Used 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Sedan

The SUV market has all but ended the station wagon in the United States. And with consumers flocking toward dull and sometimes clumsy-handling compact crossover SUVs, the withering away of small hatchback and sedans is likely next. But Volkswagen, which has a rich history of building engaging hatchbacks and fun-to-drive sedans, isn't giving up as easily as some other automakers have. For proof, look no further than the new 2019 Jetta GLI.

Based on the redesigned 2019 Jetta, the new GLI promises to be a much better car than the outgoing version, providing all the goodness of the GTI hatchback but in sedan form. After spending some time with the new Jetta, we think the small-sedan class might just have a new savior.

First Impressions

VW applied its typical restraint when creating the new GLI. Subtle styling cues from the GTI — the red stripe across the grille, the more aggressive-looking front bumper and the absence of chrome — suit the Jetta well. When equipped with the 35th Anniversary package, the GLI also gets dark gray wheels that have a red stripe around their rims. These are more polarizing, but the standard wheels are suitably low-key.

Inside, it's a mix between a standard Jetta and a GTI. The flat-bottom steering wheel, lifted from the GTI, is one of the best in the business. The GTI's seats didn't make the transition, but the GLI's cloth or optional leather seats do a decent job holding you and your passengers in place when driving around turns. Less pleasing is the scattering of hard plastic trim in the GLI's cabin, which stands out even more than it does in the regular Jetta because of the GLI's higher price.

The dashboard comes in two flavors: analog instrumentation with a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment screen or a fully digital gauge cluster, not unlike the one found in the Golf R, with an 8-inch glass-covered touchscreen. The analog gauges are crisp-looking, and the 6.5-inch touchscreen is easy to reach. But the modernity and graphics of the optional 8-inch screen are noticeably better than those of the standard unit. It also fills out the dash a little bit better and conveys a more modern, premium feel to the GLI.

Gearing Up

Of the three available trim levels, we had the opportunity to sample two: the midlevel 35th Anniversary Edition equipped with a six-speed manual and the top-of-the-range Autobahn with the seven-speed dual-clutch (DSG) automatic. Regardless of trim, you get the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque — exactly what's available in the GTI. And to no one's surprise, the GLI feels considerably quicker than last year's model thanks to the additional 18 hp and 51 lb-ft of torque. The estimated fuel economy is identical for either transmission, with the EPA saying you'll get 28 combined (25 city/32 highway).

The manual transmission's shift is slick and pleasing to use, and the clutch uptake is easy to learn. And if you have any skill with a manual transmission, you can be immediately smooth with both up- and downshifts. If there is a complaint, it's that the gearing is a little on the tall side. Sure, the motor has a meaty midrange of torque that doesn't require constant gear management to stay in the powerband. But most curvy roads could be done in one gear or maybe two. Shorter gearing would allow you to use this enjoyable gearbox a bit more.

The seven-speed DSG, on the other hand, has shorter ratios and one more of them. Left to its own devices, the transmission is a smart-shifting partner on any road. But should you want to paddle it manually, you find yourself shifting up and down just a bit more. The shifts are very quick and exceptionally smooth, and the extra shift here and there adds to the sensation of speed. Both of these gearboxes are so good that you can't really go wrong either way.

On the Move

On the 35th Anniversary trim level only, VW installs an adaptive suspension, which we found makes a noticeable difference. In Normal mode, the GLI with this suspension expertly balances compliance with an appropriate amount of firmness. The ride is rarely busy, no matter the surface. When Sport is selected, the car feels instantly more taut and controlled. Even the standard suspension is very well sorted and takes the edge off larger bumps while maintaining composure.

One of the roads we used to sample the Jetta GLI is the somewhat infamous Tail of the Dragon, which winds itself over the hills of Tennessee and North Carolina via a seemingly endless amount of tight, banked and blind corners. This road represented a challenging test, and the GLI acquits itself surprisingly well. The steering doesn't provide finer details, but its accuracy and weighting are very good. And Volkswagen's trick VAQ limited-slip front differential, which uses a computer-controlled hydraulically operated clutch pack, ensures ample traction with minimal wheelspin and torque steer when exiting low-speed corners.

Managing your speed on a road like this falls directly to the brakes. And it's with some relief that VW has installed larger brakes all around, including the 13.4-inch front brakes from the Golf R. Pedal feel is intuitive, and we found it just as easy to brake hard into a blind corner as we did pulling up to a stoplight. Special mention has to go to the no-cost option Hankook Ventus Evo3 summer tires, which were equipped on our test cars. Jetta GLIs come standard with all-season tires, but we've found other Volkswagens fall far short of expectations when so equipped. If you can get the summer tires, do it and make the most of your GLI.

No Waiting

The GLI is at dealers now and is available in three trim levels: the S, 35th Anniversary Edition and Autobahn — each one gives you the choice of a manual or DSG automatic transmission. The S starts at $26,890, including destination. A loaded-up Autobahn with the DSG checks in at $30,890.

While some manufacturers try to tempt buyers away from sensible sedans and into crossovers and SUVs, it's refreshing to see Volkswagen make an excellent case to stay by offering a good dose of practicality and performance. No doubt the 2019 Jetta GLI will appeal to a fair number of the sedan faithful. But its toughest competition may not come from the Civic Si sedan, the Mazda 3 or even the Subaru WRX. It comes from Volkswagen's own GTI.