By Bob Nagy on December 23, 2013
Set to celebrate three decades of the GLI’s continuing popularity in the U.S. market, the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Edition 30 will go on sale here sometime early next year when it will become the only GLI offered until the new-gen 2015 Jetta lineup arrives later in 2014. Like the original that was spun from VW’s seminal hot hatch, the GTI, the GLI continues to present its take on sportiness in a conventional sedan package that mixes enthusiast-grade performance and handling with a selection of upline features and unique cosmetic touches.
Volkswagen will offer this 30th Anniversary Jetta GLI in two versions: the Edition 30 and the Edition 30 with Navigation. Like the current 2014 Jetta GLI, both will be fitted with VW’s 2.0-liter/210-horsepower TSI 4-cylinder gasoline engine that can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. In addition to the sport suspension and bigger brakes, the Edition 30 mix also includes upgraded 18-inch “Laguna” alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40 all-season tires.