2024 Volkswagen Jetta Arrives With GLI 40th Anniversary Edition
If you were hoping for something new with the Volkswagen Jetta for the 2024 model year, you’re in luck. The sporty Jetta GLI celebrates its 40th anniversary with a special edition that will begin arriving in Canadian dealerships later this summer.
It comes one year after the German automaker created a similar 40th Anniversary Edition of the Golf GTI hatchback.
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The new sedan will be offered in three exterior colours—Pure Grey, Oryx White and Kings Red—all featuring a black roof and blackout detailing from front to back. Unique 18-inch “Belvedere” wheels in a black, ten-spoke design, a black grille, mirror caps, door handles and rear spoiler are part of the package. Red “GLI 40” badges can be found on the front fenders.
Under the hood is the same turbocharged EA888 2.0-litre engine delivering 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. There are no performance upgrades since this is merely a cosmetic treatment. Still dreaming about that awesome 350-horsepower Jetta GLI Widebody that was introduced at SEMA last year? It’s time to wake up.
Inside, we’re intrigued by the embossed “Molecular” cloth seats that were uniquely fabricated for this special model. Volkswagen says the fabric will vary in each of the vehicles produced, like a one-of-a-kind fingerprint. Cool. Meanwhile, the engraved cupholders feature the “GLI” logo in one and “1984” in the other, while the seat tags and front door sills read “GLI 40” and the steering wheel bears a “40” clip at the six o’clock position.
So, how much for the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition? Pricing starts at $31,395 with the six-speed manual transmission and $32,795 with the seven-speed DSG transmission (plus freight, PDI and dealer fees). It’s cheaper than the traditional GLI Autobahn model, available for $33,395 and $34,795, respectively.
In case you missed it, the Jetta GLI was featured in our recent top 10 list of the most fuel-efficient sporty cars on the market thanks to an official combined rating of 7.9 L/100 km, regardless of the transmission you select. Premium gas is not even required, to boot.