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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 มิ.ย. 2021
- The Jetta GLI offers a sedan alternative to the GTI. And we wanted one for a recent comparison so we were excited to finally have a change to revisit the Jetta model. What follows is a debate about performance badging and expectations verses reality. Join us for a Test Drive.
#VW #Jetta #GLI #Review
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I think that this review is done from the perspective of a certain type of car enthusiast.
However, coming from a G37, WRX, and a Focus ST, I have a couple disagreements.
- The G37 was a great car. Sounded great, immediate response, and luxurious for the time and price. But the way it built torque was so linear that it felt much slower than it really was. To add insult to injury, it was a snap-oversteering mess in the corners.
- The Focus ST was bordering on amazing. Great handling and steering, sharp turn-in and a fine manual transmission. But it had an open diff. 1st and 2nd gear were utterly useless due to hop, and it suffered from catastrophic heat soak within 10 minutes of spirited driving. In addition, it wasn't the most comfortable thing, and the interior was.... no bueno.
- The VA WRX (2015-2021) was less amazing than the Focus ST. Similar power figures, but it always felt slower. It would give you a little punch at 2,000 RPM, then throttle power the whole way up the rev range because it was extremely knock prone, so the engine was constantly pulling power to compensate. Trying to start quickly from a stop was an exercise in frustration, as it jolted the whole drivetrain violently like it was going to ACTUALLY BREAK. Driving in traffic was horrible, because first gear was so short that it would buck you back and forth at low speeds, and in traffic you were stuck right in the middle between first and second. It was a "fast" car, but it was horrible as a daily driver. Uncomfortable, similary bad interior to the Focus, and LESS FUN too.
The GLI is like... a sport compact for someone who only has $30k to spend and is tired of getting bucked around by a WRX or jolted by speed bumps in the Focus. It's the sport compact for someone who doesn't want a HUGE WING like on a Type R, and wants to be lower key. It's the sport compact for enthusiasts who like sedans, but are getting a bit jaded by the typical formula of giving up comfort and serenity in exchange for raucous performance.
It's for someone who would much rather have a BMW 340i, but doesn't want to spend nearly $60,000 on a car. It's got boost so it feels faster than a G37 (it's not faster, but it FEELS so), and you give up NONE of the creature comforts that make a daily driver great.
The GLI is the sports sedan for people who are stuck in traffic 90% of the time, but who want to take freeway onramps at full speed and feel the rush. It's for folks who want to pretend like they are Jason Statham in the Transporter while driving at the speed limit with Billy Joel playing in the background. In that mission, GLI achieves it perfectly. In my opinion, that's MOST drivers who like cars.
They love the other cars when they are carving around mountain roads or autocrossing. But just like me, the everyday traffic adds just enough fatigue to wish for a Camry. The GLI bridges that gap beautifully. Zero compromises on comfort, acceleration, and EVERYDAY fun; it's just not as sharp as other sport compacts for track driving.
And maybe I'm getting old; but that's what I'm looking for!
You described me exactly. What transmission did you get?
6:57 for those of us who aren't rich, really like Volkswagens but want more oomph that the standard Jetta doesn't have while keeping the price point under $30k (GLI S). Affordable fun. If I had the money I'd get an S4 or S5 sedan but I don't have money for those. I do, however, how money for a GLI.
I love my '21 GLI 6MT - I am new to manual so I don't notice the rev hang, and I can't drive good enough to 'drive hard.' So I am completely and blissfully ignorant to your critique. Also - because it's not selling well, I picked mine up for $30,250. I love my ride.
I recently traded in my 2020 GLI. Unlike the car in the video, mine was an S with the DSG. It was a great looking car, with very understated design. I got compliments often on the Tornado Red color. It was a fun car to drive on the back roads, but I'd have to agree with the message in this video that it's actually best used as a daily driver that occasionally sees the long way home. It handles well, is quick, and is very livable. However, it just doesn't hold up in terms of fun factor to a GTI. It feels a bit heavier and yet, has a more cheaply-made interior. It's still a fantastic car. I think the review was maybe a bit harsh.
Did you adjust the custom drive mode in DCC, where you can change steering sensitivity and throttle response? That will change the dynamics around turns and corners.
I have a 19 Autobaun and love it. I have noticed rev hang but I think it’s emissions.
I put 40k miles a year on and it is very comfortable with a little bit of speed.
I have had several Passats, which ride better, but this one I will keep until at least 140k miles.
20’ Autobahn owner here. I’m betting the harsh criticism of the handling and steering feedback is due to the test car not having performance tires installed. I switched out the OEMs for a proper set of Michelin PS4s and it completely changed the performance metrics of the car. Rides like it’s on rails now and as a bonus, my co-worker who has a Type R after taking my GLI for a spin was duly impressed at how well the car handled and accelerated through the twisties.
There is a reason for that, Paul. Watch the engineering explained video about why modern manuals suck. The rev hang is for emissions reasons but it can be done better without compromising much.
Honestly from owning my 19 GLI with the DSG I've fallen in love with it more and more since purchasing. Mine is the DSG and the quick shifts definitely make things a lot better than the manual. I'll agree the manual for this just isn't it and it's sad, but the DSG is a great 50/50 car as it's comfortable on long trips and when on track. Just make sure to grab the summer tire option! Definitely would buy this over and over again instead of a GTI for the price difference. only two things I'd miss from a GTI are the more bolstered seats and the crackles and pops in the exhaust from the factory
Love my 19 too, got the DSG even though manuel at heart. Getting the tires soon. I personally think it was faster and smoother than my 17 Focus ST was on the Angeles Crest Highway. Traction control definitely better than Ford. Enjoy your GLI
Those all season Hankook tires that came on my 2020 GLI DSG were hilarious. First gear was pretty much unusable, and it'd chirp the tires into second gear even with TC on.
gti doesn’t come with pops on stock exhaust from factory. Also, I don’t know why you would want the ba look tires cause those spin from 1st to 2nd in normal mode with traction on so i took em off and put on p zeros
21 GLI Autobahn and in love. The 2022 is also looking good in the inside
@@Greenbow_45 2022 got the pos steering wheel with the stupid buttons. Interior is about the same otherwise.
I bought the 21 GLI S after test driving about 15 different models. I commute almost 500 miles a week, you hit the nail on the head. The GLI is the ULTIMATUM commuter. VW will never put out something faster than the Golf R for fear for losing brand recognition. The GLI is about $1500 of mods away from being that ultimate only car. APR makes the dog bone insert to stiffen he link between the transmission and the car. In terms of power APR plus (aftermarket warranty included) or APR Stage 1 make up for so much of what’s missing. Since purchasing in April my combined MPG is 35 and I would say spirited driving accounts for about 35% of the time.
do you have an apr stage 1 on yours?
Overall, this may be a slightly harsh review, especially given the value proposition of the GLI. But also glad you guys point out the manual’s shortcoming. Even ignoring rev hang (now on all cars) it’s no where near the shifting joy of nearly all Honda’s. Really tried to like the manual but ended up with the excellent DSG.
I don't think this a fair assessment of this car. They can't really say that for $32000 you can buy a better sport sedan. The civic si is very old and less powerful, the Kia forte GT is less refine and underpowered as well, no to mention there is no LSD on it. As an owner of a 2020 dsg model I can tell you that the main issue with this car is the price of crap tires it come with. Once you get decent rubber on the car then you get better traction and more communication with the road. This car is also very light which is rare nowadays and is well made . The interior could be a little bit more expensive but then again you could buy an Audi A3 for better materials.
I did just that…. Loved both cars! But, A3 has the smallest trunk and was it’s demise….
Getting Civic type R for 3k more. Good one. I'd like to see where. Even two years ago before car crisis they were going for over 40k.
My GLI 6-speed is a pleasure to drive. Balance of performance, comfort, beauty, and practicality. I adjusted my driving to the car and we’re one on motion
Glad you made this, even if it didn’t work right with the manual. Thanks, guys. It’s good that you can buy an obdELEVEN reader and mute the soundaktor nonsense, but I don’t like how obnoxious the pipes in sound IS.
If you want to see horrible rev-hang, go drive a 2017-2021 Civic SI. I think the GLI 6speed is easy to save. Get a tune, a short shift kit with a shorter shifter lever and you have improved the car by 50%.
I’ve never noticed the rev hang on my sisters 6 sp Mk 7 GTi, it’s definitely a light box which makes commuting effortless. I traded in a 2011 Outback with a manual gearbox because the rev hang was so bad, which made commuting jerky. I must confess that I do love the S tronic gearbox in my TT though.
19 GLI Owner here. Whole heartedly agree with their comments on the transmission and rev hang. I had to go through putting a clutch stop and remove the clutch delay valve piece to make it somewhat ok. Unacceptable that it didnt feel like this from the factory.
100% agree. I also have a '19 Autobahn, and a CDV delete and a clutch stop are my top recommended mods.
How far were you able to put the clutch stop up to? My car won't start if I raise the clutch stop too high. Which sucks because I still have lots of useless dead space at the bottom of the clutch throw.
@@tuerney420 How far were you able to put the clutch stop up to?
@@Raxorium I don’t know the exact measurement, but I used the BMS stop without having to take off any spacers. The clutch sensor, which detects when you’ve pushed the pedal in, might be adjustable so you can start the car with the stop in. I do recommend jacking the front wheels off the ground and then putting the car in 1st with the pedal all the way in, that way you can see if the wheels are spinning or not so you know if the clutch and flywheel are fully separating.
@@tuerney420 Thanks for the reply. Did you find a way to adjust the clutch sensor? I couldn't figure out where the sensor was, I almost broke my neck trying to find it on the pedal lol!
I know the pain of having to deal with rev hang. it always remains the top reason I want to trade in my WRX.
Pick up a Cobb AccessPort to eliminate that
@@brendanberry6263 Yeah it does improve things a lot. Actually I’ve been running on Cobb OTS stage 1 for a year now but I miss the better throttle response from the factory tune. Plus you void the power train warranty by flashing your car.
...or turn on the A/C. The A/C helps knock down the Rev hang...
@@twhalen Agreed. The car’s basically turned into a Corolla at low speed.
Hey Paul, are you wearing a Tudor Black Bay GMT?
This review was just two guys bashing GLI, as though someone didn't want to pay them to review this car! I've been a manual driver for over 15 years and after test driving 2020 Honda accord MT, Honda SI and Elantra N line, it was no brainer to buy the GLI! GLI has more power, with 5 adjustable drive modes and basically same price as the others mentioned, was an easy pick! You can't compare this car to Veloster N or Honda Civic Type R! They are like 7k to 10k more money than this! Mine in Canada, 2021 with fully autobon black package was $31,000 MSRP. Come on!
While the Type R is definitely more expensive, the Veloster N can be bought for similar prices to the GLI in the US. Glad you like your car - ultimately that is what we want for everyone.
Rev hang in a manual is unacceptable! VW's dual clutch/DSG is a FANTASTIC transmission (even though it's not a manual). Love to hear your thoughts about this VS the Arteon.
Once upon a time I had a DSG in a TDI that was tuned (awesome transmission) and a GTI with a six speed manual (awesome transmission). Based on the soggy in milk review it looks like a Mazda 6 with the turbo and 225 HP on 87 octane is a pretty clear choice...if you're in that market. Shame, I've been looking at and considering a GLI for almost 8 years but never had a lifestyle that could let me get back into a sedan. At least I know what's what. Thanks to Todd and Paul.
I have a 2021 6mt and I really like the car the biggest issue is that the clutch is terrible. When you start modifying it just a lil bit the car really opens up but then you need to change the clutch. I bought my S model 25k OTD then you need about 6k to make the car right
After driving a manual on the Jetta type R you should have gotten the DSG to test the GLI. There's a 2019 GLI 35th Anniversary DSG in my household and it's fantastic. The 35th Anniversary was the only trim level in 2019 with DCC and yes, you could change modes on the fly. If VW "updated" the car from what we had in 2019 to what you're describing here then they really did a disservice to the car.
You were right in pointing out that while manual transmissions can still be fun they probably just aren't fun in 'new' cars anymore where they can be manipulated by the factory.
They probably dont let you turn sport mode on and off while driving because it will make the pumped in audio very noticeable. If you are in high revs and start pushing the button on and off making the sound repeatedly turning on and off, non car people might have questions or concerns. But if it only happens when its stopped and you put it in sport and hear more noise, all someone will think is “wow this car got more sporty in sport mode, must be faster now.”
How about the DSG version??
The DSG is great!
Idk. I liked a really stripped out base model manual version of the Jetta, 2019 model year, but when looking for a more sporty car for my daily, and having a bit more money, I went for the wrx. Every drive feels like an event, it makes commuting fun & enjoyable. But the ride is harsh, especially on 18” Dunlop maxx tires. Still it feels special to drive. Also tires are way more important than you may think, going from my 18” summer wheels to 17” winters seriously changed the car. I think the early wrx’s with factory 17 wheels were better overall cars that the current premium trim models with 18’s.
It’s easier to do lift off oversteer in a Jetta than a Golf. Also you could get a Honda Civic Si and to Me that’s a better car for the money! Especially long term value!
Yeah the piped in engine sounds through the speakers in SPORT mode is a bit much (lots of cars do it and it's dumb every time) but Geez why won't these two stop it with the MT nonsense when a better performing DSG is available. Fact is a GLI equipped with a DSG and DCC is going to be a pretty damn fun ride for a small 4 door.
I bought a GLI brand new in 2019, car was boring looks wise but fun to drive. Couple things i hated was the dsg noises and the rattles in the doors or wherever they came from. Car didn't even have 1k miles and it was rattling.
Seeing this video, I'm thinking of a Jetta R with the Golf R power train and transmission.
Dsg is the way to go. On the GLI and IE stage 1 ECU/TCU transforms this car. With Michelin PS4 and RS3 rims.
love the gli
How can you recommend the GTI constantly then bash the GLI drivetrain? I've owned both (MK7 MTs) and they have the exact same drivetrain, tuning, and shift dynamics. What gives?
We know the GTI and GLI are nearly identical so we expected them to drive the same. We've never had the handling or manual transmission issues of the GLI when we've driven the GTI. And we drove a couple versions of the Jetta and had identical issues. Strange, but true. Thanks for watching!
@@TestDriveVideos That is strange! I never drove them back to back and my GLI is tuned so I cant really see for myself. Love your channels though and that Porsche special is epic!
Damn this is a scathing review. I do get it - VW as a brand is now so laser focused on its EVs that the enthusiast cars seem to have largely been forgotten or just put on the backburner in the company's portfolio.
The Jetta is a better car than ever, but this is more of a faster Jetta 1.4T, but without a transmission tune, it is not an enthusiast choice.
VW should make a Jetta R!
The transmission can be fixed with tuning we must remember VW said that the GLI is supposed to be the best Jetta. If you are looking for a pure enthusiast car get a GTI
Yeeee boy!
EQT burble tune eliminated the rev hang in my 19 GLI
That's not the gearbox's fault, Todd. It's the throttle tuning.
But I agree. Unacceptable.
It’s also because the clutch is insanely light with no feel, and the shifter feels so rubbery and vague. I’ve only driven a GTI but I’m going to assume it’s identical in the GLI
Enthusiasts...it is not an enthusiasts car. It is not a sports car. It is not a two door compact. In fact its nearest competitor is an Audi. Check the price and chew on that.
14:44 problem is you're downgrading to a Honda. They feel cheap, the doors are tinny, the drive feels cheap, etc. Hondas and Toyotas do not feel solid. At all.
I have a ‘15 passat 1.8t fwd. With APR stage 1. 1st gear is nearly useless, second will kill power because of traction control….Zonk! 245hp, 294 lb/ft torque and I can’t use it all. VW needs to bring 4Motion to the entire line-up.
Laughs in DSG
Come on guys. You work in the industry I figured you could come up with something better than this.
The manual is why I only had my mk7 GTI for about a year. It sucked so much enjoyment out of the car's driving enjoyment and made a $35k car feel like a $18k economy car.
Enthusiasticly build cars for masses are dying sadly. 4 or 5 cars left at most.
Damn these guys have no idea what they're talking about this car ran the track when motor trend tested it faster than a E46 Bmw m3 and faster than a M135 bmw and faster than a civic SI
Which generation of the GLI are you discussing? And have you driven this car? There's more a car than the numbers. Thanks for watching!
@@TestDriveVideos This generation. It beats the SI around the LAP.
Too easy is frustrating.
The car should come with a Custom…
Bottom line, Like it, Love it, Hate it ???? If you can buy a better car for that money 💰 Fkng buy it ‼️ lol. I Love mine ‼️‼️‼️ Good luck 👍🏼🍀 ( You’re going to need it ✅) I also have an SEL Premium / Baby Audi . Can’t touch this ‼️ Anyone knows you can buy a better car for double the gd price ✅
Get the manual and buy a throttle tune.
Nah, just buy a better car
The stock manual doesn't handle any sort of mods well. I know from personal experience lol
Blame the US car buying populace who keeps buying soft, uninspiring cars and accepting slop from car manufacturers. They make something they think we "want" and then wonder why it didn't sell...when it was the manufacturer's fault all along. Cutting corners is okay in racing, not car manufacturing. Amazing how "better emissions" comes with needlessly burning more fuel. This car is one reason I switched to Subaru (yes, the Subaru has its own flaws).
You guys should have found a fun twisty road. Droning up & down an interstate really doesn't show what that car can & can't do.
Thank you for a superb review! I would certainly buy a 2021 Toyota Corolla SE sedan with the smooth 6 speed manual and the auto rev matching feature over this overpriced unreliable lackluster 2021 VW Jetta GLI.
So why take this over the turbo 3?
Don't have to deal with carbon buildup or vw unreliablity.
tbh volkswagens Arent bad
Bring back quality and reliability VW, then we'll talk,
Ravi Peiris M.D.
The left lane camping is making my teeth itch
Honestly this is a bad take. You don't even take it on real corners. Then when you take it in any sort of corners you have it in comfort instead of sport. Had you had it in sport you'd have felt the steering like you'd like. Also if you dive into a hard corner you feel the diff working and never EVER understeer.
We drive all the cars we get for a week in all conditions before we record. This GLI met plenty of corners in sport, and we’ve said here and elsewhere that VW sport settings on the GTI/GLI don’t feel aggressive enough. But ultimately, we’re glad you have one and enjoy it. Thanks for watching.
I’m not sure what you guys are smoking, or if you guys know what you’re really talking about. There must be a difference in GLI sold in Canada, because I experience none of what you guys are talking about.
60% fast??? Are you kidding me?
I’ve driven my car at all levels from sedately to full on pedal to the metal, and no where in that range have I experienced anything disconcerting.
By the way, I’ve also driven the civic and the wrx. Both are nice, but does not compare to the GLI as a daily driver.
Anyway, IMHO, you need to state that your comments are your opinions only, and in no way should be used as real criticism.
60% my a….
You want perfection?
Then pay $40-50,000 for an Audi, or BMW.
And just for the record, that was my personal opinion of your review.
More than anything, we want people to love what they drive. You love your GLI so we’re thrilled to hear it. We’ve driven multiple examples and haven’t connected with them. For similar money we recommend other cars (you don’t have to spend 40-50k… and no car is perfect). Thank you for watching and sharing your owners perspective.
I think this review is overly harsh and you guys don't realize what this car is for. I cross shopped it with the Civic Type R but that car is hideous and the main reason it's fast is the crazy expensive rubber band tires that last only 10k miles (if they don't blow on on my pothole strewned roads before that). I didn't want that in my only car. This is a car for normal people that want a nice commuter and still something more fun than 99% of the boring cars that people buy today. If it was a raucous, loud, edgy car it would suffer as a commuter and while it might be fun for the few hours you spend with it would be tiring to own day in and day out. I'm also definitely an enthusiast and have owned stick shift BMWs, Mazdas, Acuras, and Subarus and have no problems with the stick in my GLI. I don't understand your complaints there.
It's literally an economy car transmission and feels every bit of it. I had my GTI Autobahn for less than a year because I screwed up and went for the manual. It ruined the car. Anyone who says otherwise makes me wonder if they're in denial.
The main reason the Type R is fast is the rubber band tires? Wow… Put 18’s with more sidewall and it’s just as fast as with the stock wheels, and still on a totally different level from a GLI. Better engine, shifter, brakes, suspension, seats, less rev hang etc. If it’s not for you or your situation no problem but that comment is a bit ridiculous.
@@pjandrews13 I have a manual E46 sitting in my garage and have owned a manual Mazda and Subaru built in the last decade and the GLI transmission is my favorite. You will find a ton of videos praising it on TH-cam so it really comes down to preference and I just don't get the hate in this video.
@@mattd7814 the Type R is on super aggressive tires compared to the GLI which is a good chunk of it's advantage on a track (Yes I recognize it is also more powerful and set up more aggressively as well). Look up the car and driver lightning lap times to see how much tires matter. The GLI is pretty quick on middle of the road summer tires (faster than Golf R on all seasons actually). My point is that comparing the GLI to a car that needs $1200 worth of tires every 10k is not apples to apples
@@michaellalich6715 I'm glad you're happy with it. I just found it's lack of sportiness infuriating. The revhang between 1st and 2nd was so clunky and unbecoming of a $35k car. Let alone the icon of hot hatch.
Everyone's buying this car for automatic not manual
Volkswagen, I am disappoint.
"enthusiast" are miserable people. They just can accept that there are different levels of "sporty" cars. They want companies to make cars no one will buy.
Enthusiasts need to let go of the "manuals are best" dogma..... if we're gonna be honest *most* manuals aren't worth saving. And I've driven a few MK7 GTI DSGs.... they're OK but nowhere near the divine drivers cars theyre touted as
You guys talk like you know what you're talking about lol.... I'm not so sure. As an owner, I don't agree with most of what you said, not a fan of this review.
You two should test ice cream instead. Just park the fucking car and walk away.
Looks Like a Kia K5
Kia K5 looks better.
@@braetonwilson4296 Yes But VW Jetta's Competitors With Hyundai Elantra,Kia K5,Honda Civic,Toyota Corolla,Nissan Sentra,Mazda 3,New Ford Fusion,Chevy Malibu,blah Blah Blah Long Midsize Name & Compact Name
This video isn’t good.
Total b.s
Here is the deal.. I will NOT BUY THE AUTO.. so your saying the clutch and manual are not great. But I would buy a ups truck before the car with an auto
If you must have the manual, fine. But, the DSG is a damn good automatic.
This car is beyond underwhelming. Even the styling (interior and exterior) is forgettable. Try again, VW.
In Europe there is Skoda Octavia VRS (built on the same platform as the golf/jetta) it looks better and is sportback and the same powertrain. VW group brands Seat and Skoda have more exciting products (at least the exterior is not as forgetabble as VW's) built on the same platform for a bit cheaper price, if they bring them to US they will slaughter Volkswagen's vehicles sales.
@@ristekostadinov2820: I agree regarding the general appeal of Seat and Skoda products. I was previously employed as a test driver for VW and drove products from both brands. I generally liked their interior controls better, too.
The DSG adds a level of refinement to how it drives. However, the interior is a tad disappointing.
If the car will not allow me to adjust it while driving .. easy . Dont buy it its a piece of %$#$
Exactly
I’m actually okay with not allowing the driver to adjust functions that are buried in menus and sub-menus in infotainment that can only be accessed via the touch screen while driving. It’s a distraction, and it isn’t safe. So don’t bury normal adjustments in sub-menus on the touch screen! That’s where the audio equalizer and chime volume adjustments belong. But for anything I’m going to regularly turn on/off or change while driving, give me a physical button!
My 19 with the DSG let's me change settings while driving must be a manual thing
A commute device ? Thats a wierd statement...phrase