{"id":204349,"date":"2021-06-29T13:57:37","date_gmt":"2021-06-29T17:57:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thedetroitbureau.com\/?post_type=reviews&p=204349"},"modified":"2021-06-29T13:57:38","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T17:57:38","slug":"a-week-with-2021-volkswagen-jetta-gli-2-0-turbo","status":"publish","type":"reviews","link":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/reviews\/a-week-with-2021-volkswagen-jetta-gli-2-0-turbo\/","title":{"rendered":"A Week With: 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2.0 Turbo"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2.0 Turbo is an example of the modern global automobile industry. Assembled in Mexico with a Mexican-made engine, our neighbor to the south accounts for 38% of the Jetta\u2019s parts, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The transmission is from Germany, as are 24% of the parts used in the Jetta; another 5% come from the U.S. The rest come from elsewhere across the globe. But the result is a vehicle that will please fans of German automotive design and engineering with its spare, unpretentious appearance and crisp maneuverability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The 2021 Jetta GLI’s elegant silhouette and crisply-angled windshield sweeps rearward creating a coupe-like silhouette.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Overview<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The GLI is the sportiest iteration of VW\u2019s Jetta line-<\/span><\/strong><\/a>up<\/span><\/a>.<\/strong> Whereas the company once offered a <\/a>Jetta station wagon<\/span><\/a>, <\/strong>the latest rendition comes solely as a sedan. mainstream Jetta buyers have a choice of S, SE, R-Line, SEL, and top-line SEL Premium trim levels, GLI drivers have a choice of S and Autobahn trim. More importantly, GLIs have larger more powerful engines and a sport-tuned suspension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jettas receive some trim updates for 2021, with SE models gaining a standard six-way power driver seat and a cabin accented in contrast stitching on the steering wheel and shifter. SEL models and above are fitted with Volkswagen\u2019s new MIB3 infotainment system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exterior<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 2021 Jetta\u2019s spare, elegant silhouette and crisply angled windshield sweeps from the windshield rearward, reinforcing the crisp, sheet-metal edges that run from the front of the car to the back. Yet its understated front fascia, wearing a special GLI grille and bumpers make it easy to identify as a Volkswagen. Other exterior details, such as the placement of the headlamps and rear lights, door handles and 18-inch wheels, are also nicely executed. The Jetta\u2019s low-key exterior design exudes an air of authority that is appealing, inspiring confidence in the vehicle\u2019s intrinsic characteristics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interior<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Jetta GLI’s controls are well designed, and placed within easy reach of the driver. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

While the 2021 Volkswagen Jetta\u2019s cabin is relatively spartan, the overall design of the cabin is well thought out, bringing major controls within easy reach of the driver. Offering a tactile way to handle key functions, such as heating and cooling, the controls\u2019 design allows drivers to leave their eyes on the road. The interior is spacious for a compact car with adequate leg and head room. The workmanship is high quality, with a nicely finished feel. Nothing about it feels cheap or inadequate. After all, the Jetta is hardly inexpensive. The test vehicle cost more than $33,000, and no one wants to pay anything like that for a tacky car. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Powertrain<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the sporty version of the Jetta over lesser Jettas brings with it <\/strong>a larger turbocharged 2.0-liter 16-valve double overhead cam 4-cylinder engine with a stop-start system for fuel efficiency. (Most Jettas make do with turbocharged 1.4-liter four, producing 147 horsepower.) A 6-speed automatic is standard on all Jettas. An 8-speed automatic is optional on most Jettas, while GLIs feature an optional 7-speed automatic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The seven-speed automatic transmission seems well-matched to the front-wheel drive Jetta, producing 228 horsepower yet returning 28 mpg in combined city\/highway driving according to the EPA. The Jetta also comes with different driving modes to suit the driver\u2019s whim while out cruising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety and technology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A unique grille and badging distinguishes the Jetta GLI from its lesser siblings.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to safety, the Jetta is well-equipped for what for an affordable passenger car. It is fitted with such driver assistance features as forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, lane keeping assistance, adjustable cruise controls for stop and go traffic, intelligent high beams and rear-view camera. It\u2019s also comes with rain-sensitive windshield wipers, remote start, satellite and HD radio, and Bluetooth. The test car came with an all-new third-generation MIB3 infotainment system with an 8-inch screen, multi-phone pairing and two USB-C ports. (By comparison, Jetta S, SE, and R-Line are equipped with VW’s MIB2 infotainment system and 6.5-inch color touchscreen.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driving impressions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 2021 Jetta GLI comes with a well-tuned and four-wheel independent sport suspension and adaptive chassis. The combination of relatively\u00a0light weight and 228 horsepower\u00a0gives the GLI a sporty flair, racing up the freeway and around curves with relative ease. There\u2019s also a lot of low-end torque. The engine produces a nice sound, humming effortlessly, while the 7-speed transmission never misses a beat as it moves through the various gears.\u00a0The steering is crisp, lending the car\u2019s driving dynamics additional feel. And the brakes are first rate. It\u2019s a great deal of fun to drive.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2.0 Turbo<\/strong> Specifications:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dimension<\/strong><\/td>L: 185.2 inches\/W: 70.8 inches\/H: 57.9 inches\/Wheelbase: 105.6 inches<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>3,294 pounds<\/td><\/tr>
Powertrain<\/strong><\/td>Turbocharged\/intercooled double-overhead-cam 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; 7-speed automatic transmission<\/td><\/tr>
Fuel Economy<\/strong><\/td>24 mpg city\/35 mpg highway\/28 mpg combined<\/td><\/tr>
Performance Specs<\/strong><\/td>228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque<\/td><\/tr>
Price<\/strong><\/td>Base price: $26,345; As tested: $33,430 including $995 destination and delivery charge<\/td><\/tr>
On-Sale Date<\/strong><\/td>Available now<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wrap Up<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 2021 Jetta is a good example of why not all motorists have given up on traditional sedans just yet. It is a lot more fun to drive than your run-of-the-mill utility vehicle, with ample room for passengers as well as luggage and\/or packages. It\u2019s also easy to park. The test vehicle was intelligently equipped with a nice balance of technology and comfort features. It also looks sharp, exuding a quiet authority that comes with the best of German design that has managed to withstand the test of time.\u00a0And that\u2019s a wrap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2.0 Turbo<\/strong> \u2014 Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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Does the Jetta GLI need premium gas?<\/span><\/h3>\n
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While Volkswagen states the GLI does not require premium fuel, the company says that the GLI’s full horsepower and torque can only be attained using using premium gasoline.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Is the Jetta a good car?<\/span><\/h3>\n
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The Jetta GLI’s reputation an an affordable sports sedan is well-known. According to a J.D. Power survey of Jetta own<\/strong>ers<\/span><\/a>, the car was ranked “Great” for driving experience, while Consumer Reports stated that owner satisfaction is 3 out of 5 stars. <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Are Jettas reliable? <\/span><\/h3>\n
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Volkswagens are known for delivering driving pleasure, with owners saying reliability is “Great”, rating 85 out of 100 in the same J.D. Power survey.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2.0 Turbo is an example of the modern global automobile industry. The result is a vehicle that will please fans of German automotive design and engineering with its spare, unpretentious appearance and crisp maneuverability. Check out the review at TheDetroitBureau.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20009,"featured_media":204359,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[1313,1316,1314,1315,507],"category_reviews":[31],"make":[113],"post-state":[335],"category_old":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reviews\/204349"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reviews"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/reviews"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20009"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/204359"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=204349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=204349"},{"taxonomy":"category_reviews","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category_reviews?post=204349"},{"taxonomy":"make","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/make?post=204349"},{"taxonomy":"post-state","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-state?post=204349"},{"taxonomy":"category_old","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category_old?post=204349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}