2019 Volkswagen GLI 35th Anniversary Edition Review

Our episode of TestDrive Snapshot is on the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 35th Anniversary Edition with the 7 speed Direct-Shift Gearbox & Driver Assistance Package. This $35,000 compact sport sedan has a lot going for it, including its 2.0L TSI engine producing 228 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque, a limited slip differential, GLI front shock absorbers, rear independent multi-link suspension, and special 35th Anniversary Edition badging throughout the car.

Our full tour and review of this VW GLI goes over all the important changes for this vehicle over the Jetta Execline we featured earlier this season on TestDrive. We discuss the changes on the exterior and interior, along with mechanical upgrades for the GLI 35. We then take the car on a road test to go over how it performs, handles, and drives in manual shift mode.

TestDrive is proudly produced in Acton, Québec, Canada.

#Volkswagen #GLI #Jetta

[PRNTestDrive]

Let us know if we missed something on this Snapshot, or if you’d like to see more of something when it comes to the GLI. We’re happy to book it through the press fleet later this summer if you want more GLI content!

[JoeNocella]

I don't get people that say it is ugly. It may be ugly to them but why do they feel the need to say it? I really don't care if you think it's ugly. If I like it, I'll buy it regardless of what you think. I think this car is beautiful. People have different tastes.

[sdwake]

Have had this car for 6 months now and its pure Awesomeness for a family daily driver.

[surets]

I just got a GLI 35th Anniversary with the 7 speed DSG and I absolutely love it, it’s a head turner for sure. Mine is the Pure Gray

[styles]

I just got a GLI identical to this about a month ago now. Greatest car I've ever had! I wasn't aware the 35th anniversary was a limited run! Going to have to buy it out at the end of the lease if that's the case! It'll be worth more than I pay for it I figure.

[Donovique]

Fantastic video(: I like all the information thrown at you, but you never get tired of it(:

[Jacobcrane]

Love my 2012 GLI wouldn’t choose any other brand

[Jokero_YT]

An awesome new GLI but needs three very important things: a higher and adjustable armrest, Parking Sensors and some sound from the dual exhaust.. oh and maybe a forth, foglights!

[DwightWBrown]

I loved my 2015 GTI but VW waited too long to bring out this GLI.Still, I may get a 2021 GLI DSG if they will finally offer a few non dull color options,
like orange, yellow, lighter greens or blues.

[Zero]

Looks good, but it’s about time for VW TO add an exhaust to the GLi/Gti models

[quakana]

Curious. This one has a sunroof, digital dash and leather. I have not seen one of those with those options in the states. Was it just for Canada maybe?

[rreichar]

Nice brief review. I’m in the US and jealous that Canada gets the loaded version of the 35th Anniversary Edition. Here in the states it’s only available on the base case car. Cloth seats with the base infotainment and no sunroof. Last I checked no adaptive cruise on any trim here. Yet it’s available on the Jetta. The Autobahn trim doesn’t get the adaptive suspension. Odd decisions by VW America.

[jasonmiller]

Love my new Jetta Gil same exact one he is by

[Scrpy]

man this car is awesome I can tell from the smile on your face lol but seriously it's got great potentials and it seems to be fun to drive thanks for this awesome review mate. p.s it sounds and looks really good

[paulm]

Really nice appealing sedan. I lean with GTI and it’s plaid seats, but in either case get a manual. And yeah Mazda 3, check out that independent rear suspension 😁

[jamessicat]

How many miles until the engine explodes?

[IronChefNC]

I want this version in the us....the autobahn doesn't have nav....wtf....

[dcar]

It looks nice but not enough horsepower they need to get it up to 260+

[demetrios]

How in the world could VW not have included fog lamps, even as an option, in this the highest performance package available for the Jetta!? It's not possible that it was a cost cutting measure. There's no way that including fog lamps, even if they had been halogen, would have passed along an exorbitant cost to the consumer... Please explain. Additionally, is it true that there is also no navigation system?

[vladsaghin]

Those 35th edition wheels are fugly. It would look much better with the Brescia or Santiago 19inch rims (look it up) available on the GTI in Europe. There are aftermarket options of those in 18 or 19 inch here in Quebec