The potent 200-hp Volkswagen Jetta GLI is finally here, breaking cover on Tuesday at the Chicago auto show. More-basic trim levels have been shown, but this model adds the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-banger that also serves up 207 lb-ft of torque low in the rev band.
This new GLI starts at $24,265. The Autobahn package adds 18-inch alloy wheels, sunroof and interior upgrades, including a Fender sound system, pushing the sticker to $26,315. An electronics package with navigation and push-button start is $27,215.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard and teams with the engine to get an estimated 31 mpg on the highway. A DSG gearbox is expected to add 1 mpg on the highway to the final figures. In keeping with the sporting theme, the GLI gets four-wheel disc brakes punched up by red calipers. There's also the cross-differential system found on the GTI.