Volkswagen Celebrates 30 Years of Jetta GLI

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI was first introduced in 1984 and was essentially a VW GTI wrapped in a Jetta body. It included the GTI’s fuel-injected, 90 horsepower engine, 5-speed manual transmission, and sport suspension. The vehicle was distinguished from the standard Jetta with wide body-side moldings, black trim between the rear taillights, and GLI badging.

The new Jetta GLI similarly upgrades the standard VW Jetta, with a more powerful 2.0 liter engine, a six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission, a sport suspension, bigger wheels, upgraded brakes, and more aggressive styling. Inside, the GLI comes with sport seats and pedals.

The Edition 30 model commemorates the 30th anniversary of the first Jetta GLI with unique styling and upgrades. It will be available in two editions: the Edition 30 and the Edition 30 with Navigation. The GLI Edition 30 is distinguished externally by 18-inch “Laguna” aluminum-alloy wheels, red trim on the front grille, a trunklid-mounted spoiler, and Edition 30 badging. The Edition 30 with Navigation also has red trim inside the Bi-Xenon headlights. Inside, the cars have contrasting color V-Tex leatherette seats with red accents; red contrast stitching on the steering wheel, shifter, brake lever, and armrests; carbon-look trim inlays; Edition 30 kickplates; and floormats with red stitching.

1984 Jetta GLI Image courtesy of Car and Driver.