2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Certified Premium Laredo, TX Dealership

Overview

The Jetta GLI is a sport compact sedan that begs to be driven with enthusiasm. Essentially a GTI hatchback with a trunk, the GLI is offered at a single fully loaded trim level, similar to its turbocharged nemesis, the Honda Civic Si. Front-drive propulsion comes from a spirited 228-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual is standard and for a few dollars extra you can skip shifting by opting for the eight-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic. While we appreciate the GLI’s roster of premium gear—heated and ventilated power front seats, leather upholstery, and crisp Beats audio system—a car this vivacious deserves better dancing shoes than its standard all-season rubber. Its sharp GLI red badging and added performance make it a far more fun ride than the normal Jetta, reviewed separately, but against a competitor such as the 286-hp Hyundai Elantra N, the GLI would benefit from some extra G-O.

Design – 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Certified Premium in Laredo, TX

While the GLI has the same basic layout and generous passenger space as the standard Jetta, a few bits of red trim spice things up somewhat. We only wish some of the materials that Volkswagen uses in the cabin were of higher quality. Particularly unpleasant is the molded-in stitching on the dashboard as well as the hard and shiny plastic on the doors. At least the GLI has upscale standard features such as a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster, customizable ambient interior lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The sportiest Jetta is also surprisingly practical. The compact sedan has a massive trunk that managed to hold seven carry-on suitcases.

Technology – 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Certified Premium For Sale in Laredo, TX

The Jetta GLI uses an older version of Volkswagen’s infotainment and navigation system, but there’s still a lot to like. The map is smaller and lower-resolution than some rivals, but it gets the job done. And if you don’t like the built-in navigation, the GLI comes standard with wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, something not all rivals can claim. There’s a wireless charging pad and three USB-C ports in the car, but none are located conveniently for rear passengers. We occasionally had some audio issues with CarPlay, though the issue was intermittent. All GLIs come with a Beats audio system, and we think it’s one of the better ones you can get in a compact car these days.

The GLI also comes standard with a number of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning. What’s here works well (though the capacitive-touch steering wheel controls aren’t as good as real buttons), and it’s nice to have both a manual transmission and adaptive cruise control.

Safety & Driver Assistance – 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Certified Premium Dealers in Laredo, TX

The Jetta GLI is loaded with standard driver-assistance technology, including automatic high beams and lane-keeping assist. For more information about the Jetta GLI’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. 

Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

Performance – 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Certified Premium Dealership in Laredo, TX

he GLI is heavier and less powerful than VW’s GTI, as well as sedans like the Hyundai Elantra N, Subaru WRX, and Honda Civic Si. The GLI’s 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds sits near the bottom of the class, too, and that’s with the quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic. Manual-equipped models will be even slower. The transmission can be lazy to downshift to pass on the street or highway. We used the shift paddles more than usual. Braking is not up to the standards set by some of the class leaders. The brake pedal required more effort than we would like and the brakes fade more quickly compared to other sport sedans.

One of the main causes for poor braking figures is the standard all-season tires. These tires hurt handling and steering too. Neither is bad. The steering is quick and weighted well, but it lacks feedback. The standard adaptive dampers do an effective job of controlling body roll, but the tires give up before the chassis reaches its limit. They simply don’t have the grip of summer tires, even with the standard electronic limited-slip differential managing traction.

2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Certified Premium Laredo Dealership Near Me

Want to get your 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Certified Premium serviced? Visit us at Ancira Volkswagen located at  2701 Bob Bullock Loop Laredo, TX 78045. Call us at 956-717-2200 to schedule your next service or maintenance appointment. We can help with brake repair, engine diagnostics, oil changes, and more! Our highly-trained staff is happy to help you keep your 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Certified Premium running in tip-top shape for years to come

Contact the dealer for full details or parts for the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Certified Premium for sale in Laredo, TX, check the owner’s literature for full vehicle and warranty details.