This past year or so\u2014and next\u2014is shaping up to be the years of major automotive anniversaries, what with BMW M, Ford\u2019s Mustang, and Porsche\u2019s 911 all celebrating milestones of 40 and 50 years. Falling into the category of \u201cless-known than those other guys\u201d falls Volkswagen\u2019s sporty Jetta GLI, which marks its 30th birthday in 2014. To celebrate, VW is releasing a special-edition model to commemorate its affordable sports-sedan: the 2015 GLI Edition 30.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, the Edition 30 isn\u2019t so much a special-edition model as it will be the GLI model\u2014VW will sell only Edition 30 GLIs in 2014, meaning no standard GLI will be offered. Two Edition 30 trim levels will be available\u2014one with navigation and one without\u2014but even the \u201cbase\u201d car will come well equipped. V-Tex leatherette seats with red accents and red contrast stitching (which extends to the steering wheel, shifter, armrests, and hand-brake lever), carbon-fiber-look trim, Edition 30 doorsill trim plates, and floor mats with red stitching are included; there are also special badges, 18-inch \u201cLaguna\u201d wheels, red grille trim, and a trunk spoiler. The nav-equipped Edition 30 adds a backup camera, LED daytime running lamps, adaptive xenon headlights, and keyless entry with push-button start.<\/p>\n
Volkswagen\u2019s first Jetta GLI was introduced in 1984, and since then it has cemented its role as the three-box GTI in VW\u2019s lineup. Whereas back then it boasted a 90-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder and a five-speed manual, today the GLI more than makes do with a 200-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four and a six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission. That powertrain also applies to the Edition 30. Pricing will be announced closer to the car\u2019s early-2014 on-sale date, but given that the 30\u2032s the only GLI on offer, we doubt it will cost much more than the current GLI, which starts at $25,075.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This past year or so\u2014and next\u2014is shaping up to be the years of major automotive anniversaries, what with BMW M, Ford\u2019s Mustang, and Porsche\u2019s 911 all celebrating milestones of 40 and 50 years. Falling into the category of \u201cless-known than those other guys\u201d falls Volkswagen\u2019s sporty Jetta GLI, which marks its 30th birthday in 2014. …<\/p>\n