I’m using a VW GLi since almost three months, starting from the look it’s definitely the look that other drivers will look at on the street, the wheels, the day light design, and the red detailing in the front, and of course the power I’m always surprised by how fast it gets like entering high way it gets 150km within a wink. And the noises that makes when driving manual it’s really satisfying. Definitely luxury interior and comfy seats, the seats like curved in to let you sit tight. It’s Definitely worth your money
I had a 2013 GLI and a person totaled it. I loved that car , it was fast , luxurious for the price, and handled well. I beat SI’s in races and could keep up with WRXs. It was a beautiful car especially the wheels.
Hi: Well I was driving today and it is the best manual transmission I have owned. The car has good acceleration too. The quality inside is very nice. Build quality very good. I am really satisfied to have one of the last manuals. Hope you enjoy yours, I am confident you will. @@TonyA4766
The Autobahn 2023 is still the top dog due to leather all over the place. And yes, this car is awesome. Tips from a Pro GLI Owner. Number 1. Use Custom mode, set everything to sport, except engine sound. This gives you sport mode without the fake sounds. You can also adjust suspension to comfort, if you want to feel less road. Number 2. Use custom mode for spirited driving, always have it on S mode. But before you come to complete stops, go back to D, the auto downshift from 2nd to 1st is janky. Number 3. If you really want to do pulls, hold the traction control button for 3-5 secs, puts it in sport ESC. Computer doesn’t hold back any power this way. Number 4. USE YOUR PADDLESHIFTERS. Coasting in 2nd gives you on demand power. The paddle shift are instant, zero delays. Whenever I need to pass on a 60 roll I just drop 2-3 gears and I’m gone. Number 5. Utilize your stock wheels until it’s time to replace, they’re horrible but might as well not waste them. Get higher quality sticky tires. Number 6. All you need is a new intake and tune, now you basically have another 100hp. This car is a fuckin sleeper, the types of cars I’ve been able to gap when it was stock surprised tf out of me.
def hot! 🔥🔥🔥 that sloppiness you spoke of I would attribute to the Hankook Kinergy GT all seasons that come stock.. they are kinda soft, not the best grip and they roll off the edges when cornering. Throw on a good set of grippy shoe's and it's a night and day difference! actually feels almost Audi good
I have a 2019 GLI and got rid of the Kinergy GTs and went to Michelin Pilot Super Sports (and full snow tires for winter) -vast improvement in all handling, and smoother quieter ride also. My advice -ditch the Kinergys. You wont be sorry.
In case this helps anyone’s hunt, I negotiated an OTD price for a gray ‘24 GLI Autobahn manual with black kit upgrade (and standard review mirror) to $35,800. This includes the GLI mats and monster mats (I wanted both). Bought in PA.
just bought a brand new 40th 6speed. I don’t want to get out of the car. I love the body shape the interior is better. this is #4 for me only owned vdubs my whole life since highschool my last one was actually a 2005 20th GLI, which i adored. i love em !!!!!!! ill give this car a solid 8.5 10 for its price and peformance is soliddd 💪 2.0t is the best im just keeping mine stock sounds amazing in sport mode!! and is it 16v or 24v 2.0t
That Si I fell in love with. I always hated it and apparently had no reason lol, because in reality it drove like a 4dr version of my BRZ. I barely noticed it was FWD and it felt so light and agile. That said, the GLI in real life felt surprisingly faster in a straight line than the Honda. Both great cars that I'm glad both are still willing to make and not over charge for what they are too bad.
I purchased the GLI and I am happy with my selection. Less expensive that the Honda, yet faster. Honda has had its share of problems with their 1.5 liter turbo. The Honda dealers wanted 3000 over sticker for an unnecessary paint protection program. It is a bad look for Honda.
I love this car have a 22 and have put on 39k in 1 1/2years. Get the manual if you can like i did keep the manual alive!! Great deal in canada and the autobahn over the 40th because you get the dcc which actually makes a difference. Look forward to seeing more GLI's in Montreal this summer!!
Great review. I love the VW GTI , and have. 2023 Performance, but as much as I love it, I'm going back to a sedan, a 2023 GLI, and back to a manual transmission. The extra back seat room works better with slightly older children, and with that massive trunk there's lots of room so I don't feel like I'm missing out too much on the cargo space. It would be great if there was a Jetta R version like the Golf R. You can't go wrong with any of them. Just go with what works best for you and there's always lots of tuning options.
@@Neutralreviews Is it worth spending more on the GTI or save a ton on the GLI? Also, do you get the same active safety features? Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you!
I gave you a like for being a fellow canuck. Thinking of getting this car in standard in the near future. You should rename your channel to Auto Facts & Feels :)
The real bargain on this car right now is the 40th edition. It's about $2k less money and still comes with everything. Still made in Mexico. I would go GTI all the way. Just got a Mk8 and yes what they all say is true. It's good...No it's really good!
I have had 3 vehicles built in Mexico including my latest 40 th anniversary Jetta, all have had great build quality. It is an absolute bargain, and I bought a manual because 2025 may not have a manual.
40th gives up too much good equipment - no Dynamic Chassis Control, no power leather seats with memory function, no 8 speaker Beats audio (yea Beats is not the world's best ever but still better than basic) , no power heated mirrors, lesser sound system, no vented/cooled front seats, no lumbar support, no heated rear seats and nicer wheels (my opinion).
I have the 2019 GLI. Exactly the same car. 5 years of trouble free motoring. No issues. The Honda Civic SI doesn't even come close to the GLI when it comes to performance and comfort. Reliability wise well it's still a VWoA product. Repairs will be pricey. Get the extended warranty. And incidentally I agree about the seats.
I just got my GLI, same colour, automatic and it’s not the 40th Anniversary. How can I get the best sound out of that exhaust? Is tuning the only option or are there any other settings other than changing the sound setting to Sports mode?
I just hope the Jetta is better than it was when I bought one back in 2019 before my first oil change was even due my car alerted me that I needed to add oil. It was low on oil. The dealership tried to tell me that it probably wasn’t topped off before the PDI, which is a pre-delivery inspection. I didn’t believe it that was just an excuse. They just wanted to cover themselves, so I had to stop in town one day and just buy oil to put oil back in my car brand new car well anyway got that oil changed when it was time and the next go around same thing happened low so I decided that I didn’t wanna deal with that type of thing I didn’t have the time or energy to even think about it so I got rid of the car in less than one year of having it
@@Neutralreviews yes it was terrible. I kinda am liking the looks of the Taos, but after that experience I’m a little afraid. Driving a Toyota RAV4 since end of 2019. Are you in Canada? I’m in the SE USA.
@@craig9843 near Toronto. I love the RAV4. I only hear good things. I love my GTI but I don't know if I wouldn't buy another though (maybe lease). The huge repair bills after 100,000km aren't worth it. I have a BRZ (part Toyota) and love it. Same cheap thrills but thankfully no issues.
Great question. They didn't bother me nearly as much as I was expecting. Just a couple incidents, but not a big deal. That said, I'd be interested in seeing if there would be more incidents on track.
The only problem I have with GLI is the reliability and durability. There's a lot of tech in the car and when it breaks it will cost big bucks to repair. IMO, both Honda and Subaru are more reliable, especially Honda. A turbo obviously provides punch, but they break, So I'd sacrifice the turbo and go with a Honda Hatchback Sport with a manual transmission (no turbo). The Mazda 3 is also a good option for someone who wants a manual and no turbo.
So they deleted the option of useful fog lights, to fill that front bumper area with fake vents. And then draw massive attention to the fake vents, by painting them bright red. I don't see the logic in that. Almost every sports oriented car has fog lights, because you sometimes drive quickly around corners at night too.
That's actually the point. They should IMO have some sort of fog lights, or cornering lights as some would call them. I'm seeing the trend with other companies too lately.
@@mklphoto Actually, good point, I just reviewed the refreshed Atlas and they had the fog lights built into the main light housing. Different but kind of cool at the same time. Can't say I've really noticed anyone else doing that.
I wonder if that's just a Canadian thing. Hoping they make that and heated steering wheel an option in the US market. Still missing rear passengers air vents, it's an easy cheap thing that would make a huge difference for rear passengers.
@@mattmascera3777 It's funny because I think Canada over pays on most things but seem to get a break on some vehicles/options. I hate winter but yes as a result we seem to get those thrown in;)
@@mattmascera3777 Oh and agree on the rear vents! I know the GLI is de-contented to be a cheaper option then the GTI but seems like something they could have easily kept in
Get rid of those red nose rings. They look terrible on a red car and even worse on a car of a different color. Put hinges on the trunk so the support bars to hit luggage and increase usable trunk space. It's nice you still have knobs and buttons on this car. Stop putting everything on screens, it creates a single point of failure. VWs are really fun to drive and offer great bang for the buck.
I’m using a VW GLi since almost three months, starting from the look it’s definitely the look that other drivers will look at on the street, the wheels, the day light design, and the red detailing in the front, and of course the power I’m always surprised by how fast it gets like entering high way it gets 150km within a wink. And the noises that makes when driving manual it’s really satisfying. Definitely luxury interior and comfy seats, the seats like curved in to let you sit tight. It’s Definitely worth your money
Great comments! The manual is really fun. Glad you are enjoying it😊
I had a 2013 GLI and a person totaled it. I loved that car , it was fast , luxurious for the price, and handled well. I beat SI’s in races and could keep up with WRXs. It was a beautiful car especially the wheels.
Just ordered a Pure Grey 2024 GLI. Now for the wait!!
Congratulations! And good luck with the wait (worst part lol)!
I bought a white GLI manual a few weeks ago, lovely. So too will be your grey.
@@joeschepis thank you.
@@joeschepis how’s the quality inside now that you’re driving it?…..congratulations by the way!!
Hi: Well I was driving today and it is the best manual transmission I have owned. The car has good acceleration too. The quality inside is very nice. Build quality very good. I am really satisfied to have one of the last manuals. Hope you enjoy yours, I am confident you will. @@TonyA4766
The Autobahn 2023 is still the top dog due to leather all over the place. And yes, this car is awesome.
Tips from a Pro GLI Owner.
Number 1. Use Custom mode, set everything to sport, except engine sound. This gives you sport mode without the fake sounds. You can also adjust suspension to comfort, if you want to feel less road.
Number 2. Use custom mode for spirited driving, always have it on S mode. But before you come to complete stops, go back to D, the auto downshift from 2nd to 1st is janky.
Number 3. If you really want to do pulls, hold the traction control button for 3-5 secs, puts it in sport ESC. Computer doesn’t hold back any power this way.
Number 4. USE YOUR PADDLESHIFTERS. Coasting in 2nd gives you on demand power. The paddle shift are instant, zero delays. Whenever I need to pass on a 60 roll I just drop 2-3 gears and I’m gone.
Number 5. Utilize your stock wheels until it’s time to replace, they’re horrible but might as well not waste them. Get higher quality sticky tires.
Number 6. All you need is a new intake and tune, now you basically have another 100hp.
This car is a fuckin sleeper, the types of cars I’ve been able to gap when it was stock surprised tf out of me.
Or just buy car with 2jz
your handle is hilarious!!! - I’d just add, get the manual! Otherwise, great advice.
@@ppavelcars DSG is faster, that's the only reason I have one.
What brand intake upgrade do you recommend ?
@@darrylpiwek397 APR
def hot! 🔥🔥🔥
that sloppiness you spoke of I would attribute to the Hankook Kinergy GT all seasons that come stock.. they are kinda soft, not the best grip and they roll off the edges when cornering. Throw on a good set of grippy shoe's and it's a night and day difference! actually feels almost Audi good
Awesome comment!
I have a 2019 GLI and got rid of the Kinergy GTs and went to Michelin Pilot Super Sports (and full snow tires for winter) -vast improvement in all handling, and smoother quieter ride also. My advice -ditch the Kinergys. You wont be sorry.
@@paulglinz7905 Agreed. It's amazing how much the right or wrong tires can change the handling and confidence you have in a vehicle.
In case this helps anyone’s hunt, I negotiated an OTD price for a gray ‘24 GLI Autobahn manual with black kit upgrade (and standard review mirror) to $35,800. This includes the GLI mats and monster mats (I wanted both). Bought in PA.
just bought a brand new 40th 6speed. I don’t want to get out of the car. I love the body shape the interior is better. this is #4 for me only owned vdubs my whole life since highschool my last one was actually a 2005 20th GLI, which i adored. i love em !!!!!!! ill give this car a solid 8.5 10 for its price and peformance is soliddd 💪 2.0t is the best im just keeping mine stock sounds amazing in sport mode!! and is it 16v or 24v 2.0t
Love the excitement! Definitely a great value!
The sound that you hear in sport mode is a speaker, not the engine. It's fake audio.
Thank you for this review. Great video! I've always wanted a Jetta since high school and it was the car back in the mid-late 1980s.
You are welcome! Thanks for commenting. It has a long history of being a fun affordable daily driver definitely
The GLI also beat the SI in every aspects but again, it's a question of what you like the most, VW or Honda.
That Si I fell in love with. I always hated it and apparently had no reason lol, because in reality it drove like a 4dr version of my BRZ. I barely noticed it was FWD and it felt so light and agile. That said, the GLI in real life felt surprisingly faster in a straight line than the Honda. Both great cars that I'm glad both are still willing to make and not over charge for what they are too bad.
I purchased the GLI and I am happy with my selection. Less expensive that the Honda, yet faster. Honda has had its share of problems with their 1.5 liter turbo. The Honda dealers wanted 3000 over sticker for an unnecessary paint protection program. It is a bad look for Honda.
Go to another dealer. @@joeschepis
I love this car have a 22 and have put on 39k in 1 1/2years. Get the manual if you can like i did keep the manual alive!! Great deal in canada and the autobahn over the 40th because you get the dcc which actually makes a difference. Look forward to seeing more GLI's in Montreal this summer!!
Awesome to hear! I really enjoyed my week with it. One of the last sleepers
Great review. I love the VW GTI , and have. 2023 Performance, but as much as I love it, I'm going back to a sedan, a 2023 GLI, and back to a manual transmission. The extra back seat room works better with slightly older children, and with that massive trunk there's lots of room so I don't feel like I'm missing out too much on the cargo space. It would be great if there was a Jetta R version like the Golf R. You can't go wrong with any of them. Just go with what works best for you and there's always lots of tuning options.
Thank you and well said!
@@Neutralreviews Is it worth spending more on the GTI or save a ton on the GLI? Also, do you get the same active safety features? Any advice is much appreciated. Thank you!
I gave you a like for being a fellow canuck. Thinking of getting this car in standard in the near future. You should rename your channel to Auto Facts & Feels :)
Thanks! I have a manual R I'm reviewing as we speak and I have to say I like the throws and how it feels. Very satisfying. I hope you get a fun car:)
I appreciate your review, I just made a deal on new GLI. Cheers!
Very welcome and congratulations. Very underrated, cool car!!
@@Neutralreviews underrated, indeed!
You got another subscriber. This was an excellent review. Well done!
Thank you!! Appreciate you taking the time to say that:)
The real bargain on this car right now is the 40th edition. It's about $2k less money and still comes with everything. Still made in Mexico. I would go GTI all the way. Just got a Mk8 and yes what they all say is true. It's good...No it's really good!
Awesome! Congrats! I really enjoyed my time with it
I have had 3 vehicles built in Mexico including my latest 40 th anniversary Jetta, all have had great build quality. It is an absolute bargain, and I bought a manual because 2025 may not have a manual.
@@joeschepis Nice!! So much fun especially with the manual! Congrats
Ya my Kia Forte GT was made in Mexico. Pretty solid.@@joeschepis
40th gives up too much good equipment - no Dynamic Chassis Control, no power leather seats with memory function, no 8 speaker Beats audio (yea Beats is not the world's best ever but still better than basic) , no power heated mirrors, lesser sound system, no vented/cooled front seats, no lumbar support, no heated rear seats and nicer wheels (my opinion).
I have the 2019 GLI. Exactly the same car. 5 years of trouble free motoring. No issues. The Honda Civic SI doesn't even come close to the GLI when it comes to performance and comfort. Reliability wise well it's still a VWoA product. Repairs will be pricey. Get the extended warranty. And incidentally I agree about the seats.
Always great to hear from an owner! Warranty is a must! My GTI would have been a nightmare without one once the km started getting up there.
Thanks for this review. BTW the Facts(ish) sheet at the end of the video has wrong engine specs/data
Thanks and I'll look into it and try and note it in the description:)
I just got myself a rising blue 6speed manual gli 40th
Nice! Congrats and enjoy!
7:38 there's two handles to close the decklid - keep your hands warm and clean!
I’m telling you appreciate details like these lol. VW is great at the small stuff:)
When will the Autobahn be available with a White exterior?
I don't remember if they have that package here anywhere but VW.ca shows a white option for a new GLI. Looks nice actually
I just got my GLI, same colour, automatic and it’s not the 40th Anniversary. How can I get the best sound out of that exhaust? Is tuning the only option or are there any other settings other than changing the sound setting to Sports mode?
I'm buying this at the end of the year. 40 anniversary edition
Congratulations! I really liked it a lot after a week with it.
I just hope the Jetta is better than it was when I bought one back in 2019 before my first oil change was even due my car alerted me that I needed to add oil. It was low on oil. The dealership tried to tell me that it probably wasn’t topped off before the PDI, which is a pre-delivery inspection. I didn’t believe it that was just an excuse. They just wanted to cover themselves, so I had to stop in town one day and just buy oil to put oil back in my car brand new car well anyway got that oil changed when it was time and the next go around same thing happened low so I decided that I didn’t wanna deal with that type of thing I didn’t have the time or energy to even think about it so I got rid of the car in less than one year of having it
That's terrible! Sorry. I have a GTI and it burns oil but it didn't start doing it thankfully until it was older. Thanks for commenting
@@Neutralreviews yes it was terrible. I kinda am liking the looks of the Taos, but after that experience I’m a little afraid. Driving a Toyota RAV4 since end of 2019. Are you in Canada? I’m in the SE USA.
@@craig9843 near Toronto. I love the RAV4. I only hear good things. I love my GTI but I don't know if I wouldn't buy another though (maybe lease). The huge repair bills after 100,000km aren't worth it. I have a BRZ (part Toyota) and love it. Same cheap thrills but thankfully no issues.
Wow imagine buying those shoes.
What are your thoughts on the haptic "buttons" on the steering wheel?
Great question. They didn't bother me nearly as much as I was expecting. Just a couple incidents, but not a big deal. That said, I'd be interested in seeing if there would be more incidents on track.
And to end my charade, the GLI beat the WRX on the roll, that's about it.
Love the comments! Thanks for them!
This appears to be a Canadian market car?
I definitely see a lot of them around here for sure!
Nice car and nice review.
Thank you! And I really liked it. Great car for the price nowadays.
The only problem I have with GLI is the reliability and durability. There's a lot of tech in the car and when it breaks it will cost big bucks to repair. IMO, both Honda and Subaru are more reliable, especially Honda. A turbo obviously provides punch, but they break, So I'd sacrifice the turbo and go with a Honda Hatchback Sport with a manual transmission (no turbo). The Mazda 3 is also a good option for someone who wants a manual and no turbo.
I have a GTI and can attest. Fun car but costs a lot to maintain when out of warranty.
24 valve? If it were a VR6, then yes.
So they deleted the option of useful fog lights, to fill that front bumper area with fake vents. And then draw massive attention to the fake vents, by painting them bright red. I don't see the logic in that. Almost every sports oriented car has fog lights, because you sometimes drive quickly around corners at night too.
I'm glad my BRZ has them (I'm not glad about my fake vents lol)
Totally agree!!
Gen 7 GLI has never had fog lights.
That's actually the point. They should IMO have some sort of fog lights, or cornering lights as some would call them. I'm seeing the trend with other companies too lately.
@@mklphoto Actually, good point, I just reviewed the refreshed Atlas and they had the fog lights built into the main light housing. Different but kind of cool at the same time. Can't say I've really noticed anyone else doing that.
How is there rear heated seats? Lmao I’m lost on that
I didn't test them but it's nice they are sharing the love with the people in the back lol.
I wonder if that's just a Canadian thing. Hoping they make that and heated steering wheel an option in the US market. Still missing rear passengers air vents, it's an easy cheap thing that would make a huge difference for rear passengers.
@@mattmascera3777 It's funny because I think Canada over pays on most things but seem to get a break on some vehicles/options. I hate winter but yes as a result we seem to get those thrown in;)
@@mattmascera3777 Oh and agree on the rear vents! I know the GLI is de-contented to be a cheaper option then the GTI but seems like something they could have easily kept in
Agreed on the rear vents but technically the mk6 Jetta didn’t have them either.
Get rid of those red nose rings. They look terrible on a red car and even worse on a car of a different color. Put hinges on the trunk so the support bars to hit luggage and increase usable trunk space. It's nice you still have knobs and buttons on this car. Stop putting everything on screens, it creates a single point of failure. VWs are really fun to drive and offer great bang for the buck.
Thanks for your comments. I agree they are a great value and fun to drive.
Not at all. Elantra N is the better buy in the 30k range all day.
Whats with the plastic exhaust manifold and other parts....in engine bay...that shite doesnt last....are they taking GM lessons with plastic gaskets 🤣
Fairly reliable like a Toyota?....😂