Itsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s a thin market for sedans of any stripe these days as utility vehicles rule the road. But in terms of sleek style, four-door cars such as the Volkswagen Jetta are tough to beat.

The 2020 Jetta GLI is essentially the sports-sedan offshoot of the Golf GTI. The pair has a history that dates back six generations and over many decades.

Visually, the GLI closely mirrors the basic Jetta that was all new for 2019. No longer considered a small car, the Jettasa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s aerodynamic sheetmetal, with its tautly drawn lines, might convince you itsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s larger than it actually is. Exclusive to the GLI is a unique front end with red trim, a black honeycomb-style grille, larger lower air intake, added side skirts, a rear spoiler and unique 18-inch wheels (16-inchers are standard on non-GLI Jettas).

Compared with the previous Jetta, there are slight gains in all key dimensions. An increase in interior volume is particularly noticeable in the rear-seat area.

The Jetta is constructed using Volkswagensa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s latest MBQ platform, which is also the foundation for a number of other VW and Audi models. Itsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s stiffer than the previous platform, which is important for overall driving quality, comfort and a quiet ride.

The regular-strength Jetta has a fairly compliant suspension that uses a torsion-beam (solid) rear axle in place of the previous independent multi-link setup. The latter sticks around, however, for the GLI, lowering the carsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s stance by 1.5 centimetres. The result is more precise turning along with significantly less thumping over rough surfaces. The GLI also has a limited-slip differential plus larger-diameter brake rotors, of the same type found on the GTI and sportier Golf R.

Key to the GLIsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s performance is a premium-fuel-sipping 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Thatsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s an increase of 18 horsepower and 51 pound-feet over the previous GLI, and 81/74 more than the base Jetta.

Mated to a six-speed manual transmission (a seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available), the GLIsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s turbo engine has plenty of thrust, while producing a pleasing rumble in the lower rev range. Theresa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s sufficient cabin insulation to keep the sound from becoming annoying, however. Theresa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s enough punch to break tires free and generous application of the throttle yields a bird-like chirp from the turbocharger system.

Fuel consumption with seven-speed automatic is pegged at 9.3 l/100 km in the city, 7.2 on the highway and 8.4 combined (manual-transmission models fare nearly as well.

All GLI models come with Driving Mode Selection with Normal, Sport, Eco and Custom settings. A Comfort mode is optional. The Sport mode is particularly satisfying as it sharpens the throttle, firms up the steering feel and increases the twin-exhaust symphony.

One of the few GLI complaints had to do with a driversa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s-seat bottom that doesnsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™t tilt down, thereby getting in the way of leg operation of the clutch.

GLI prices start at $33,350 (including destination charges) for the base trim, which comes with dual-zone climate control, 20-centimetre touch-screen, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers and a eight-speaker Beatsaudio sound system.

Additional standard content includes a panoramic power sunroof, leather-covered seats (eight-way power-operated for the driver) and a customizable 26-centimetre Digital Cockpit display.

A 35th anniversary GLI edition has unique wheels, interior trim and body colours

Optional on all versions are a number of dynamic-safety technologies, however pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning are noticeably absent.

As a real sports sedan, the GLI performs its role competently and it delivers plenty of driving enjoyment that rivals Germany-engineered models costing much more. If all its competitors were similarly outfitted sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½” and looked this clean and sharp sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½” the sedan segment would doubtless be more vibrant than it is.

What you should know: 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Type: Four-door, front-wheel-drive compact sedan

Engine (h.p.): 2.0-litre DOHC I-4, turbocharged (228)

Transmissions: Six-speed manual; seven-speed automated manual

Market position: Compact sedans with genuine sporting flair such as the GLI arensa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™t that common since most buyers are attracted to less expensive versions with modest powerplants, or to small utility models with greater cargo space.

Points: Attractive styling with crisper lines is a definite plus. sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¢ Interior appointments can be had with high-tech instrumentation. sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¢ Standard turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine delivers more than sufficient punch.

sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¢ Precision-shifting six-speed gearbox. sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¢ Base and optional trims are lacking in some active safety-tech items.

Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); active cruise control (opt.); emergency braking (opt.)

L/100 km (city/hwy) 9.3/7.2; Base price (incl. destination) $33,350

BY COMPARISON

Honda Civic Si sedan

Base price: $32,000

Coupe and sedan versions come with a 205-h.p. turbo I-4. Type R makes 306 h.p.

Subaru WRX

Base price: $32,150

Tamer 268-h.p. version of the pricier 310-h.p. STI comes with standard AWD.

Hyundai Elantra GT N Line

Base price: $29,250

A compact hatchback model thatsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s equipped with a 201-h.p. 1.6-liter turbo I-4.

If yousa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™re interested in new or used vehicles, be sure to visit to find your dream car today!

-written by Malcom Gunn, Managing Partner at Wheelbase Media

Like us on and follow us on