2022 VW Jetta GLI: 5 ingredients for one spicy sedan
May 17, 2022
5 minute read
The Volkswagen Jetta has been cooking up a unique blend of practicality and driving enjoyment for more than four decades. One Jetta model in particular has always thrown in an extra dash of style and performance: the Jetta GLI.
Now, for 2022, the entire Jetta line gets fresh new design elements and an enhanced driving experience, to go along with the interior roominess, cargo space, and competitive fuel economy Jetta owners have come to expect. The seventh-generation Jetta GLI puts its own twist on this proven recipe, with a variety of aesthetic and performance-oriented upgrades.
The 2022 Jetta GLI is available in one fully loaded Autobahn trim, which includes goodies like DCC® adaptive chassis control for improved vehicle dynamics; larger front-and-rear vented disc brakes; touch-sensitive steering wheel controls; a premium Beats Audio® system; 18-inch split 5-spoke alloy wheels; IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology; and wireless App-Connect and wireless charging for compatible devices. But that’s just a taste.
Here’s a peek at the five main ingredients that go into this appetizing sport sedan.
The Look
The 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI takes on the world with a sharp, refreshed design. The car’s taut, athletic lines converge at a restyled front end, which incorporates a gloss black honeycomb grille pattern, a signature red accent strip along the bumper, and projector LED headlights.
The Experience
The heart of the Jetta GLI is the enthusiast-favorite EA888 engine. This 2.0-liter direct-injection TSI® 4-cylinder powerplant delivers 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Combined with a sporty multi-link rear suspension, and either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic DSG® transmission, the Jetta GLI delivers everyday driving fun in a four-door package.
The Sound
Improved acoustics mean that when the Jetta GLI is in Sport Mode, the exhilarating notes of the EA888 engine amp up within the cabin and boost the adrenaline factor. The new, fuller sound comes purely from mechanical enhancement, not electronic gadgetry. It’s channeled through a pair of new, wider-diameter chrome exhaust outlets which, along with a black honeycomb diffuser, highlight the car’s redesigned rear bumper.
The Display
The interior of the Jetta GLI has a clean, modern feel, led by the innovative Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro. Standard on the Jetta GLI, the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro screen is a fully configurable, high-resolution digital information hub for the driver. Choose from an array of viewing options, including car status, driving data, phone information, and driver assistance features.
The Details
Inside the Jetta GLI, the accents really pop. Red contrast stitching appears throughout the cabin, including the perforated-leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, door trim panels, shifter housing, and armrests. The seats also feature a new red-tinted underlay, while a standard 10-color ambient lighting system allows you to bathe the cabin in whichever hue matches your vibe. It’s a sleek, sporty headquarters for exploring the road.
Experience this recipe for driving fun—served up with a whole lot of style—in the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
