2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn: road wolf wrapped in sedan sheep's clothing
ALL THE BAHN BURNING STEALTH YOU MIGHT EVER NEED: How could Volkswagen possibly improve on an MQB revamped Mk. 7 Jetta GLI hot compact sedan newly introduced last year? Very simply it’s been accomplished by fitting DCC variable electronic damping, previously exclusive to last year’s 35th Anniversary Edition, to the top trim Autobahn trim. The new found ability to vary ride stiffness in addition to artificially adjusting piped in cabin exhaust sound, and the extravagance of a Digital Cockpit beckons Roadblazing.com editors for a Re-Drive of “the People’s Teutonic Hot Compact Sedan [that] is [a] Autobahn Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.”
2020 VW Jetta GLI Autobahn Driving Hits:
7-speed DSG automated gearbox cruises smooth, bangs off solid shifts on demand
2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn: Digital gauge cluster and sports display on the 8.0″ touch LCD infotainment screen
Torque spewing latest generation of massaged turbocharged VW EA 888, with little lag
Soundaktor sport engine sound enhancement at wide open throttle
29 combined miles per gallon in a genuine hot sedan
XDS limited slip front differential
Makes the 228 horsepower on 87 regular octane gas
435 miles fuel tank range
MQB platform permits tauter body control
The only way to have an independent rear suspension on a Mk. 7 Jetta
DCC variable damping ranges from autocross taut to forgiving comfort
WHAT:2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn Mk.7 BD (VW Group A7 platform) compact family sedan. The new VW Jetta GLI is finally hatched from the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, four years after it’s Hot Hatch relative, the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Standard Power: transverse 2.0 L turbocharged DOHC 16V DI gas I-4 = 228 hp/ 258 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm + 6-speed manual helical transaxle, 3 [throttle, shift] Drive Modes = Eco, Normal, Sport (customizable)
Roadblazing.com recently assessed the new Jetta Mk. 7 as possessing the larger Passat‘s maturity and compacy Golf hatchback’s trapezoids found in wrap-around light housings, fuel filler doors. BOLDNESS = prominent hood and fender creases.
Jetta GLI sedans mimick their Golf GTI hatchback brethren with telltale insignia splashed on grille, trunk lid and fenders. Also guaranteed a spot on any GLI: red horizontal grille bar, dark lattice grille and lower air dam, piano black in place of chrome accents, straked darkened front corner inlets, body colored side skirts, dual chrome exhaust tailpipes and a lower rear diffuser.
Jetta‘s acute raked backlight, now leading to a more prominent GLI near duck-tail integrated trunk-lid spoiler formed from side belt-line creasing border on fastback. It’s just one interconnected ring away from being an Audi S3 ringer.
WHY: People’s Teutonic Hot Compact Sedan is Affordable Wolf in Dapper New Sheep’s Clothing.
