2015 Volkswagen Jetta GLI: Road Test Review

Despite wearing a “performance” badge, the 2015 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is not the most expensive Jetta or even the version with the most torque. But taken as a complete package, the GLI is a joy, with excellent driving dynamics and hardware, plus plenty of Germanic cachet — even if this car is made specifically for North America.

The Jetta is a compact sedan that pushes at the boundaries, offering passenger and cargo space close to some midsize sedans. The most expensive version is the Hybrid, and it’s also pretty quick when compared with others in its class. The TDI gets the award for most torque, offering lusty acceleration, all while achieving only a couple of miles per gallon off the hybrid’s highway consumption.

Models and Pricing

The GLI starts at $27,740 in SE trim. This brings heated seats, trip computer, rearview camera, dual-zone climate control, self-dimming rearview mirror, cooled storage compartment, sunroof and 18-inch alloy wheels. SEL trim starts at $30,100 and adds adaptive xenon headlights, LED running lights, Fender-branded audio system, satellite navigation, push-button start, upgraded upholstery and extra safety features. 

The 2015 Volkswagen Jetta TDI comes in S, SE with Connectivity, and SEL trims. The S starts at $22,460 and includes heated front seats plus an iPhone adapter. 

To decode the “SE with Connectivity” title, think heated side mirrors, leatherette seating surfaces, driver’s seat lumbar adjustment, sunroof and VW’s Car-Net connected car service, all for $24,895. Equipment in the SEL is much like the GLI’s, coming in at $27,230. Destination charges of $820 have been added to all these prices. 

In both GLI and TDI forms, a six-speed manual is the basic transmission. To add the DSG (dual-clutch, semi-automatic) transmission will cost an extra $1,100. 

The Jetta Hybrid is the all bells-and-whistles one-trim deal: SEL Premium, at $32,140 (including destination). The DSG transmission comes as standard here, along with things like heated windshield washer nozzles, navigation, parking sensors, blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert.

Design

The Jetta has been re-styled ever so slightly for the 2015 model year. The grille is more shallow and the headlamps are a different shape. If the 2014 car might be considered character-free, then the newest version at least seems to have some edge to it. The rear end displays a new trunk lid, tail lights, and bumper. The Hybrid, meanwhile, has its own more aerodynamic style of alloy wheels. 

This mild range revamp has also resulted in a rise in quality for the cabin materials. Whereas the Jetta used to be a noticeable step down from the Golf hatchback, there’s more similarity now. This all seems appropriate to a dashboard design that remains firmly in the conservative camp — nothing frivolous or fanciful, just straightforward functionality. But certainly pleasant as well.

Comfort and Cargo

As mentioned earlier, the Jetta offers plenty of space for people and paraphernalia alike — more than most other compact cars. The GLI’s front seats are sporty and bucket-like, giving support not just under the thighs but also to the sides, anticipating the energetic cornering in which most GLI drivers will want to indulge. 

That said, the seats in the TDI and the Hybrid are similar, since all three cars are more than capable of involvement while simultaneously being good choices for long trips. If there’s one major comfort complaint, it’s that the center armrest is too short and woefully under-padded. This failing is especially noticeable because the armrests in the doors are great. 

Trunk volume in the GLI and TDI is a generous 15.7 cubic feet with the split/folding rear seats still in place. The Hybrid takes a bit of a hit — 11.3 cubic feet — but that extra lithium-ion battery pack has to go somewhere.

Features and Controls

Try and spring for the adaptive lighting. On dark, twisting mountain roads, they really do come into their own as they illuminate the next corner. That extra fraction of a second could mean all the difference between hitting a deer or getting home unscathed. 

Since we live in the home of the brave and the land of the D, let’s assume the DSG transmission will be the preferred option over the manual. It’s a great system that allows the driver to set and forget, or play with those shift paddles under the steering wheel. 

The high-end audio system option is Fender-branded and produced by Panasonic. For anyone who has never heard of Jimi Hendrix or even John Mayer, Fender is an iconic electric guitar maker. Despite such an illustrious tie-in, the sound quality doesn’t exactly make you hear familiar recordings in a whole new way.

Safety

There’s one more positive aspect to the 2015 model year’s facelift that hasn't been mentioned yet: the tweaking of the front end has also allowed the Jetta to ace more crash tests. A few years back, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) added a new challenge called the small overlap test where just the front corner of a car is hit (which might still lead to occupant injury). 

Some vehicles with previously high scores haven’t fared so well at this, but the 2015 Jetta gets the best rating - a “Good” score - from the IIHS crash test program. In the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests, it also scores four stars (out of five) for front impacts, five stars for side impacts, and five overall. 

Naturally, there are all the mandatory safety features such as ABS and traction control, plus six airbags and more advanced stuff like electronic brake force distribution. The GLI and the Hybrid both have blind spot monitoring as standard, while the latter also has Forward Collision Warning and Park Distance Control as part of its SEL Premium package.

Engines and Fuel Economy

The GLI enjoys a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers 210 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque to the front wheels with a satisfying smoothness. The EPA puts consumption at 23 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined (manual transmission), and 24/32/27 (automatic). 

The Hybrid uses a 1.4-liter turbo four and an electric motor for a total of 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Its EPA numbers are an impressive 42/48/45. The 2.0-liter turbocharged TDI engine still manages 31/46/36 with a manual transmission, while the DSG auto version subtracts just one mile per gallon from the highway cycle. 

It’s a new diesel engine for the 2015 Jetta TDI, with 10 more horsepower than before, bringing the total to 150 hp. Torque remains the same, though, at a still-wonderful 236 lb-ft.

Performance

Although an official time of 6.7 seconds for the sprint from standstill to 60 mph is kind of okay, the GLI seems zippier behind the wheel. Perhaps it’s because it feels nimble, always stable and “planted” but ready to change from left to right as the driver wishes. Understeer, where squealing front wheels wash wide, is usually the bane of front-drive cars. Not here. The GLI has its XDS electronic cross differential system to make sure the tires are always biting. It also rides 0.6 inches lower than the rest of the range on its standard sports suspension. The GLI is simply a well-balanced entity with enough power to enjoy the chassis, but not too much to overwhelm it. 

Sporting the most torque of any Jetta, the TDI brings a surge of urge that seems at odds with such careful fuel consumption, but that’s the joy of a turbocharged diesel engine. The Hybrid has the added bonus of low-end punch from both a turbo gasoline engine and an electric motor. Both cars have useful power and excellent economy, they just go about it in different ways.

Final Thoughts

It all depends on what’s required, but there are several great choices in the compact car world, especially for keen drivers. Take the Ford Focus and Mazda3 as prime examples. If a sedan body style is not paramount, it would be smart to check out the Volkswagen Golf. It has more Euro style than the Jetta, hatchback practicality, and the hot GTI version is an icon in itself. 

The Golf also has a TDI variant with the same engine as the Jetta TDI. The Golf is now in its seventh generation, which is noticeably more sophisticated than the current Jetta’s platform. But there’s no Golf hybrid version as yet.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Decent build quality (but what car isn’t these days?). Generous space. The trunk keeps valuables protected and out of sight. The GLI has quite a sporty drive and looks good, but doesn’t attract too much attention to itself. Both the TDI and Hybrid can be entertaining.

Cons:

Cost-wise, there’s hardly any difference between a Jetta GLI and a Golf-based GTI. These models in the Jetta’s upper range are pretty pricey. For that kind of cash, a more striking road presence might be preferred by some buyers.