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Wife drives a '22 GLI 6MT, currently at 34k miles. It's mostly been a good car. Steering wheel had to be replaced under warranty because of a common issue with a sensor in the rim for one of the driver assist systems. Now the infotainment system is crapping the bed, an issue with freezing volume control and/or no sound, with satellite radio ONLY (weird). They just flashed a software update onto it, no help, so now it has to be replaced. Mechanically it's been solid and relialbe, no problems at all. Positives: Great value for the $$, incredible great gas mileage (she averages mid-30's on regular gas with a lot of highway driving), great brakes (same as previous Golf R), decent ride quality & handling, fun to drive. Negatives: The gearing is STUPID-tall for a car with sporting pretentions. Compared to my Golf R, it's monumentally taller, and a PITA to accelerate from slow speeds in 1st & 2nd gear. Also an inexcusable amount of rev hang makes me wish she'd opted for the 7-speed DSG tranny - it's bad enough to kill the fun, particularly on 1-2 shifts. You can hear the same problem here on the '25 as Matt drives. No vents for rear passengers is inexcuable on a 4-door car inttended to carry backseat passengers. As for the '25 - I HATE the tacked-on giant infotainment screen, which is actually still the same 8" screen in a huge surround - why VW? They've cheapened the headlights, now with a reflector LED design whereas the pre-facelift car's LEDs were projectors. Please don't make stuff worse when refreshing a model!
Sounds like your wife have major problems or you are complaining for her? LOL, also cars in that price point won't have rear vents. Even the Si. I have a 10 Gen Si, no vents. I sincerely, thanks for your feedback because I was thinking about purchasing a GLI in the foreseeable future.
I've owned Golf GTIs, R32 and a Golf R and I can tell you with absolute confidence. Ditch the car around 120k because that's when the engine issues start. Every generation after MK5 is getting cheaper with quality. I finally ditched the brand all together this year. The build quality has gone to hell. Great cars below 120k tho. VW has been using the same 2.0t engine since 2004. The only thing that has been revisited on the engine is the turbo charger ,intake manifold, water pump and fuel pump over all of those years. That should tells you everything you need to know.
Oh that vw 2.0T. (EA888.3) engine is amazing! my mk7 gti went through the kansas flint hills that has some elevation change, on a 111 degree day, ac full blast! 36.1 avg mpg coming out of there! Amazing engines! Just keep the oil changed every 5k lol
Thank you for talking about the crash test. I’ve watched all the 2025 GLI reviews and you’re the only person mentioned it. I don’t think 2025 will have any improvement since this is just another facelift..
Something important to note is that this vehicle only requires regular gas (87 AKI), where as many of it's competitors including the Civic SI require 91 AKI...this can be a significant consideration since premium gas can cost about 50 cents/gallon more than regular in some areas (for example California).
Nice review! I just bought a new 2025 Si a few months ago. The GLI is a nicer and faster car, but I love the way my Si drives and handles. It would be great to have some of the GLI’s touches, including those found in higher trims of the Civic but not the Si. Still, I’m very happy with my new Si!
This 2nd facelift is a huge improvement vs the 1st facelift and the pre-facelift. It's a fantastic daily driver with meh resale value from my experience. As a Mk7.5 Golf owner, The throws are nice, slight rubbery feeling and a short throw shifter kit would help. DSG is also a great choice. It's essentially an Audi A3 without the Quattro. Want the Golf R motor? S3. Want a 5 cylinder Volvo style? RS 3.
Buddy's girlfriend bought one of the last manual 2024 regular Jetta's. Base S model too, a good bit off MSRP. That car was a great deal. How many ordinary non-enthusiast manual cars are available these days? Nearly zero? I'm surprised the 2.5 Mazda3 hatch still offers a manual. No more regular Corollas, no more regular Civics, nor regular Imprezas.
I owned a big turbo ‘13 GLI w/ a 6-speed manual and I miss that car. I now own a ‘14 Edition 30 DSG and it’s good but that manual trans was something special.
I really like to look at that better than the pre-refresh. I didn’t like them to square red rings on the front on the last version. This one looks a lot nicer, especially on that battleship grey color.
Overall well done refresh. I wonder if there will be a next gen GLI. I purchased a 2024 civic si, but seriously considered the GLI. In the end, I decided to go with Honda, thinking the maintenance would be cheaper and the civic would be more dependable.
The three negative things that you mentioned I think they are really the deal breaker: the steering wheel knees bump, the sound quality, and the ventilation control. These are the driver every day things.
2014 Passat SE w/roof bought new has 172,313 miles. ZERO squeaks or rattles best car(VW or any brand) I've owed in my 67 years. Forrner VW service advisor. What has worked for me. 5K interval Castrol 5W 40 Euroblend. BG EPR, MOA and 44K each oil change. Cruise control set at 57mph on 102 miles drive from NJ shore to Easton Pa. 41 mpg. Can't convince me that isnt a fine piece of machinery, made in USA! Trans service 50K intervals 3 coolant changes 4 brake fluid changes
I drove the integra yesterday and the back seat is unusable for normal sized adults. My wife is only 5’2” and her head was only about 3” from the roof. The leg and headroom are both unusable for anyone over about 5’7”. It’s also SLOW. Looking forward to driving the GLI and a leftover 2024 GTI. Save the manuals!
I'm SURPRISED how grumbly that 2.0L sounds, it was boomy all through the video. I'm taken by how aggressive it sounded over the Elantra N even though it down on power. Has it always sounded like this?_?
Yeah, I was surprised by the sound too. EA888 motors have always had a pretty deep sound to them. But my guess is the pumped in audio is really "enhancing" the low end frequencies of the engine in the cabin.
The exhaust is very quiet. Almost no exhaust sound at all in my 2020. It is all fake sounds you can turn on or off. Good for helping you hear your RPM, but that's about it. I added an intake and get a lot more turbo noise, and often find myself turning off the fake engine sounds. I'm hoping aftermarket exhaust modifications can help give me a more natural sound at some point.
I don't know if it's just my headphones, but it sounds incredible. It got me thinking, with all of the digital stuff being introduced, it would be fun to have an option for different sounds in cars that use that feature. It seems like just a software thing. What first made me think it is Subarus gauge cluster screen. I had an '03 WRX and would love to look down and see that familiar sight in a new WRX.
Reverse on my 2015 Mazda 3 is also down and to the left. Not my favorite but at least it frees up room to have that sixth gear. Something that my 2004 Mazda 6 desperately needed.
5 years of capacitive touch nonsense, and VW it still guessing what caused the drop in sales. Interior is where you spend almost all of the time you're near your car, they grossly underestimated that.
@Volkswagen could really benefit with the Jetta GLI and make an R version of it. If the Golf GTI can get an R version of the Golf, the Golf R, why can't the Jetta GLI get an R version of the Jetta, a Jetta GLR/Jetta GRI? If the Jetta is just a U.S., Canada, and Mexico vehicle, why don't we have a top dog Jetta yet? People will say go get an Audi S3 or RS3 if you want more performance. The problem with that is that Audi doesn't do manual transmissions anymore since the B7 Audi RS4 sedan and the B8/B8.5 Audi S4. Outside of Porsche, VW is the only mainstream brand out of the Volkswagen Automotive Group that offers 1 final manual transmission in a mid-performance sedan and I'd argue that there is room for a high-performance sedan if they'd just go for it. A manual transmission Jetta GLR/Jetta GRI would be very much appreciated, especially when Subaru isn't doing it with the WRX in terms of no STI specifically. So, why not make a 300hp manual-only R version Jetta based off the Golf R?
Nice car, but really a tough sell for 35k.These were great when you had the lower trims and could be in it around 30k. Elantra N is a much better pick all around if you're an enthusiast, and if you just want a sporty car to drive in, the Civic Si, while still a bit overpriced for what it is, still presents a better package for the price IMO
I feel like Volkswagen designers are the kids in school that do the bare minimum and still get decent grades. Their cars rarely look that different year to year but usually look good.
That's what Car and Driver got when they weighed it. Compared to the Si this has a bigger engine, likely beefier mechanical bits to handle the extra power, heavier leather seats with ventilation, and a much bigger moonroof. Doesn't add up to 500 lbs I'm sure, but there's some of it.
Was cross shopping this with the civic si. I really like the exterior of the VW but I had to put my money on the Honda reliability and cheaper maintenance. But I still for the most part enjoy the GLI
Every time I see this car, I think to myself that I wouldn't mind getting one until I see the touch capacitive buttons on the steering wheel. It's not as bad as the GTI interior but I wonder how much money Volkswagen is saving by foregoing physical buttons. Such an idiotic design, it's Volkswagen's answer to a question no one asked.
Looking to buy a Jetta GLI or any vehicle? Go to mattmaranmotoring.com/pages/new-car-quotes to learn invoice pricing and get the BEST PRICE on a vehicle in your local area! (commissions earned)
I test drove a 2025 GLI and absolutely loved it. It's definitely on the short list for my new car.
the exterior facelift is such a massive improvement
@@ak2112 and you know what else is massive
I’ve always liked the GLI’s I think they are so underrated. Great review as always Matt!
Thanks Blaze!
Still a bargain! I own a 2024 GLI manual and I love it. Great all around sedan, good build quality.
Looks like it's the only car in its class with real leather with a manual.
Those two different shades of red would never cease to bother me 😂
Wife drives a '22 GLI 6MT, currently at 34k miles. It's mostly been a good car. Steering wheel had to be replaced under warranty because of a common issue with a sensor in the rim for one of the driver assist systems. Now the infotainment system is crapping the bed, an issue with freezing volume control and/or no sound, with satellite radio ONLY (weird). They just flashed a software update onto it, no help, so now it has to be replaced. Mechanically it's been solid and relialbe, no problems at all. Positives: Great value for the $$, incredible great gas mileage (she averages mid-30's on regular gas with a lot of highway driving), great brakes (same as previous Golf R), decent ride quality & handling, fun to drive. Negatives: The gearing is STUPID-tall for a car with sporting pretentions. Compared to my Golf R, it's monumentally taller, and a PITA to accelerate from slow speeds in 1st & 2nd gear. Also an inexcusable amount of rev hang makes me wish she'd opted for the 7-speed DSG tranny - it's bad enough to kill the fun, particularly on 1-2 shifts. You can hear the same problem here on the '25 as Matt drives. No vents for rear passengers is inexcuable on a 4-door car inttended to carry backseat passengers. As for the '25 - I HATE the tacked-on giant infotainment screen, which is actually still the same 8" screen in a huge surround - why VW? They've cheapened the headlights, now with a reflector LED design whereas the pre-facelift car's LEDs were projectors. Please don't make stuff worse when refreshing a model!
Sounds like your wife have major problems or you are complaining for her? LOL, also cars in that price point won't have rear vents. Even the Si. I have a 10 Gen Si, no vents. I sincerely, thanks for your feedback because I was thinking about purchasing a GLI in the foreseeable future.
@@terrancemoore496 Problems aren't major, nor am I "complaining for her" - just sharing our experience with the car. She would buy again.
I've owned Golf GTIs, R32 and a Golf R and I can tell you with absolute confidence. Ditch the car around 120k because that's when the engine issues start. Every generation after MK5 is getting cheaper with quality. I finally ditched the brand all together this year. The build quality has gone to hell. Great cars below 120k tho. VW has been using the same 2.0t engine since 2004. The only thing that has been revisited on the engine is the turbo charger ,intake manifold, water pump and fuel pump over all of those years. That should tells you everything you need to know.
Oh that vw 2.0T. (EA888.3) engine is amazing! my mk7 gti went through the kansas flint hills that has some elevation change, on a 111 degree day, ac full blast! 36.1 avg mpg coming out of there! Amazing engines! Just keep the oil changed every 5k lol
Thank you for talking about the crash test. I’ve watched all the 2025 GLI reviews and you’re the only person mentioned it. I don’t think 2025 will have any improvement since this is just another facelift..
Covering all the cars I've been considering. Loving this last month or so of videos.
Something important to note is that this vehicle only requires regular gas (87 AKI), where as many of it's competitors including the Civic SI require 91 AKI...this can be a significant consideration since premium gas can cost about 50 cents/gallon more than regular in some areas (for example California).
@@grahamggg7527 I sneak regular gas in my Honda 1.5 turbo all the time because it says minimum octane 87 but premium fuel recommended.
Nice review!
I just bought a new 2025 Si a few months ago. The GLI is a nicer and faster car, but I love the way my Si drives and handles. It would be great to have some of the GLI’s touches, including those found in higher trims of the Civic but not the Si. Still, I’m very happy with my new Si!
I agree and also cross shopped this to my SI. I just had to go with the Honda reliability and cheaper maintenance.
This 2nd facelift is a huge improvement vs the 1st facelift and the pre-facelift.
It's a fantastic daily driver with meh resale value from my experience. As a Mk7.5 Golf owner, The throws are nice, slight rubbery feeling and a short throw shifter kit would help. DSG is also a great choice. It's essentially an Audi A3 without the Quattro. Want the Golf R motor? S3. Want a 5 cylinder Volvo style? RS 3.
Buddy's girlfriend bought one of the last manual 2024 regular Jetta's. Base S model too, a good bit off MSRP. That car was a great deal. How many ordinary non-enthusiast manual cars are available these days? Nearly zero? I'm surprised the 2.5 Mazda3 hatch still offers a manual. No more regular Corollas, no more regular Civics, nor regular Imprezas.
Props to Mazda and shame on Honda.
The Jetta at least has a traditional automatic and not a CVT like every other manual only car.
@@imnotusingmyrealname4566Mazda: am I a joke to you?
That engine really seems to make the most out of its horsepower. Thanks for this great review! 👍👍
I owned a big turbo ‘13 GLI w/ a 6-speed manual and I miss that car. I now own a ‘14 Edition 30 DSG and it’s good but that manual trans was something special.
I really like to look at that better than the pre-refresh. I didn’t like them to square red rings on the front on the last version. This one looks a lot nicer, especially on that battleship grey color.
That red lip is sharp! In my mind. They going to put that red somewhere.
Pretty happy with my 2021 Jetta. Gets hybrid-like mpg
Overall well done refresh. I wonder if there will be a next gen GLI. I purchased a 2024 civic si, but seriously considered the GLI. In the end, I decided to go with Honda, thinking the maintenance would be cheaper and the civic would be more dependable.
The moment Matt said he was having fun with the understeer it was all over in my mind lol
The three negative things that you mentioned I think they are really the deal breaker: the steering wheel knees bump, the sound quality, and the ventilation control. These are the driver every day things.
This thing would look amazing with a gentle Pro-Kit drop. Great review as always!
Thanks!
Good point on the top anchor
2014 Passat SE w/roof bought new has 172,313 miles. ZERO squeaks or rattles best car(VW or any brand) I've owed in my 67 years. Forrner VW service advisor. What has worked for me.
5K interval Castrol 5W 40 Euroblend. BG EPR, MOA and 44K each oil change.
Cruise control set at 57mph on 102 miles drive from NJ shore to Easton Pa. 41 mpg. Can't convince me that isnt a fine piece of machinery, made in USA!
Trans service 50K intervals
3 coolant changes
4 brake fluid changes
Best bang for your buck car, at least in Canada.
I drove the integra yesterday and the back seat is unusable for normal sized adults. My wife is only 5’2” and her head was only about 3” from the roof. The leg and headroom are both unusable for anyone over about 5’7”. It’s also SLOW.
Looking forward to driving the GLI and a leftover 2024 GTI. Save the manuals!
I'm SURPRISED how grumbly that 2.0L sounds, it was boomy all through the video. I'm taken by how aggressive it sounded over the Elantra N even though it down on power. Has it always sounded like this?_?
Yeah, I was surprised by the sound too. EA888 motors have always had a pretty deep sound to them. But my guess is the pumped in audio is really "enhancing" the low end frequencies of the engine in the cabin.
Agreed. It sounds good for a stock exhaust system.
@@BrianBeckman Yes, most of what you hear is pumped in. It's optional and can be switched off. You can really tell the difference when you do.
The exhaust is very quiet. Almost no exhaust sound at all in my 2020. It is all fake sounds you can turn on or off. Good for helping you hear your RPM, but that's about it.
I added an intake and get a lot more turbo noise, and often find myself turning off the fake engine sounds.
I'm hoping aftermarket exhaust modifications can help give me a more natural sound at some point.
@@tylerengborg1750 Wrong , the 2025 has a new sport exhaust and it is louder
I got to sit in one at the phoenix auto show, it was lovely, the infotainment screen was the only thing I genuinely disliked
I don't know if it's just my headphones, but it sounds incredible. It got me thinking, with all of the digital stuff being introduced, it would be fun to have an option for different sounds in cars that use that feature. It seems like just a software thing. What first made me think it is Subarus gauge cluster screen. I had an '03 WRX and would love to look down and see that familiar sight in a new WRX.
Reverse on my 2015 Mazda 3 is also down and to the left. Not my favorite but at least it frees up room to have that sixth gear. Something that my 2004 Mazda 6 desperately needed.
5 years of capacitive touch nonsense, and VW it still guessing what caused the drop in sales. Interior is where you spend almost all of the time you're near your car, they grossly underestimated that.
I own one and I think your comment is nonsense. They are no issue at all to use once you are used to them, which happens very quickly.
I went with an Integra to avoid the capacitive touch! And gain a hatch!
I wish I had this manual car
Get it.
@Volkswagen could really benefit with the Jetta GLI and make an R version of it.
If the Golf GTI can get an R version of the Golf, the Golf R, why can't the Jetta GLI get an R version of the Jetta, a Jetta GLR/Jetta GRI?
If the Jetta is just a U.S., Canada, and Mexico vehicle, why don't we have a top dog Jetta yet?
People will say go get an Audi S3 or RS3 if you want more performance. The problem with that is that Audi doesn't do manual transmissions anymore since the B7 Audi RS4 sedan and the B8/B8.5 Audi S4. Outside of Porsche, VW is the only mainstream brand out of the Volkswagen Automotive Group that offers 1 final manual transmission in a mid-performance sedan and I'd argue that there is room for a high-performance sedan if they'd just go for it. A manual transmission Jetta GLR/Jetta GRI would be very much appreciated, especially when Subaru isn't doing it with the WRX in terms of no STI specifically. So, why not make a 300hp manual-only R version Jetta based off the Golf R?
Are these things reliable? And are they worth anything in 5 years like a Japanese sedan?
There’s a subwoofer on top of the spare tire in the trunk
I had a 74 Bug . I had to push down to get into reverse.
I want a twenty twenty five monument, gray GLI.
Nice car, but really a tough sell for 35k.These were great when you had the lower trims and could be in it around 30k. Elantra N is a much better pick all around if you're an enthusiast, and if you just want a sporty car to drive in, the Civic Si, while still a bit overpriced for what it is, still presents a better package for the price IMO
North America was the only region to have gotten the VW Golf GTI and R MK8
Hay…the 888 in the R is different beyond turbo and electronics. For example…forged internals and that’s not nothing.
I feel like Volkswagen designers are the kids in school that do the bare minimum and still get decent grades.
Their cars rarely look that different year to year but usually look good.
I got a '24 autobahn, vw claims 228 hp but thats a damn lie, that baby has more than 228. I wish someone would dyno test it, would be interesting.
Jesus the amount of blank buttons around the shifter is absurd 😂
26 degrees? It's not even winter yet!
May even be the last Volkswagen at this rate !
@@doggedlydetermined7022 ID series will come soon
I wish they could put this powertrain in the Tiguan. 184 hp in a Tiguan is not it. And yes I know the new one is 201 hp.
if it aint broke dont fix it.......knobs were great....always trying to reinvent the wheel
Manual roll down windows were great too at one time
3500 lbs?? Why is it so heavy? Thats over 500 lbs more than a Civic Si.
Could've sworn these were about 3300 pounds , but anyway my guess is difference in materials?
1503kg(dsg) is roughly 3300lbs.
That's what Car and Driver got when they weighed it. Compared to the Si this has a bigger engine, likely beefier mechanical bits to handle the extra power, heavier leather seats with ventilation, and a much bigger moonroof. Doesn't add up to 500 lbs I'm sure, but there's some of it.
@ I’m sure you can feel the weight compared to an Si. That along with the price and reliability issues makes the Si an easy choice.
I am so over the light bar everyone copies rather than making it unique
Great subtle point on the rear headrests. Seems like a bit of a corner cutting there for VW...
He said it's small, 8 inches
💙💙💙💙💙
Was cross shopping this with the civic si. I really like the exterior of the VW but I had to put my money on the Honda reliability and cheaper maintenance. But I still for the most part enjoy the GLI
Every time I see this car, I think to myself that I wouldn't mind getting one until I see the touch capacitive buttons on the steering wheel. It's not as bad as the GTI interior but I wonder how much money Volkswagen is saving by foregoing physical buttons. Such an idiotic design, it's Volkswagen's answer to a question no one asked.
Those capacitive buttons are not an issue , I own one and Ive obviously had regular buttons before
They definitely lost one sale with capacitive buttons, I bought an Integra.
Anyone with OCD will hate the red lip on the red car.
Mechanics all tell me to stay away. Hate the fake engine noise.
Do ur research tge si has cool and heated seats for 25
No they just have heated never had cooled. Been heated even in previous gens.
Wow that fake noise is loud sounds like a V8
I have always heard the VW manuals feel like toys.
I would get it in ANY other color. This mismatch of the GLI red and the paint red is just unacceptable to me.😂
So they discontinued the Golf, yes?
Stup1d VW. 🤦🤡
Let's hope it is last manual
TF you talking about?!
You're still a virgin.
I know, right. Maybe trump can pardon his criminal behavior.
VW is a bad idea because of German overcomplicated engineering
That car is garbage 🗑️