The North American-spec Volkswagen Jetta GLI has been given a number of conclusive visual upgrades and standard equipment for 2022, to retain its competitive spirit as a compact performance sedan. Mechanically, it remains unchanged from the offering it replaces.
New to the exterior of the Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a honeycomb grille and bumper which employs revised signature GLI red accent trims on either side. The design is rounded off with a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels and badges. At the rear, the honeycomb design has been used again on a diffuser that houses a pair of chrome dual exhaust tailpipes. This isn’t just for show; Volkswagen USA says that the new system gives the engine a more amplified sound thanks to enhanced mechanical parts.
Within the cabin of the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, new red crust seating accents and perforation, design clips on the gear shifter and steering wheel and dash décor inserts have been applied to further accentuate its sporty persona.
The Volkswagen Jetta GLI will only be sold in Autobahn trim which means it ships standard with key features such as the haptic-touch multifunction steering wheel, IQ.Drive assistance, wireless Apple Car Play and charging, light assist, digital instrument cluster, the Beats premium audio system and active damping for the chassis.
The EA888 turbopetrol 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine found under the bonnet remains unchanged with a power output of 170 kW and 350 N.m of torque which can be had with a six-speed manual or the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Volkswagen Jetta GLI was first introduced to the market in 1984 as a sedan counterpart to the Golf GTI. Volkswagen USA says this series of updates continues the tradition of providing an accessible German performance sedan to the consumers.
While discontinued in South Africa, the Jetta remains a highly successful product in the USA with the brand having sold a total of 3,5 million units since it was first introduced over 40 years ago. Within the wide range offered in its respective market despite the SUV-craze, the Volkswagen Jetta remains one of the brand’s top three volume models, the largest share of segment vehicles within its line-up and has the second-highest brand loyalty among Volkswagen products.
