VW Reveals the Updated Jetta and Jetta GLI

Volkswagen has been pretty active lately, and with the recent announcement of the updated Jetta and Jetta GLI, that trend continues. The most recent offering includes a lot of new exterior styling, with a revised interior, while maintaining the same power plant, and price of outgoing 2024 models. 

The first thing you’ll notice is the retooled front end. The front facia has a new upper and lower grille design that appears much sleeker to accommodate the newly designed LED headlights, with an available light bar(starting on the sport models). Moving to the side profile you’ll see some brand new wheel offerings with 17-inch aluminum alloys for the SE models and 18-inch alloys for the SEL and GLI trim, as well as a blacked-wheel package for the latter two options.  Monterey Blue Pearl and Monument Gray have been added to the color lineup to up the classy look of the new Jetta. Around the rear you will see a new trunk lid with the current trend of a standard lightbar wrapping the rear connecting the taillights for added elegance.

Moving to the interior the first thing you’ll notice is the newly designed dash setup. VW has opted to go with a 3 bar design that makes the vent extend towards the center drawing your eye to the large floating 8 inch touchscreen that is standard across all models. Speaking of standard options, automatic climate control can also be found across the board. One thing you’ll also notice is the inclusion of capacitive touch for many of the controls on the steering wheel and for climate controls which is in stark contrast to the Mk8.5 GTI that was recently revealed showcasing a change to physical buttons. This is surely going to disappoint fans of traditional buttons. The SE model is now optioned with comfort and convenience features that were previously found only on higher trim levels like the SEL. Satellite radio, voice control, wireless charging, as well as app-connect can be had at a cheaper price. A sunroof is also an available option.

Black titan or Storm Grey are the standard option on the Jetta S, but on the Sport model, you have access to the embossed molecular cloth seats that were first seen on the 40th anniversary GLI in Titan Black. Brushed silver accents run throughout the S and Sport interiors. SE models come equipped with a new perforated, two-tone leatherette seating surfaces in either Grey/Titan Black, or Seawall Blue/Storm Grey with String Figure accents. SEL models get the perforated Vienna leather seating surfaces in either Grey/Titan Black or a new Brown/Titan Black combination with Horizon black decor. The GLI receives a unique new perforated Vienna leather seating surfaces in Grey/Red Crust/Titan Black with red contrast stitching, alongside Magnum matte accents.

With all these changes, under the hood will be very familiar. The Jetta will retain its 1.5-liter, 158-hp turbocharged inline four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic transmission, that rides that fine line of sporty performance while being very economic with highway fuel usage. The GLI will have its 2.0-liter EA888 we’ve grown accustomed to which offers up a respectable 228-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as well as a six-speed manual gearbox for those DIY shifting purists. 

Colloquially known as the “GTI with a trunk,” the sport-tuned GLI will feature larger brakes, electronically controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential and XDS electronic lock, DCC adaptive damping system, and a unique sport exhaust. 

The revamped Jetta is expected to hit our shores by the end of Q3 2024. Now we just have to wait for what’s in store for the rest of the VW lineup so stay tuned.