German engineering, German engineering! How can a car enthusiast get it at a reasonable price?
In the past, Volkswagen (the people’s car) seemed to offer the best bet on actually getting it. However, even VWs got pricy quick and their reliability was soft.
Some enthusiasts went to highly dependable Japanese vehicles. However, in many instances, enthusiasts were not fully satisfied because they wanted vehicles that provided a harder edge as well as more involving driving characteristics.
Now, Volkswagen’s are more competitively priced. Furthermore, the automaker is working hard to improve the dependability and customer service of its vehicles.
The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is seeking driving enthusiasts. Here is what the car offers.
It is a five-passenger four-door compact sedan available in front-wheel drive.
The engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder providing 200 hp and 207 ft. lb. of torque. The transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox or a dual-clutch automatic with steering wheel shift paddles. This Jetta GLI’s 0-60 mph time is in 6.8 seconds. The car’s wheelbase measures 104.4 inches.
On the exterior the Jetta GLI’s windshield is well raked. The car’s grille and headlights are sleek and below the bumper there is a large air intake flanked by driving lights.
The vehicle’s side profile looks solid and includes sharp cut lines above the door handles and near the bottom of the doors. The look is completed with reasonable greenhouse glass.
At the back this Jetta has clean lines and sharp looking Audi like rear taillights nicely integrated into the trunk and rear fenders. Lower dual exhausts complete the GLI’s sporty look.
The interior of the Jetta GLI is modern. It incorporates good looking materials combined with excellent fit and finish. The front seats are comfortable as well as supportive. The gauges are clear and have chrome outer rings similar to an Audi look. The rear leg and headroom are quite generous. The rear 40/60 split seat folds down. The trunk provides a large 15.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
The brakes are discs at each corner measuring 12.3 inches at the front and 10.7 inches at the rear. The Jetta GLI’s 60-0 mph stopping distance is in 136 feet. The standard tires measure 225 45 17 inch.
The suspension at the front includes MacPerson struts, coil springs, gas shock absorbers, and a stabilizer bar. At the rear the suspension setup includes multi-links, coil springs, gas shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar.
Standard features on this Volkswagen include air conditioning, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, audio and cruise control on the steering wheel, compass, external temperature gauge, power windows, door locks and mirrors (heated), front and rear cupholders, front and rear reading lights, interior charcoal filter, front and rear 12 volt power outlets, 6.5 inch touch screen, premium VIII radio with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity,six speaker AM/FM in-dash 6-disc in-dash CD stereo player with MP3 playback, Siraius satellite radio, auxiliary MP3 audio input, memory card slot, pre-wired for phone, radio data system, low tire pressure monitoring and more.
Standard safety features include ABS brakes, front and rear head air bags, dual front side-mounted air bags, passenger air bag sensing deactivation, child seat anchors, rear door child safety locks, engine immobilizer, daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, emergency brake assist, stability and traction control, electronic brake force distribution, post-collision safety system and more.
On the road the Jetta GLI combines stable and secure handling with good ride quality. It is a fun car to drive on twisty back roads but it will also eat up the miles on the Interstate. Some enthusiasts might wan t an even harder driving edge than what the Jetta GLI offers and they can consider the Volkswagen GTI.
The fuel rating for the Jetta GLI is 22 city and 32 mpg highway.
The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI price starts at $23,495. A bit pricy, yes! However, this car offers some satisfying German driving that will be enjoyable mile after mile. The bottom line is that this car is the least expensive German ride that offers so much driving fun.
Be sure to give the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI a test drive and see if this turbo doesn’t tug at your enthusiast heart!
Visit the slideshow to see the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Turbo inside and out!
Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save Money.” He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site at: www.drivethebestbook.com or www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.
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