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2012 VW Jetta GLI 
The Scoop
Volkswagen is a brand to watch. Huge in Europe and China, this global brand is hoping for greatness over the next seven years as they have a plan, along with their other brands (Audi, Skoda, Bentley etc.), to become the number one maker of automobiles worldwide. General Motors and recently Toyota have held this spot with mixed results. Size can also lead to more problems but Volkswagen has a long-term approach. Volkswagen Canada's President, John White mentioned, at the new Jetta GLI launch in Ontario, that they are planning ''meticulous, slow growth, one car at a time'' Even with more mainstream vehicles, VW ''doesn't want to give up what VW stands for''. The new and cheaper Jetta has been a runaway hit since it was introduced last year, with sales up 164 percent. VW adds to the Jetta family with this top model called GLI.
The Skin
The Jetta is the largest car in the compact class of vehicles, the Chevy Cruze is the next largest, but Jetta offers the largest back seat and trunk. When the car was introduced last year, the price was adjusted below $16,000 for a base model and a diesel motor was re-introduced. What was missing from the line was a top, sporty model for enthusiasts. The GLI name has been used on Jetta in the past and it should be considered the first cousin of the Golf GTI-- basically a 4-door GTI. The updates to the outside are tasteful and include a unique front grille, bigger front spoiler and rear valance, smoked taillights, bigger brakes, a lower stance and 17 or 18-inch wheels. Underneath the car is a totally reworked fully independent suspension with stiffer springs, thicker control arms and a 15mm lower ride height. 1 | 2 | 3 | Next Page |
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