CD Article: 2007 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

[CD_Editor]

First Drive:

The $32,000 VW Jetta GLI doesn't look as sporty as the last-generation GLI but its drivetrain is a "dream," says Laurance Yap. "The 2.0-litre four-cylinder pulls hard from idle right up to redline, with no perceptible turbo lag," he reports. Laurance recommends the optional six-speed DSG transmission because "it's more fun" and the optional 18-inch tires for "better grip and road feel."         More...

[Demosthenes X]

Might this be the worst review I've ever read on CTC?   

As nice as the manual transmission is - it has nice short throws, a slick action and a metal/leather shift knob that feels great to use - I'd definitely spring for the optional DSG. Not only is it as smooth as an automatic in regular driving (indeed, it's even smoother since there is literally no interruption in power on upshifts), but is also more fun when you want to have more fun. There are paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel and the gearbox will automatically match revs on downshifts, making you look like a driving hero.

I've driven the DSG-equipped GTI, and while it is certainly a good tranny, it is no replacement for a proper manual gearbox.  As any driving enthusiest should know.

the standard 17-inch all-season tires don't generate a lot of grip. The optional 18-inch summer performance radials (which were fitted to all of the cars the press drove during the car's launch) offer much better grip and road feel. Their additional $900 cost, as well as the cost of a good set of snow tires, is a worthwhile upgrade if driving fun is your goal in this car.

While it seems logical that an all season will generate less grip than a performance tire, how can he say they "don't generate a lot of grip" when "all of the cars the press drove" wore the 18" performance tires?

Despite a long list of standard equipment, the GLI is one of those cars that really shines only after you've loaded it up with some options.

it's also a coal bin unless you order a sunroof.

This sounds more like an ad for the car than a review...  "while you're at it, option it up to the most expensive trim you can.  It's a coal bin otherwise."  Excuse me?

Did anyone else notice that Yapp pretty much insisted that, if considering this car, you pretty much ad every conceivable option to it?  He wants me to buy it with DSG (otherwise it's not sporty), with the performance tires and 18" wheels, and with all of the interior upgrades.

I'm almost disapointed he doesn't suggest I buy the extended warranty and rust protection, just got good measure.

This review gets two thumbs down from me: 

[lucid0703]

Might this be the worst review I've ever read on CTC?   

As nice as the manual transmission is - it has nice short throws, a slick action and a metal/leather shift knob that feels great to use - I'd definitely spring for the optional DSG. Not only is it as smooth as an automatic in regular driving (indeed, it's even smoother since there is literally no interruption in power on upshifts), but is also more fun when you want to have more fun. There are paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel and the gearbox will automatically match revs on downshifts, making you look like a driving hero.

I've driven the DSG-equipped GTI, and while it is certainly a good tranny, it is no replacement for a proper manual gearbox.  As any driving enthusiest should know.

the standard 17-inch all-season tires don't generate a lot of grip. The optional 18-inch summer performance radials (which were fitted to all of the cars the press drove during the car's launch) offer much better grip and road feel. Their additional $900 cost, as well as the cost of a good set of snow tires, is a worthwhile upgrade if driving fun is your goal in this car.

While it seems logical that an all season will generate less grip than a performance tire, how can he say they "don't generate a lot of grip" when "all of the cars the press drove" wore the 18" performance tires?

Despite a long list of standard equipment, the GLI is one of those cars that really shines only after you've loaded it up with some options.

it's also a coal bin unless you order a sunroof.

This sounds more like an ad for the car than a review...  "while you're at it, option it up to the most expensive trim you can.  It's a coal bin otherwise."  Excuse me?

Did anyone else notice that Yapp pretty much insisted that, if considering this car, you pretty much ad every conceivable option to it?  He wants me to buy it with DSG (otherwise it's not sporty), with the performance tires and 18" wheels, and with all of the interior upgrades.

I'm almost disapointed he doesn't suggest I buy the extended warranty and rust protection, just got good measure.

This review gets two thumbs down from me: 

Agreed with DSG.
While it's true that DSG is way more fun than Tiptronic, I don't think it's more fun than manual.

It's supposed to be sporty, but unless you opt for the DSG and the 18-inchers, doesn't really feel that way.

This just makes me think manual is not as sporty as DSG..

[toolatecrew]

Anyone know hwat the difference is between a 2.0T with the Luxury packackge (which includes "Sport Suspension") and a GLI is other than cosmetic?

It appears that 2.0T with DSG don't come with paddle shifters. Maybe the  seats are are different and the extrior trim is different but unless the GLI has a lot more "starch" in the supspendion than a 2.0T sport Suspension what's the point?

[UDB]

At 35000$, I think it's a big too expensive for a Jetta.  The GLI has probably one of the best handling in its class but I would prefer to buy a Altima SE-R or even a Accord V6 6sp before.

[wing]

I think I'm picking one of these up this afternoon....

As far as what Mr. Yap said regarding the tires, it seems like he had the 17" all-seasons on his test car, but drove only 18" performance tires at the press release.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I think the article has a number of errors but some good points:
- The 'Sport Suspension' on Canadian 2.0T's isn't really available on most US models. And hence, we weren't even supposed to get the GLI initially but dealers wanted it once they saw it and that's why it's been delayed. But here, once you order the first option pkg on a 2.0T (very few are ordered base) with the Luxury Pkg (which includes the sport suspension, roof, and 17" multi-spoked alloys - NOT leather, which is a step above that) I think the suspension set-up is pretty much like the GLI. It's more compliant than the GTI. I think I'd actually prefer it, as on some roads the GTI is a bit too firm and bumpy, but in turns I found they both handled well. Something fun and capable without being hard-core.
- The 2.0T doesn't have a 'more luxurious' interior as far as I'm concerned. It lacks some features, but has a slightly lower price tag. Priced similarly they offer slightly different things and it depends what you're after. For the engine, I think the best value is going 2.0T with Luxo Pkg, adding Xenons and SABags, for about $31,050. Still, not that far off the GLI which has the funkier Interlagos plaid sport seats, the MFD/compass computer display, 6-CD audio unit, different wheel with controls, fog lights, black grille, etc for $33,945 (including roof and SABs). So, guess the price difference of $2,985 may or may not be worth it for you. In the case of wanting leather full-load tho, a similarly equipped 2.0T is $34,100 vs the GLI at $34,604.
- Main luxury feature the 2.0T has that the GLI doesn't is the NAVI option for '07MY. Oh, and top Jetta pkg gets Climatronic for '07MY as well.
- You don't have to option the GLI up at all. That's the great thing about it.
- The 2004 Jetta GLI looked killer. Just an awesome looking machine - loved them in bright blue or black. The new one looks stretched and 'off'. Of note, the GTI and Jetta are getting their ride height reduced as a running change, which should make them look one heckava lot better. The US '06MY GLI's had chrome window trim, but again they made a running change to remove it and our GLIs are being produced as the running change began. I preferred the chrome myself, but many sport-lovers didn't.
- I actually think that from an initial drive the DSG is more fun. Smooth delivery especially from standing start and put a big smile on my face driving it. But over time, don't know if I'd become bored with it. Having paddles on the GLI is a big plus over the 2.0T if you go DSG.
- The audio reception isn't great, even tho it has an aux antenna in the rear window. Noticed this with mine but either I've gotten used to it or it's gotten better. And there's a TSB for the wacky audio volume/bass issue, so he must of driven this car awhile ago - especially if he's talking about the 5dr GTI coming soon, as it was already out in July.

Wing, would be interested in what you think. Do they have a PR office in Ottawa now, or have some cars been dumped there?

[wing]

Cars are being dumped, I have a Salsa Red GLI with DSG... stay tunned

[JSCC]

For myself, I would definately take the 07 5 door GTI over the 07 GLI.
But take the 2004/05 GLI over the 2004/05 GTI.

[toolatecrew]

For myself, I would definately take the 07 5 door GTI over the 07 GLI.
But take the 2004/05 GLI over the 2004/05 GTI.

Any inside info on the drivetrain/suspension differences between 2.0T Sport Suspension and GLI?

[sirAQUAMAN64]

The Jetta option packages have gone up in price for '07MY.

The main reason for going 2.0T to me are to get a slightly lower price on the bottom end, if you're interested in leather for the lowest price, or alternatively to get a NAVI or a loaded one with Climatronic on the top end which are newly available for '07MY on Jetta Premium Luxo Pkg but unavailable on GLI.

JSCC, have you guys ordered many 2.0T's with NAVI? And if so, have you ordered full load or optioned with cloth as well? Curious.

[JSCC]

The Jetta option packages have gone up in price for '07MY.

The main reason for going 2.0T to me are to get a slightly lower price on the bottom end, if you're interested in leather for the lowest price, or alternatively to get a NAVI or a loaded one with Climatronic on the top end which are newly available for '07MY on Jetta Premium Luxo Pkg but unavailable on GLI.

JSCC, have you guys ordered many 2.0T's with NAVI? And if so, have you ordered full load or optioned with cloth as well? Curious.

Haven't seen any NAVIs on the 07 Jettas yet.

[JSCC]

For myself, I would definately take the 07 5 door GTI over the 07 GLI.
But take the 2004/05 GLI over the 2004/05 GTI.

Any inside info on the drivetrain/suspension differences between 2.0T Sport Suspension and GLI?

Need to get back to you on that later.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

The Jetta option packages have gone up in price for '07MY.

The main reason for going 2.0T to me are to get a slightly lower price on the bottom end, if you're interested in leather for the lowest price, or alternatively to get a NAVI or a loaded one with Climatronic on the top end which are newly available for '07MY on Jetta Premium Luxo Pkg but unavailable on GLI.

JSCC, have you guys ordered many 2.0T's with NAVI? And if so, have you ordered full load or optioned with cloth as well? Curious.

Haven't seen any NAVIs on the 07 Jettas yet.

That was quick. For the first time, NAVI was offered in Canada on '07 Jetta 2.0T's... and now, it's already discontinued. I guess dealers didn't order them.

Has your dealer ordered any of the 'base' Jettas? Losing the arm rest and mats may not be worth the difference, but advantage IMO is being able to add the sunroof for less cost than you would in the 2.5 Premium Pkg. If you just want a Jetta with roof you can get one for $24,875 instead of $27,065.

And why'd they ditch white on Touaregs? 

[JSCC]

The Jetta option packages have gone up in price for '07MY.

The main reason for going 2.0T to me are to get a slightly lower price on the bottom end, if you're interested in leather for the lowest price, or alternatively to get a NAVI or a loaded one with Climatronic on the top end which are newly available for '07MY on Jetta Premium Luxo Pkg but unavailable on GLI.

JSCC, have you guys ordered many 2.0T's with NAVI? And if so, have you ordered full load or optioned with cloth as well? Curious.

Haven't seen any NAVIs on the 07 Jettas yet.

That was quick. For the first time, NAVI was offered in Canada on '07 Jetta 2.0T's... and now, it's already discontinued. I guess dealers didn't order them.

Has your dealer ordered any of the 'base' Jettas? Losing the arm rest and mats may not be worth the difference, but advantage IMO is being able to add the sunroof for less cost than you would in the 2.5 Premium Pkg. If you just want a Jetta with roof you can get one for $24,875 instead of $27,065.

And why'd they ditch white on Touaregs? 

Nope, I doubt if we would see any Jettas with Navi.

Base Jettas should be on their way.

We have a white 07 Touareg V6 on our lot.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

We have a white 07 Touareg V6 on our lot.

Think white looks really sharp on it. Add Teak interior from the V8... mmmm