By Russ Heaps
Clanging Bell

(August 8, 2019) On the hunt for a sporty sedan? You can do much worse than the Volkswagen Jetta GLI. In fact, with its zippy turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and stir-your-own-transmission 6-speed manual, it's a downright blast to drive. Think of it as a Golf GTI in more conservative attire.

After recently spending a week in a Jetta GLI 35th Anniversary Edition, I was smitten. Although I'm a big fan of hatchbacks in general for their informal looks and practicality, I can see opting for the midsize GLI rather than its hatchback mechanical doppelganger the Golf GTI because I'm not as young as I used to be, but also because, comparatively, the GLI is a significant bargain.

The 35th Anniversary Edition I drove came without any extras. Adding on the $895 factory delivery charge brought the total sticker to $27,890. If you can live without the 4-mode adaptive chassis, 18-inch gray alloy wheels and some other cosmetic enhancements contained in the 35th Anniversary Edition package, you can save $1,000. Granted the GTI's cabin is a bit more upscale, but a base Golf GTI will set you back $28,490.

So, what about that interior. Let's forget comparisons with the GTI. In its own right, the GLI cabin is pretty straightforward. There isn't a button-loaded control panel with which to contend. Its smallish 6.5-inch touchscreen, surrounded by the audio system controls, sits up high in the center of the instrument panel. Three large round knobs do most the heavy lifting for the dual-zone automatic climate control located at the top of the center stack. The push button to engage the ignition is just to the left of gear-shift lever.

What is somewhat noticeable from the getgo is the amount of plastic. There's plenty of it. Sharp and tidy, the lines of the dashboard are contemporary, bunching all of the important controls around the driver. The flat-bottom steering wheel and stainless-steel pedals enhance the impression of sportiness. Supportive seats and more than adequate front-seat room make for a comfortable space. If some night-time ambience is your thing, there is a customizable 10-color ambient-lighting feature.

Picking the GLI over the GTI is rewarded with about two inches of additional rear-seat legroom and cavernous trunk space. But, to get there, the GLI is stretched more than 17 inches longer than the GTI. Of course, the GTI is more athletic looking.

Among the factors that really count in a sporty car are the mechanicals. Here, there is little separating the GLI and GTI. VW arms both with a 228-horsepower 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. Maximum torque is 258 lb-ft. Handing off engine output to the front wheels is the standard 6-speed manual transmission. Or, for $800, you can opt for a driver-shiftable 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Government-estimated fuel economy numbers are slightly better in the GLI. Regardless the tranny, the GLI's numbers are 25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined, which is a 1 mpg improvement over GTI's city and combined mileage.

Similarities between the hatchback and sedan don't end with the powertrain. Both share a limited-slip differential, Golf R front brakes and independent multi-link rear suspension.

Jetta scores well in crash tests. The non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded Jetta its top score of “Good” in its six crashworthiness tests. The government gave Jetta's overall crash performance its highest five-star rating; however, it did only award it four stars for frontal crash and rollover. Standard are forward collision warning with emergency braking, blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and hill-start assist.

An engaging performer, the Jetta GLI needs a second or two for the turbo to spool up from a dead stop, but the throttle is very responsive once underway. Drama is minimized in the corners, which the GLI is bred to attack with gusto. The variable electrically assisted steering is stunningly responsive. Well mated to the turbo mill, the 6-speed transmission shifts flawlessly and effortlessly. It has an exceptional feel.

Standard gear not already mentioned includes six airbags, rearview camera, full power accessories, leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescopic multi-function steering wheel, heated front seats, 60/40 split folding rear seat, auto-dimming rearview mirror, electric parking brake, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity and a 6-speaker audio system with USB port.

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is proof that a midsize sedan need not be boring.