Picture Gallery: 2007 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Day 1:
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Shame on me; I have never really been up on my Volkswagen model designations. Of course, I know what a GTI is, but when told I was going to be driving the GLI Jetta this week, I was in the dark as to what exactly the GLI was. I tried looking it up on the VW website to no avail; it still doesn’t exist according to www.vw.ca. To my surprise, I see Laurance Yap’s First Drive on CanadianDriver and realize it is essentially the GTI of the Jetta line-up!
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Since I can’t find any information about the Canadian Jetta GLI on any of Volkswagen’s sites (there is U.S. information and Euro info), I’ll have to go on my limited knowledge and by poking around the car.
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My test vehicle is in a striking Salsa Red, a very bright colour indeed. Also included in my tester is the sought-after DSG transmission. This is a true manual transmission that is computer controlled with two clutches which engage and disengage as required. You can drive it like an automatic, and if you feel like shifting gears, you can flick the flappy paddles on the back of the steering wheel and go to town.
This GLI has the standard, and very stylish, 17-inch multi-spoke wheels and optional luxury leather package, including leather seats, power sunroof and power lumbar adjustment. Other notable features that are immediately noticeable are the extremely sporty seats and steering wheel, which just scream sports car.
Excuse me while I go test out those flappy paddles…
2007 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
MSRP as tested: $37,150
For more information on VW and the Jetta visit Volkswagen Canada
Updated October 24th 2006
Day 2:
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These leads me to the heated seats in the Jetta GLI. This is not something specific to this model, but rather, all Volkswagens that have the heated seat option: they are amazing. With five variations of heat settings from barely noticeable to ouch-my-buns-are-on-fire. There is no need to keep the heat on since you get your warmth from below.
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Back to the GLI: this is one quick little car, and with almost all of its torque available at in the low range, it is really easy to drive around town. There is turbo lag but it is not horrible though by any means. Around 2,000rpm you can feel the boost in power even if you are not going full-hog on the accelerator. The GLI pulls right up to redline too, and the gearing is spaced perfectly to keep the car in boost to ensure a smooth driving experience.
Starting from a standstill is a little odd-feeling in the Jetta GLI. I am unsure if it is a result of the DSG transmission or the drive-by-wire throttle or both. The car does not feel like it is using an automatic transmission even though the vehicle shifts automatically. When releasing the brake from a stop there seems to be a lag before the vehicle starts to move forward and then it moves very slowly, not your typical automatic transmission feel, and I keep wanting to reach for the clutch.
The automatic shifting is extremely smooth though, once underway, and shifting the vehicle manually using those flappy paddles behind the steering wheel is lightning quick – especially if you’re hard on the gas.
Updated October 25th 2006
Day 3:
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I think I have decided on what is causing that lag during acceleration. I don’t really think it is a drive-by-wire issue, nor is it an issue with the DSG. I was struggling to figure out if it was really turbo lag or not, and I have decided it is indeed turbo lag. The difference in power output before the turbo kicks in and after is so extreme it really feels like nothing is happening until it does. Good thing it kicks in so early!
Today was a driving dynamics observation day, though not intentionally. My travels today just happened to include many highway off-ramps and on-ramps as well as some construction dodging, which allowed me to test lateral transfers.
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The GLI is an amazing vehicle for taking highway on- or off-ramps at insane speeds, yet doesn’t feel as well balanced in tighter transitions. The suspension on the GLI is fairly stiff, so if the road is uneven you will feel it. It’s not a luxurious ride by any standards really. It is meant to be sporty, so this isn’t a bad thing - just something to keep in mind. If you are after a softer ride, the GLI is not the car for you.
The stiff suspension means there is little lean in the longer sweeping nature of an off-ramp, giving you confidence to push the envelope. On quick, tight transitions, the suspension works in the vehicle’s favour as well, but the numb steering creates a sense of disconnection from the front wheels. This is less of a factor on long sweepers but not so good on tighter turns where sensing the front wheels location and tire movements are critical.
A few other notables from today: No clock visible to the passenger (my passenger was particularly annoyed with that), a 12-volt outlet in the trunk is a nice touch and the vehicle feels unbelievably solid, both inside and out.
Updated October 26th 2006
Day 4:
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It’s been a fun week in the Jetta GLI: an unassuming vehicle that has some real get-up-and-go. The Jetta is really a solid vehicle that I enjoyed for its sporty nature, comfort and feeling of solidity. The Germans really know how to build a solid vehicle and the Jetta is no exception.
I have a few niggles with the car; really small ones actually. The radio is some what annoying; it has been mentioned before by both Laurance Yap and a loyal reader. The reception is sub-par and the volume seems to change by itself, although I only noticed it when I first picked up the car, so it seems to be better than it was in the Rabbit which may not have had the recall applied to it.
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The DSG transmission is really a wonderful piece of engineering. For everyday driving, I wouldn’t say it is pointless but in today’s society of “easier is better�? most would not use the manual feature. If your goal is to track the vehicle or perhaps someone in your family will not learn to drive a manual, this system is perfect. For performance driving, it is an excellent feature that would surely improve your smoothness on the track, resulting in faster lap times.
The fuel mileage according to the computer readout for the week was 10.2L/100km. With a Natural Resources Canada rating of 10.1 city / 6.8 highway my consumption average was very good. I certainly haven’t been easy on the throttle this week and most of my driving has been in the city.
Personally I would jump into a GTI if I was looking for this type of vehicle, the looks of the Jetta are a little too unassuming for my tastes; but an excellent vehicle nonetheless.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2007 Volkswagen Jetta GLI
MSRP as tested: $37,150
For more information on VW and the Jetta visit Volkswagen Canada
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October 24, 2006, 04:59:12 pm Well I hit the button and the light goes off.... does the A/C turn off? Well that I'm not 100% sure of but the light goes off.... you would assume. The Maxima it said "Auto Climate / A/C off" so it went off in that for sure.
October 24, 2006, 05:01:05 pm You would assume. Check your manual if you get the chance.
October 24, 2006, 08:12:49 pm That seems to be a common "feature" these days. I know with my Sentra, if you put the defrost (for the windshield on) it will run the compressor even if you switch to vent afterwards.
October 24, 2006, 11:36:01 pm
What? Your salesperson didn't mention the laser welded roof before you bought your car.
That's a huge selling feature for safety and sound insulation!
October 25, 2006, 12:11:57 am
Accord V6, Altima 3.5SE, Mazdaspeed 3, WRX (ok its 2gs more but you get AWD) - AND you can get all those in a stick! Of course I've never been a big fan of VW. I like their cars, but way overprice in my opinion. Maybe back in the day when there weren't very many quality manufacturers out there (late 80s early 90s). But by today's standards they're nothing to write home about. Some nifty innovative features (folding key fob) but certainly not anything demanding that kind of a price premium.
I stand ready for the VW faithful retort - there seem to be a lot of you out there these days!
Good Lord. Come back once you get over yourself.
October 25, 2006, 07:34:21 am
"Mini Me, stop humping the "laser". Honest to God! Why don't you and the giant "laser" get a fricken room for God's sakes?"
October 25, 2006, 10:37:25 am If you hit the 'Econ' button so the light is on, the A/C is off. It's opposite to the US cars, where they have the same button labelled 'A/C' and when you hit it, the light comes on, and A/C is on.
If the HVAC is set to full defrost (not defrost/part feet) the 'Econ' button light goes off and the A/C comes on. Once the HVAC is set to something else the 'Econ' light comes back on.
You can test by seeing the consumption figure using the MFD - set to fuel economy and view when stationary. On mine, the A/C uses 0.4L/hour more than with it off/'Econ' on. Pretty significant as the car itself idling uses about 0.9-1L/hour on its own.
October 25, 2006, 11:23:47 am Hi, Long time lurker, first time poster.
The delay of power when applying the gas from a stop, as I understand it is related to the throttle delay due to the drive by wire system.
Our Passat B6 2.0T, which is the same engine, but with the 6 speed autobox (on our second transmission after 8000 kms, but different story), displays the same throttle delay. Numerous VW owners, are working at getting the delay addressed.
The delay has been adressed in the 3.8L in the Passat, but not yet in the 2.0T.
And 32K is a lot for a Jetta, when you can get a base model passat for 28K, which has the same engine, roomier and nicer interior and includes the 6 speed auto.
October 25, 2006, 11:49:44 am Its not about me Craigy... Its about the cars.
October 25, 2006, 01:26:46 pm Wing, as I recall it from my Audi, the snowflake icon is a reminder to the driver that at temperatures of 3C and lower, despite the ambient temperature being above freezing, could still have road temperatures at 0 degrees and thus low enough for ice to form. It's a subtle safety consideration.
Regarding your Mazda3, the AC light on my MX5 can be switched on and off as well, but if it's in defrost or a 'split-defrost' positioning on the dial, the A/C is on. I'd be surprised if your car is different.
October 25, 2006, 01:28:54 pm JamesP: Glad to see another Passat 2.0T owner.
I agree with 32k being a bit high for a Jetta, but I think it's better to compare Passat 2.0T with Jetta 2.0T, not GLI(assuming there must be a lot more offered in GLI than Jetta 2.0T....as I mentioned in earlier reply, I'd like to see myself too how GLI is different from 2.0T to cover the price gap)
Many people including you and me prefer more luxurious feeing with smoother driving, but there are also a lot of people who prefer sportier driving experience....I mean, two different cars for two different groups..
October 25, 2006, 10:56:06 pm
The delay of power when applying the gas from a stop, as I understand it is related to the throttle delay due to the drive by wire system.
Our Passat B6 2.0T, which is the same engine, but with the 6 speed autobox (on our second transmission after 8000 kms, but different story), displays the same throttle delay. Numerous VW owners, are working at getting the delay addressed.
The delay has been adressed in the 3.8L in the Passat, but not yet in the 2.0T.
And 32K is a lot for a Jetta, when you can get a base model passat for 28K, which has the same engine, roomier and nicer interior and includes the 6 speed auto.
3.8L or you mean 3.6L?
Base model 28K or 30K?
October 26, 2006, 09:09:58 am
The delay of power when applying the gas from a stop, as I understand it is related to the throttle delay due to the drive by wire system.
Our Passat B6 2.0T, which is the same engine, but with the 6 speed autobox (on our second transmission after 8000 kms, but different story), displays the same throttle delay. Numerous VW owners, are working at getting the delay addressed.
The delay has been adressed in the 3.8L in the Passat, but not yet in the 2.0T.
And 32K is a lot for a Jetta, when you can get a base model passat for 28K, which has the same engine, roomier and nicer interior and includes the 6 speed auto.
3.8L or you mean 3.6L?
Base model 28K or 30K?
Probably he means 28K after negocaition for a base Passat 2.0T;)
October 26, 2006, 09:45:20 am $27998 was the window price of the Passat 2.0T with automatic when we walked into the dealership, no negotiation required. That was in April or May, even before the domestics hit the employee pricing. And the pricing was still on the 2006 Passat when we went in for our most recent service.
And yes, I did mistype the 3.6L as a 3.8L, sorry.
October 26, 2006, 09:52:53 am Welcome to the forum. Is your car as shiny as lucid's?
October 26, 2006, 12:29:29 pm Welcome JamesP.
Eeek, needed a tranny replacement so soon? Not good. Did you get yours soon after launch? Do you know the issue or did it just fail for no apparent reason?
The Passat starts at $29,995 with a manual. Optioned with auto, Leather Luxo Pkg, Bi-Xenons, and Rear Side Torso airbag like Wing's Jetta GLI, you're talking $39,620 MSRP. That said, I do think the Passat 2.0T's are a good value compared to a loaded Jetta, as I feel the Passat looks - and is - wider and more upscale. But certainly handles differently. The Passat 3.6L's... not such a good deal.
The sunken instrumentation of the GTI/GLI are irritating to passengers as they can't tell your speed on the highway, the time, etc. Even if you want to show them something in the MFD, they have to nearly be on your lap. Hmmmmm
The hesitation James notes is a known issue brought up by some Tiptronic 6-spd owners (don't know if there's a TSB or fix, if not for 2.0T yet hopefully soon), but not the same issue with the DSG. DSG has a simulated creep mode to mimick a normal A/T, but it can feel artificial. Wing, is there a hill/incline you could try? I've heard some will roll back a tiny bit (the Passats have a hill-hold feature, but don't think the Jetta/Golfs with DSGs do) and in my own experience when you're at a stop and lift off the gas it almost takes a millisecond before it'll engage to creep forward in 1st. Felt a little disconnected, but I think it's normal. If you're talking about lag outside of standing starts, then yep, sounds like lag. When I drove DSG the thing I immediately took note of was how the lag wasn't there and the car just went (but I haven't had the experience to test drive anywhere near as many cars as you to judge), but didn't take long to notice the simulated creep thing which was a little strange feeling.
October 26, 2006, 03:28:30 pm Well I finally got a good look at one of these. Stopped by the local VW dealer and they had 1 and one only GLUI but its was probaly equipped right to my specs.
Grey, Cloth interior sunroof, 17 inch base rims and DSG. (I'm a die hard manualy tranny guy but the DSG with those paddle shofters might just convert me)
The front end with the blckout grille and red pinstrpe is MILEs better than the regular ugly chrome snout.
The ride hight looks a bit lower (maybe an illusion??) but even those 17 inch rims look too small. 17 inch rims really should fill the wheelwells out better. I'm sure the 18s loo better but I don't know if I'd spring for them given the cost of replacing the tires vs the 17s.
I LIKE the interior. It reminds me ogf an Old GTI or with the tartan seat inserts and the sport seats bring back fond memories of my 1983 GLI. The Steering wheel is trey cool and pasddle shifters look nice. The passanger comparment looks like a nice place to be.
I did not sit in it but that rear seat lokks small. Its bigger than the old Jetta but heck what isn't.
The profile of the car is nothing special. Front on is the only way it really looks good.
It will be on my list nest July when itsa time for the Volvo to go but something tells me that with its smaller size, 32 K plus price tag and 5.9% financing rates in additon to suspect reliability it will liklley not end up at the top of the list.
October 26, 2006, 10:12:24 pm
And yes, I did mistype the 3.6L as a 3.8L, sorry.
That's sounds very agressive! A demo?
Or are they going to charge $2000 PDI?
October 26, 2006, 10:19:17 pm SAM, yes it rolls back on hills and it takes a while after you release the brake for it to creep forward like an auto. I also find it does not move nearly as fast as an auto would. Most autos get up to 10km/h ish some even more the GLI barely moves it just kind of creeps along enough for you to know it is moving and is somewhat jerky in nature.
It is hard to get everything out in the blogs without overwhelming the reader and writting 1000's of words. My neighbours and co-workers get a little more info
One thing I never really got into my blog this week and would like to mention is the fact I think this vehicle would be amazing with the 4-motion all-wheel drive. Just too much boost for those front wheels to handle. THe car wouldn't feel right as RWD IMO, but All-wheel would be excellent.
October 27, 2006, 08:12:02 am All this talk about pricing, reliability, etc and all the usual suspects get mentioned as an alternative purchase. Owned a 2001 1.8T, wife still has a 2000 2.0. Will never, ever buy another VW(including Audi) product again! Worst reliability of any cars we have ever owned. Current car for the past 13 months and loving it, Subaru Legacy GT (not the limited). Has a reputation for above-average reliability, great performance, 4wd, all for a very interesting price.
If performance (and security, 5 star) are important, this is a car to consider.
October 27, 2006, 10:07:52 am The sticker said "Manager's Special" and it was defiantly not a demo, with 8 KMS on it, and we had to wait for out color choice to come out of Germany. I assume its a similar idea to the Value Editions sold in the USA.
And it is not as shiny, as it is the base model, missing the chrome around the windows and the alloys.
Fright and PDI were the standard VW charges, and we got a low lease rate, and high residual making the car exceptionally affordable. But as stated above, any options on the Passat greatly effects the price and affordability.
The GTI to me seems like a better package then the GLI, more sporting, less expensive, and made in Germany versus Mexico. And IMHO the GTI has better wheel gaps then the GLI, which like the Jetta looks like it needs 2" of drop at all wheels.
And as per the transmission, it was "only" the valve body that needs replacing, sorry for the slight exaggeration, but either way should not be required at the first oil change. More info on the problem can be found on VW Vortex, regarding hard shifting from gear 1 to gear 2, and it is not an easy fix to "convince" VW that it needs performed.
October 27, 2006, 11:24:03 am MAY "I" suggest that if you haven't read Bergeron's Buggererin' 'bout in Boomer
BOXES..threads:)...no Kissy arse...here eh!!?.........then why when we try to read the 4 PART'ers we GET the latest ONE FIRST......that's like reading ..Oh I dunno a PlayBoy from the CENTRE..OK I Fold on that one...but it would be easier if we were presented with Day 1 First and so on down the LINE...NO?....CAN i get 5TYRES fer that suggestion
October 27, 2006, 03:21:01 pm Just make sure you visit every day! Then you won't have to scroll down and read backwards!
October 28, 2006, 01:59:27 am Hi folks,
Agree with a fair number of comments here: the new GLI seems to be a nice vehicle in terms of performance, handling, features, etc., yet priced a bit too high for perceived reliability. (Do you think 12-15% less is more reasonable?)
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy how VWs handle - my first was a '78 Scirocco (sweet but not for our well-salted roads) then a '91 Passat (again a nice ride but electrics and tranny.... yecch). Now after many trouble-free years with an Accord EX-R (boring), I'm back to VW with an '03 Jetta 1.8T Tiptronic. Though a wagon, it handles well.
The results seem to be in: if someone wants reliable, care and trouble-free motoring, then Japanese or (dare I say it?) Korean is the way to go. But if one wants some fun, excitement and the abillity to push a little bit further, then German engineering is the route. (IMO of course.)
I guess that is what keeps me (and perhaps many others) coming back to VW - the ride.
Cheers.
October 28, 2006, 06:59:46 pm
Those are NICE and somewhat rare with the 1.8T. I would have liked one myself if they weren't so dang much at the time.
I'm thinking... bright red, silver, dark blue, or black?
Do you have the 17"ers?