2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

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  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image
  • 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI gallery image

Basic Specs

Base Price $23,495
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs) 3124
City (MPG) 22
Hwy (MPG) 33
Horsepower 200@5100
Torque (lb-ft) 207@1700
Wheelbase 104.4
Length (in.) 182.2
Width (in.) 70.0
Height (in.) 56.6

The Jetta GLI is the performance-oriented, range-topping model in Volkswagen's compact sedan lineup. Whereas the latest version of the normal Jetta sedan was de-contented to lower its price point for the American market, the GLI (as well as the Jetta Sportwagen) feels premium inside and drives smartly thanks to an engine, suspension and interior shared with the European model.

Outside, the Jetta GLI surprisingly forgoes the GTI’s front fascia with its trademark red styling. Instead, the front of the GLI is defined by two prominent horizontal lines across the top and bottom of the grille, which combined with the trapezoidal headlights help create a distinct look. Out back, the GLI has a special rear diffuser and a small lip spoiler, as well as smoked taillights.

The cabin of the GLI features sport bucket seats with red stitching and a sport flat-bottom steering wheel with red stitching, the GLI logo and aluminum accents. The overall interior styling consistently follows the sporty exterior lines of the car and includes a soft-touch dashboard and other premium interior trimming that were stripped out of lesser Jetta models for cost reasons.

The GLI is available in cloth or V-Tex Leatherette and also features alloy pedals, shifter, dash and door trim. To increase versatility, the rear bench seatback is split 60/40 and folds.

While lesser Jettas make do with a simple twist-beam rear axle for the latest generation (previously, all Jettas had a fully independent suspension), the GLI benefits a four-link independent rear suspension with an upgraded anti-roll bar. This setup helps the GLI hug the corners like a GTI with a trunk and avoid the somewhat imprecise handling of normal Jettas.

The GLI also accelerates like a GTI thanks to a powertrain taken directly from Volkswagen’s sporty hatchback. Underhood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft. of torque that mates to either a satisfying six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic transmission. The DSG comes with steering wheel-mounted paddles for sequential-style shifting and rev-matched downshifts.

Equipped with the DSG, the GLI is rated at 24 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway, while opting for the row-your-own option will mean trading one city mpg for an extra one on the open freeway.

Trim Level Breakdown
Volkswagen makes the GLI as a base model, the mid-grade GLI Autobahn and the top-spec GLI Autobahn with Navigation.

The entry-level GLI comes equipped with A/C, power windows and locks, a Touchscreen Premium VII sound system, 17-inch alloy wheels, sport-bolstered cloth seats, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free smartphone connectivity, an iPod input jack and a leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel with shifter paddles if the car is equipped with the DSG transmission.

The GLI Autobahn adds heated seats upholstered with V-Tex leatherette, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 400-watt Fender audio system, a sunroof and 18-inch alloy wheels.

True to its name, the GLI Autobahn with Navigation brings a navigation system in addition to keyless access with push-button start.

Safety
The Jetta GLI includes several features designed to enhance driver and passenger safety including electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring and Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System, which initiates automatic safety protection in some types of collisions — the electrical supply to the fuel pump is shut off, the doors unlock and the hazard lights switch on.

The GLI also features driver and front passenger airbags, dual side airbags in front and dual Side Curtain Protection airbags in front and rear.

Competitors
The Jetta GLI’s main rivals include the Ford Focus ST and Mazda Mazdaspeed3, both of which combine potent turbo fours with hatchback versatility, as well as the Subaru WRX, which features all-wheel-drive and the choice of a sedan or five-door hatch configuration. Those looking for something outside of the mainstream can also opt for the Mitsubishi Lancer, which features a de-tuned version of the legendary Evolution’s engine and a dual-clutch gearbox.


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    • General
    • Body Style: Sedan
    • Size: Compact
    • Market Segment: Standard
    • Weight: 3124 lbs
    • Exterior
    • Length: 182.2 in.
    • Width: 70.0 in.
    • Height: 56.6 in.
    • Wheelbase: 104.4 in.
    • Ground Clearance: 4.9 in.
    • Front Track: 60.1 in.
    • Rear Track: 60.4 in.
    • Weight Distribution: TBD
    • Drag Coefficient: 0.30
    • Interior - General
    • Seats: 5
    • Passenger Volume: 94.1 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume: 15.5 cu. ft.
    • Cargo Volume (Seats Folded): TBD
    • Interior - Front Row
    • Volume: 50.3 cu. ft.
    • Leg Room: 41.2 in.
    • Head Room: 38.2 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 55.2 in.
    • Hip Room: TBD
    • Interior - Second Row
    • Volume: 43.8 cu. ft.
    • Leg Room: 38.1 in.
    • Head Room: 37.1 in.
    • Shoulder Room: 53.6 in.
    • Hip Room: TBD
    • Propulsion
    • Fuel Type: Gas
    • Engine Type: 2.0L I4
    • Power: 200 hp @ 5100 rpm
    • Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
    • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
    • Highway Fuel Economy: 33 mpg
    • City Fuel Economy: 22 mpg
    • Forced Induction: Turbocharger
    • Direct Injection: No
    • Chassis
    • Layout: Front Wheel Drive
    • Front Suspension: Strut-Type
    • Rear Suspension: Multi-Link
    • Wheels
    • Front: 17" Aluminum
    • Front Tires: 225/45 R17 H
    • Rear: 17" Aluminum
    • Rear Tires: 225/45 R17 H
    • Trailering & Hauling
    • Trailer Weight: TBD
    • Payload: N/A
    • Tongue Weight: TBD

  • $0

    Step 1 - Trim

    Style

    • Close

      GLI

      • 2.0L, 200-hp TSI® engine
      • 17" alloy wheels
      • Touchscreen Premium VIII sound system
      • Leather-wrapped, multi-function support steering wheel with paddle shifters (DSG only)
      • Sport bolstered comfort seats
      • 4-corner independent sport suspension

      Info
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      GLI Autobahn

      • Includes GLI features, plus:
      • 18" alloy wheels
      • Power tilting/sliding tinted sunroof
      • Climatronic® dual-zone electronic climate control
      • Fender® Premium Audio System
      • V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces

      Info
    • Close

      GLI Autobahn w/ Navigation

      • Includes GLI Autobahn features, plus:
      • RNS 315 navigation system
      • Keyless access with push-button start
      • 3 years/36,000 mile (whichever occurs first). No-Charge Scheduled Carefree Maintenance Program.

      Info

    Engine/Transmission

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    Total Price:

  • $0

    Step 2 - Options

    $0

    Wheels

    • Close

      17" Alloy Wheels

      • N/A

      Info
    Next Back

    $0

    Accessories

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      First Aid Kit

      • The new VW Genuine First Aid Kit comes complete with an assortment (77 pieces) of first aid products—including bandages, gauze, tape, cleansing pads, survival blanket, and more. There’s even a quick reference guide to first aid, plus a CPR booklet in English and Spanish. VELCRO® hooks at the base to secure it in the vehicle trunk and the nylon strap allows for easy portability. The kit comes in a convenient, compact (8" x 6.5" x 3") case made of impact-resistant, durable EVA foam. An internal pocket helps organize and secure all contents. Travel safe.

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      Mat Kit

      • Help protect your carpet from the elements. Snow, sand, mud, and the contents of your cup holder don’t stand a chance. The GLI Mat Kit includes a set of four high-quality, all-season, black Monster Mats® with positive retention clips, plus a Heavy Duty Trunk Liner with a set of four CarGo Block organizers. All components are designed to fit your GLI snugly, but can be removed easily for a quick wash.

      Info
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      Monster Mats (4), Luggage Net, Lip Spoiler

      • Give your GLI a look all its own. Start with a set of four black Monster Mats®. Designed to fit your car perfectly and repel dirt and spills without mercy, these high-quality, all-season mats help provide added carpet protection and style. For convenience sake, the Appearance Kit includes a Luggage Net—complete with four heavy-duty plastic fastening hooks—to help prevent movement of cargo in your trunk. Finally, a Rear Lip Spoiler is sure to add a seamless, elegant look to the lines of your GLI.

      Info
    • Close

      Luggage Net

      • Designed to help prevent movement of cargo in your GLI’s trunk, this cargo net is made of fabric-covered rubber and includes four heavy-duty plastic fastening hooks.

      Info
    • Close

      Lip Spoiler

      • Add an elegant touch to your Jetta’s lines with a rear lip spoiler.

      Info
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