Is 2019 VW Jetta GLI 35th Anniv Edition a GOOD car or GREAT car?

The ALL NEW VW Jetta GLI has arrived and the good news is it's closer to the Golf GTI then ever before. The new Jetta GLI sits on the same MQB chassis as the GTI and features also the same 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged pumping out 228 HP and mated to a 6-speed manual or DSG gearbox. The exterior has been updated as is the interior as well. Is the Jetta GLI a performance sedan worth buying? Find out all of the details.

**Please click the link to get your Raiti's Rides Merch!

[gregholman]

The poor man's Audi 4 that stands out from the crowd not only in looks but performance as well! That's where the German carmakers out shine their Japanese & American competitors. Plus at $29, 000 what other car manufacturer gives you such a compelling & attractive package deal? Way to go Volkswagen, it's nice to see you getting your groove back! Keep up the great work!...Thank you also Joe for another great review!

[ecolon]

Those rims look like they came off an Alfa Romeo Giulia. Not a bad thing

[chigasaki]

I'm not a huge fan of the new Jetta, but this one looks great. Especially those rims!

[gazg]

Gli looks frikken those wheels!! Like the blacked out vid again Joe!! Big up to Tom for his camera work!!! 🙌🙌

[MeltingRubberZ]

Just bought one yesterday. Six speed manual. Took it to a set of s-curves that we have locally and wow, this car handles very well. It has the DCC and apparently that must make a big difference as every car I have driven starts sliding at the speeds I was going, this car pulled even tighter into the corner and was asking for more. So far very happy with the purchase. Chose it over the Civic si and the WRX. Great price, performance, and classy balance.

[sammyrodrz]

VW is not my favorite brand but that one looks really nice 👍🏻

[hfr]

Great looking car. AWD would've put it over the top

[sleepyth]

I love this car, just got a white 35th w black package. The LSD and DCC working together at 3200lbs is confidence on another level

[michaelfelt]

You are really good at reviewing cars and are extremely knowledgeable. Thanks for the in-depth reviews!

[elitek]

Not much of a Volkswagen fan, but I still watched the review because you make every car review interesting and entertaining.

[Backwater-wanderer]

Thanks for the thorough review. I’m going to test drive one of these next week and this has me excited!

[traviswade]

Glad to c the Jetta looking more German than American cars
I had the 00 jeta 1.8T
That year started it all for compact cars the blue lightning dash with the red needles, roof antenna, side signal markers, full size spare tire, switch blade key
Yeah others had that but for a compact four door car like Volkswagen all of that and some for 21, 000 at that time.

[Jokero_YT]

I drove one today and it reminded me of my "old" 2017 GTI with the same power and the grabby brakes but more comfortable and more spacious. The thing I disliked was the too short and too low arm rest, plus I wish that dual exhaust would sound like the GTI.

[wanglong]

Own a same red 35th gli for a month. APR stage 1 tuning to 320 hp! It is an amazing car.

[seanandlarry]

I have a white one and it is awesome, super quick and never have to lift for corners

[LuisDaVa]

The brakes are the same as the Golf R, S3 and Seat Leon Cupra

[gordonturner]

Another excellent review Joe! “Not even 2 cans and a string” classic!

[tonyberry]

I love the fact VW went with gunmetal wheels. So many companies go black but I think gunmetal is so much better.

[stephenhendricks]

There's much to like about the new GLI, chief among the features is the fact that it shares the platform, engine, and drive train with the GTI. Unfortunately, the GLI's trim levels in the US look like they were designed by throwing darts blindfolded at a target. Most bizarre is restricting"dynamic chassis control" to the limited edition "35" trim and not including it on the higher Autobahn level. It's especially puzzling given the fact that in Canada DCC is on the top trim "35" level rather than on the only other trim level, the "GLI."


It makes no sense but I suspect the reason lies in supply chain issues in which components required for DCC are in short supply in Europe. Sufficient to cover the smaller Canadian market but insufficient for more than the limited 35th Anniversary edition in the US. I suspect that once the supply of the "35" vehicles is exhausted VW will straighten out the trim options and at least offer it as standard equipment on the highest Autobahn trim level.

[funtimeswithtom]

Of the 3 available models (S, 35th & Autobahn) I prefer the 35th. The one thing that would make it the perfect car for me would be for it to have the digital cockpit, sadly that is only available on the Autobahn trim...