Jetta GLI: 
Four-door fun

In the right hands, a few tweaks can turn an everyday recipe into an heirloom. So it is with cars, where a personality makeover may be only a new powertrain and a redesigned suspension away. Last year, Volkswagen revived the Jetta GLI following a three-year hiatus. With a 200-horsepower turbocharged four borrowed from the GTI hatchback, an upgraded suspension and retuned suspension, the GLI $24,450, with destination) is Tabasco to the Jetta’s ($16,545) ketchup. If it lacks the agility and responsiveness of the lusty GTI, so be it. The practical nature of a four-door sedan implies compromise — with one’s higher self, perhaps, or with an interested third party — and an incremental loss of vigor is a small price to pay for a comfy ride and harmony at home. Besides, the GLI’s turbocharged four is eager enough, its suspension taut enough and its steering sharp enough to bring a little joy to the daily drive — even with child seats belted in behind. What’s more, soft-touch materials warm up the otherwise underdressed cabin and boost its ambience. The GLI is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or VW’s six-speed DSG dual-clutch automated manual. VW makes some of the best manual front-drive gearboxes in the business, but the DSG is magical. Used purely as an automatic, it defaults toward efficiency, with unhurried shifts and the tendency to stumble occasionally off the line. Choose either Sport or manual mode, though, and it comes alive with a manual’s split-section responses. Down below, an independent multilink rear suspension replaces the base solid rear axle. Our tester settled into fast corners with minimal body roll and its electromechanical steering system provided good feedback. Optional, 18-inch all-season radials offered decent grip. The GLI comes well equipped off the factory floor. Standard kit includes 17-inch alloys, keyless entry, air-conditioning, full power accessories, heated mirrors, height-adjustable front sport seats, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system, satellite radio, a CD player, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod interface. For the most part, a newly redesigned touchscreen audio and navigation interface works well enough. It’s quick and intuitive, though the absence of a conventional radio “seek” button is regrettable. Cabin fit-and-finish is very good and the GLI’s sport seats and thick-rimmed, flat-bottomed steering wheel provide the driver with a solid base of operations. A pair of full-size adults will be comfortable in the back seat, and the 15.5-cubic-foot trunk is as large as those of some midsize cars. Some wind and road noise find their way into the cabin, but the GLI is a reasonably tranquil locale. Duly noted: During our weeklong test, the GLI came down with a case of the stumbles and refused to idle. Appleway diagnosed bad gas and returned it good as new. When the problem recurred, the GLI went back to Appleway. No matter. Over time, the 2.0T has proven as durable as it is delightful. It’s the secret sauce that makes the GLI sing. Don Adair is a Spokane-based freelance writer. Contact him at don@dadair.com. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn w/Navigation Vehicle base price: $15,545 Trim level base price: $29,300 As tested: $30,095 Optional equipment: The Jetta GLI Autobahn with navigation is a complete, self-contained trim level; our tester had no additional options. EPA ratings: 24 city/32 highway Premium unleaded fuel required