The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Appears at the Toronto Auto Show
The performance-infused variant of the Jetta compact sedan made its official debut at the Chicago Auto Show last week, and this week, it’s on display in Toronto.
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is totally redesigned, and borrows the Golf GTI’s powertrain, which consists of a turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That’s 18 more ponies and 41 pounds of twist more than what the previous GLI could muster. That output is sent to the front wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed DSG automatic—choosing the latter also adds automatic start/stop.
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The GLI also dumps the regular Jetta’s torsion beam rear suspension for a multilink setup, while the front struts get a sportier calibration. Larger-diameter brakes taken from the Golf GTI and Golf R, a limited-slip differential and variable-ratio electric steering are also part of the package.
Standard features include heated front seats, automatic climate control, an intelligent key, ambient lighting as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. A power sunroof, a 400-watt Beats stereo, a power driver’s seat, ventilated front seats and a remote engine starter are also available.
The 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI will be on sale this spring at a starting MSRP of $31,695 before freight and delivery charges.
Also on display at the Volkswagen stand is the I.D. CROZZ concept vehicle on which a production vehicle will be based as well as the I.D. R race car.
