2012 Volkswagen GLI Overview Change Vehicle

This 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2012 Jetta GLI, and includes safety, reliability, and fuel economy information for the Jetta GLI.

The five-passenger, front-wheel-drive 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the sportiest of all Jetta models thanks to its more aggressive styling, potent turbocharged engine, unique interior, and sport-tuned chassis. Competitors include rides ranging from the Honda Civic Si to the Acura TSX.

Volkswagen completely redesigned its Jetta Sedan for 2011, resulting in new versions of the popular gas and diesel (TDI) models. Sales have taken off, though, to many, the updated styling and cheapened interior are disappointing.

Folks with that perspective might see things a bit differently once they get a look at the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. Essentially a GTI wrapped in Jetta Sedan guise, the GLI arrives with 200 turbocharged horses under its hood, a more sporting chassis and athletic appearance, and the upscale interior appointments that had for so long set VW’s bread-and-butter four-door apart from the pack. Specific details include deeply bolstered seats, contrast stitching and aluminum trim inside the cabin, an available 400-watt premium sound system developed by Panasonic and Fender, and exterior enhancements like smoked taillights, a honeycomb grille insert, and bright brake calipers.

Car shoppers considering the 2012 Jetta GLI can choose between three configurations: 2.0T, 2.0T Autobahn and 2.0T Autobahn with Navigation. All are equipped with a turbocharged, gas-powered four-cylinder engine and are dressed up with unique front and rear bumpers, a lower body kit, red brake calipers, and smoked taillights. In addition, these sporty four-doors feature heavily bolstered front seats accented by red contrast stitching, alloy-like interior trim, Bluetooth connectivity, a touch-screen audio system with iPod compatibility and Sirius satellite radio service, and a split-folding rear seat that allows owners to carry more than can be stuffed into the 15.5 cubic-foot trunk. The 2.0T’s list of standard features also includes the usual variety of convenience amenities like power windows and door locks, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/45 all-season rubber. Given its role as an entertaining driver’s car, the 2012 Jetta GLI is delivered with a manual gearbox, but the company’s dual-clutch DSG – complete with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters – is an available option.

Though the 2.0T GLI Autobahn does indeed use the same engine and transmissions as the base 2.0T, there are a number of upgrades that elevate the former to a higher position within the model lineup. Along with the Autobahn moniker come 18-inch alloy wheels, leatherette upholstery in lieu of the 2.0T’s cloth, heated seats and windshield washer nozzles, automatic climate control, a power moonroof, and a 400-watt sound system developed by Panasonic and Fender. Yes, the same Fender that is probably best known for its guitars.

Finally, there’s the GLI Autobahn with Navigation, which as its name implies, features a navigation system. A push-button ignition feature is also included.

Like the GTI and the Golf, the GLI is separated from the rest of the Jetta pack thanks, in large part, to what’s found under the hood. Instead of naturally aspirated four- and five-cylinder engines or the popular TDI diesel, the 2012 Jetta GLI draws power from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-banger that puts out 200 horses and 207 pound-feet of torque. Output is directed to the front wheels via a standard six-speed manual or optional DSG dual-clutch automated manual with paddle shifters. The EPA suggests drivers will average 22 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with the manual, or 24 mpg and 32 mpg, respectively, with the DSG. Premium fuel is required.

Members of the GLI’s supporting cast include a four-wheel independent suspension that drops the car 15mm compared to the regular Jetta, and VW’s XDS front differential system that’s been engineered to improve handling.

Sporty though it may be, at its core the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a car that will very likely spend the majority of its days shuttling drivers and a passenger or two to and from work, traversing busy streets and highways along the way. Those conditions call for safe transportation, which is one way to accurately describe VW’s hot-selling sedan. When subjected to crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Jetta earned four out of five stars for overall performance, as well as front-impact and rollover protection. Side-impact protection was deemed worthy of five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had not tested the 2012 Jetta when this review was originally written, but it should be noted that the nearly identical 2011 model was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick. Much of the credit is due to the Jetta’s design, not to mention standard features including six airbags, four-wheel disc antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, and stability control.

Since it was redesigned just last year, neither Consumer Reports nor J.D. Power and Associates had yet published reliability data when this article was written. The 2012 Jetta GLI, like all new Volkswagens, is covered by a free maintenance program that covers all scheduled services for three years or 36,000 miles.

With an invitation from Volkswagen in hand, figuratively speaking, we traveled to Volkswagen’s U.S. headquarters in Virginia to test drive each of the brand’s 2012 models, including the new Jetta GLI.

Like the previous-generation GLI that exited the market a few years back, the 2012 iteration successfully injects the Jetta with enough testosterone to feel lively and spirited, but not the dosage necessary to transform this ride into a genuine sport sedan. Aside from a bit of initial lag, the turbocharged four-banger offers up a good bit of refined grunt, though we have to say 200 horses and 207 pound-feet of torque don’t impress quite like they did when they debuted in the 2006 GTI. However, the smooth six-speed manual gearbox lets drivers wring out every smidgen of available output, and the DSG remains one of the best automated manuals available to mainstream car buyers…even if it can be a little clunky at slow speeds on very rare occasions.

That powertrain is impressive, but not overwhelmingly so. The same can be said of the 2012 GLI’s handling dynamics, which are characterized by a composed, almost fluid-like balance when tackling winding roads. Drivers on the hunt for an entertaining daily commuter are sure to be more than satisfied, yet those seeking a truly buckled-down performer on tight twisties will likely be disappointed by a chassis not ideally suited for aggressive cornering.

In all other respects, the 2012 GLI is essentially a dressed-up Jetta, albeit one that thankfully exhibits the kind of upscale interior treatment that had set the car apart before its 2011 redesign.

Despite what we consider to be bland styling and a relatively low-rent interior, the overhauled Jetta has enjoyed strong sales since debuting for the 2011 model year. Adding the 2012 GLI to the lineup certainly won’t have a negative impact on that trend, with its more stylish appearance and superior handling and performance capabilities. Let there be no doubt: The 2012 Jetta GLI is a fun toy to have on sweeping stretches of asphalt. Just don’t expect an experience on par with a full-fledged sport sedan.

By Thom Blackett