I’ve had an absolutely exhilarating experience driving the 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn. My journeys took me across the Washington DC metropolitan area, from I-495 to I-270 and I-70 through the Appalachian hills. My exploration even extended to the charming city of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania, where my work in gamified STEAM education was a significant focus.
The Jetta GLI is undeniably an exceptional vehicle, and my time with it was nothing short of remarkable.
The specific model I had the pleasure of driving was equipped with a manual transmission and featured a cutting-edge digital cockpit. Interestingly, my younger brother, a fellow Jetta owner, is also an enthusiast of the GLI, and his affinity for the vehicle is well-founded.
The GLI’s attributes extend beyond the driver’s seat; it’s a perfect vehicle for sharing moments with family, including my son. The wireless CarPlay integration was a standout feature for me, offering seamless connectivity and convenience. The vehicle’s performance capabilities left a lasting impression, thanks to its captivating styling, highlighted by a striking blue exterior with red accents and red brake calipers. The comfortable seats and exceptional sound system, powered by Beats Audio, made my time on the road even more enjoyable.
I fondly reminisced about my musical creations in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon’s music department Dah-Varsity as I listened to them on these premium speakers.
The GLI Autobahn’s heart lies under the hood, where the 2.0-liter engine churns out a robust 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.
Notably, it boasts an EPA-rated 37 miles per gallon on the highway, a figure I consistently achieved and even surpassed on occasions, touching nearly 40 miles per gallon. This remarkable fuel efficiency is indeed noteworthy. The vehicle’s technology integration, including Apple CarPlay with wireless functionality, was another highlight, complementing its stylish and well-finished interior.
Safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, further enhance the GLI’s appeal. One unique aspect that caught my attention was the driver response monitoring system, which kept track of how the driver interacts with the steering wheel.
The Jetta GLI offers a compelling package for those seeking a performance-oriented compact car. With its base price starting at $31,585, this vehicle deserves a spot at the top of the list. For more information, visit www.vw.com