Write off your old opinion of Jettas. This year’s model isn’t just for 16-year-old girls. The design of the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI has just enough modern style to make it an appealing car, without the eye-catching flare of a new Mercedes or BMW. Five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels and bi-xenon headlights also come standard on the new GLI. The front end has been designed to provide optimum aerodynamics and the 5 different color choices will ensure that consumers are able to find a color that suits them. The 2012 Jetta GLI also has turn signal indicators on both side mirrors. For those potential consumers who are somewhat concerned about their wallets getting skinny, Volkswagen is offering the Jetta GLI for just $23,745. This, coupled with the 33 MPG on the highway and 22 MPG in-town helps ensure that your wallet will always stay nice and fat.
Inside the cabin, the GLI offers some of the most overall space in its class. With almost 42 inches of front legroom and over 38 inches in the rear seats, the 2012 Jetta GLI will provide a comfortable ride to all passengers. On the driver’s side consumers will find a foot storage compartment, unique to Volkswagen. Music and cruise control buttons are conveniently located on the steering wheel. The leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, along with front bucket seats, give the Jetta GLI a highly luxurious feel. 6 speakers and a free 3-month trial subscription to Sirius XM satellite radio will ensure that you can jam out in style. Don’t care for the radio? Simply plug in your MP3 player or pop in a CD and you’re good to go. The GLI is also equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing the driver to talk to their callers through a microphone in the cabin. This eliminates sticking an uncomfortable headset in your ear.
Under the hood, the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI sports a compact 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged Dual Overhead Camshaft engine with up to 200 horsepower. This 6-speed manual transmission makes driving the new GLI almost as fun as cruising around in an Aston Martin… well, maybe not quite. The MacPherson suspension is adequate, but many test drivers and consumers have complained about the inferior handling and overall feel of the car, especially when compared to other cars in its class, like the 2012 Toyota Camry. With just 14.5 gallons of fuel capacity, the 2012 Jetta GLI will need to be refilled at least every 319 miles.
As is the case with all modern Volkswagen automobiles, the 2012 Jetta GLI is well ahead of the competition in terms of safety. Anti-lock disc brakes and electronic brake-force distribution add to the overall safety of this mid-size sedan. In the event of a collision, the GLI automatically shuts off power to the engine, unlocks the doors and alerts authorities to the matter. Front and side curtain airbags help keep all passengers as safe and secure as possible.
Two warranties are offered with you purchase of a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI. The first is a 3-year or 36,000 mile warranty. The second option is a drivetrain warranty, which includes 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. Volkswagen has also generously included 3 years of complimentary maintenance and roadside assistance. So when looking for a decent mid-size sedan that’s probably not going to disappoint, at least consider the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
