's got decent low-end torque, but it's breathless at the high-end of the rev range.

[leadnsteel]

Too bade volkswagen's regular gas engine sucks.... an inline 5 cylinder..... what were they thinking???

[forumguycfx]

It is actually lighter than the GTI.

[Mike Buenting]

I wish it did not need premium. WIth direct injection engines can usually get around this. I might now mind if it made 240 hp. Still a very nice car.

[Billy Sou]

I test drove this vehicle, and the Dual-Clutch transmission drove me crazy. I felt that at low speeds that it would break down. But then again, I've never driven dual-clutch transmissions.

[BattlefieldDoktor]

Sorry to tell you but Jetta Sportswagon Mk5+6 were definately not produced in Germany.

[Pierre Romain]

This car is great! I test drove it two weeks ago. The handling is very good. I will definitely buy it in silver. I'll get the base GLI with DSG transmission. I don't need the Fender sound system or the 18" wheels. All I need is a turbocharged engine with great gas mileage.

[SandwhichDepartment]

Nah, the new focus' are up there