2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Review: an Economical Sports Car, or a Sporty Economy Car?

Auto123 reviews the 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.

When you think of a VW-badged small sports car at an attractive price, chances are your first thought is of the Golf GTI; those with deeper pockets might point to the Golf R.

Meanwhile, in the lineup sits the Jetta GLI, very often forgotten. Admittedly, it's not as sexy as its hatchbacked siblings, but it has the merit of being more spacious and comfortable than the GTI, in addition to having a real trunk. Other than that, though, the similarities are unavoidable.

In fact, the GLI is just as agile, aggressive and athletic as the GTI. The 228-hp engine under the hood of the Jetta GLI is as powerful as the GTI’s, and the DSG transmission is a real treat. No doubt, purists will go for the GTI, but the older (and more tamed) among us will choose the GLI without hesitation because of its versatility, room and comfort on board and especially the trunk, which is better suited to a small family.

Plus, let's face it, what other fun and powerful car is available on the market for $31,945? However, a crucial choice will have to be made: a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DSG? Our GLI tester for the week came equipped with the DSG transmission.

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