Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Like VW's GTI hatchback, the 2021 Jetta GLI offers a great combination of performance and practicality at a relatively affordable price. Compared to a regular Jetta, you get a more powerful turbocharged engine, the choice of a manual or a dual-clutch automatic transmission, and a sport-tuned suspension. The GLI is a fun and quick small sedan, but it's also comfortable and easy to drive.

There are a few other small performance sedans around for 2021. A mainstay of the class, the Honda Civic Si, has been discontinued for 2021, but Hyundai has come out with a dramatically improved 2021 Elantra that's pretty compelling in its 201-horsepower N Line or 275-hp N guise. There's also the Mazda 3 sedan, which has a new 250-hp turbocharged engine on tap for this year. Should you get the Jetta GLI? Read our Expert Rating to get our in-depth take and help inform your buying decision.

Which Jetta GLI does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is available in just two trim levels: S and Autobahn. Both come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It's paired to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (Volkswagen calls it DSG) that sends power to the front wheels. Feature highlights include:

S Comes fairly well equipped with:

• 18-inch alloy wheels (standard all-season or optional summer tires)
• Performance brakes
• Limited-slip differential for improved traction
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel (includes shift paddles with DSG transmission)
• Cloth upholstery
• Manually adjustable sport seats
• Heated front seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 6.5-inch touchscreen display
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Two USB ports
• Six-speaker audio system
• Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)

Autobahn The top-level Autobahn trim builds off the base trim. Performance remains the same, but you get additional features including:

• Adaptive suspension for improved ride and handling
• Panoramic sunroof
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Leather upholstery
• Ventilated front seats
• Remote start (DSG only)
• 8-inch touchscreen display with Volkswagen's latest infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless charging pad
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Volkswagen and the car in front)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Automatic high beams

The Autobahn is available with two options:

• Summer tires
• Black package
• Black 18-inch wheels
• Black mirror caps, roof and spoiler