Traditionally, there haven't been many cars to choose from between "econosport" compact sedans typically made by Japanese manufacturers and pricier luxury sport sedans normally produced by German automakers. Seeing an opportunity, Volkswagen filled that void years ago with its GLI, a Jetta fitted with the GTI's performance-oriented engine and suspension tuning. We liked the last iteration (VW dropped it after 2009) and now the concept has been reborn as the 2012 Volkswagen GLI.
It's easy to be a little concerned about the idea of a snappier version of the new Jetta, since we haven't been very fond of the all-new small VW sedan so far. The car reflects a number of changes designed primarily to make it more affordable, notably lower-quality interior pieces, a wheezy engine for the base model and a relatively unsophisticated rear suspension (not to mention rear drum brakes on the entry-level models). Granted, the new Jetta offers a roomier backseat and is still a nice car. But as we noted in our review of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, you pay less, but you also get less.
Thankfully, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI undoes many of the base model Jetta's changes. The GLI's interior is nicer, and out back there's a more sophisticated multilink rear suspension for improved handling. And as before, you get the GTI's sportier suspension tuning as well as its 200-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which proves both energetic and fuel-efficient. The GLI doesn't offer the best handling or performance among similarly priced hot hatches and sedans, but it makes up for this with a comfortable ride, a quiet cabin and a generally more refined nature.
As with the previous GLI, the 2012 Volkswagen GLI should be an appealing niche choice. But overall appeal is down this year, as we feel that there's too little styling-wise to differentiate the GLI from the rather dull-looking Jetta. That's a subjective negative impression to be sure, but the GLI practically disappears next to competitors like the upcoming Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic Si, Mazdaspeed 3, Subaru WRX and VW's own GTI -- all of which are fairly stealthy in their own right. Given the Jetta GLI's size and price, we also think the Kia Optima SX is worth serious consideration as well.
Inside, 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. The Jetta 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. The trunk can also be opened from inside the car by a remote unlock switch.
On the exterior, Volkswagen Jetta GLI combines performance, space and comfort in one sleek package. This car has a length of 182.2 inches, height 57.2 inches and 70 inches wide. he front end of the car is defined by prominent horizontal lines. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI grille and the car’s trapezoidal headlights help create a distinct look. Below the bumper is a cooling water intake and tray-shaped front spoiler That completes the masculine look of the car. The upper front end section shows a powerful transition from the v-shaped engine hood to the Fenders on the sides while the shoulder section Provides dynamic and muscular styling. The aggressive styling of the Volkswagen Jetta GLI is powerfully emphasized by the arches of the wheel wells available with 17 “or 18″ alloys. Sleek lines and sporty shoulders dominate the rear section. The smoked taillights stands out with two distinct sections on Either side extending from the fender into the tailgate above the dual exhaust tips. In the interior of the Volkswagen Jetta GLI stays true to its roots sport and performance. Featuring sport bucket seats with red stitching and a flat-bottom sport steering wheel with red stitching, the GLI logos and aluminum Accents, the interior styling consistently follows the clean, sporty lines of the car. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is available in cloth or V-Tex Leatherette and Also features sleek alloy pedals, shifter, dash and door trim.
Taking its drivetrain from the Volkswagen GTI, the GLI will use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft. of torque. Mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG transmission, the Jetta GLI should hit 60 mph in just under seven seconds regardless of gearbox. The DSG comes with steering wheel-mounted paddles for sequential-style shifting and rev-matched downshifts.
VW says the EPA is not yet done evaluating the GLI, but thanks to the vehicle being lighter than the previous GLI, highway fuel economy is expected to come in at 31 for the manual and 32 with the DSG automatic.
Driving Impressions
We have yet to drive the 2012 VW GLI, but if we were to extrapolate our experiences with the Jetta and GTI, we would expect it to be a well-rounded sedan that provides athletic handling, a comfortable ride, swift acceleration and excellent fuel economy. "Balanced" is the word that frequently comes to mind with VW's higher-performance cars, as they trade the sort of high-speed thrills that some competitors offer for a more livable and easy-to-drive nature.reference:www.leftlanenews.com,www.carsleaks.com,www.edmunds.com
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