News Source: topspeed.com

Volkswagen  of America has just unveiled the 2016 Jetta GLI, an updated version of what the German company describes as the sedan  equivalent of the Golf GTI.  Having received a 10-horsepower increase, minor changes to equipment levels, and a special-edition trim level celebrating 30 years of the GLI in 2014, the performance-oriented Jetta  was further enhanced for the 2016 model year.

Already one of the better-equipped models in its class, the Jetta GLI gained even more standard features, as well as a number of upscale features on the more expensive SEL trim. Volkswagen claims the GLI has been developed to offer a "compelling blend of value, performance and practicality," but while customers will indeed get to enjoy both performance and practicality with this sedan, value isn’t one of its highlights.

Be that as it may, the Jetta GLI is likely to remain a popular choice among customers looking for Golf GTI-like  performance with more passenger and cargo room. The enhanced appearance and the added features should contribute to its success, but this statement will only be validated by the number of customers that will walk into dealerships for a 2016 model year GLI.

Much like last year’s model, the 2016 Jetta GLI takes most of its sporty cues from its hatchback cousin, the Golf GTI. However, the update brings significant changes front and rear, which make the 2016 GLI more aggressive than its predecessor. While the headlamps are carried over from the previous model, the grille is slightly larger and incorporates the Golf GTI’s trademark red stripe. Additionally, a black stripe runs through the center of the grille, setting it apart from GTIs. The grille retains its honeycomb layout.

More changes are visible below, where Volkswagen modified the shape of the bumper grille, as well as the fog lamps, and the black ornaments around it. The previous vertical fog lamps have been replaced by horizontal ones, while the black inserts are smaller, giving the bumper a sportier appearance. The bumper grille also carries a honeycomb mesh.

Around back, the GLI sports redesigned LED taillights, a reshaped trunk lid, and a new bumper design that incorporates a diffuser-like piece and a pair of chrome exhaust tips. Both the SE and SEL trim levels now benefit from 18-inch, Mallory design, aluminum-alloy wheels wrapped in either standard all-season tires or optional summer performance tires.

The SEL model gets standard Bi-Xenon headlamps with the Adaptive Front-lighting System, which swivels the main headlight beams by up to 15 percent as the steering wheel is turned to help illuminate bends in the road more effectively.

Note: 2012-2015 VW Jetta GLI interior shown.

Volkswagen has yet to release photos of the updated interior, but it did say the 2016 GLI comes with the new MIB 2 infotainment system with USB and Car-Net connectivity. Standard features include keyless access with push-button start, automatic dual-zone climate control, heated seats, six-way power driver seat, a Fender premium audio system, a sunroof, a rearview camera, and front/rear Park Distance Control. The GLI also gets Volkswagen  ’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking system as standard, which brakes automatically when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors.

When the SEL trim is selected, the GLI receives standard Blind Spot Detection with rear traffic alert, a navigation system, Bi-Xenon headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System, and Homelink. These features can also be added as options to the SE trim.

Motivating the 2016 Jetta GLI is the same turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder TSI engine found in the Golf GTI. The four-pot cranks out 210 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, 51 pound-feet less than the GTI, and mates to either a six-speed manual or Volkswagen’s trademark DSG gearbox. Sprinting from 0 to 60 mph takes about 6.7 seconds, making it a half-second slower than the Golf GTI.

Fuel economy is estimated at 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, the lowest rating of the Jetta lineup. For reference, the 1.8T Sport returns 25 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, while the TDI diesel model is good for 31 mpg city and 46 mpg highway. The Jetta GLI is also less efficient than the Golf GTI, which returns an estimated 25 mpg city and the 34 mpg highway. There’s no pricing information as of this writing, but the updated Jetta GLI shouldn’t be significantly more expensive than last year’s model. For 2015, the SE trim starts from $26,920, while the SEL variant retails from $29,280. If you’re looking for a compact that’s lively, well-equipped, comfortable, and can provide more space than a hatch, than the Jetta GLI could be one of the best options in the U.S. right now. On the other hand, if your checklist includes a more driver-focused experience, better handling, and quicker acceleration, you should look somewhere else. Pricing is yet another issue with the Jetta GLI, as for the same amount you can take home a Ford Focus ST or a Subaru WRX.