The sporty, precise 2009 Volkswagen GLI is an excellent example of why Americans still love to drive German cars. The GLI (called the Jetta GLI until 2008), is a sedan that offers looks, performance and loads of style. While the vehicle only offers a single engine and transmission option, drivers will enjoy the performance and the unique looks offered. The 2009 GLI is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, capable of producing 200 hp, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
The GLI also offers a sport-tuned suspension for better handling than the standard Jetta, and drivers will find additional upgrades in the cabin. The available iPod adapter, navigation system and sunroof are excellent additions and well worth the cost. Of course, the GLI also offers several safety features such as an anti skid system, ABS and traction control for better stability in all types of driving.
2009 Volkswagen GLI Performance
The sprightly GLI offers plenty of power off the mark, though drivers will notice a slight amount of turbo lag (normal for any turbocharged engine). With 0 – 60 mph times of less than 7 seconds, the GLI is faster than most of its competition. The manual transmission shifts smoothly, thanks to that famed German engineering. For fuel economy, the GLI comes in surprisingly high, approaching 27 mpg in highway driving. Of course, city driving drops that number a bit.
The sport suspension of the GLI offers plenty of handling and performance. Offering excellent cornering, drivers will notice very little body lean, even in the tightest of turns. Braking performance is also excellent from all speeds. In fact, the GLI stands out from other Jetta models in handling and braking, thanks to its upgraded components.
Rough road surfaces do induce a bit of strangeness in the GLI, mostly due to the 17-inch wheels and tires. Road imperfections can be transmitted to the cabin a bit too easily and increasing the tire size to the optional 18-inch tires does not improve the situation at all. Despite this, the interior is pleasantly quiet, even over rough pavement. At high acceleration, the engine growls pleasantly and wind rush is not problematic. Road noise and tire noise is present, though not a dramatic detraction from enjoyment.
2009 Volkswagen GLI Interior
The GLI offers an excellent interior, filled with high quality components and nice touches. In fact, the interior stands out in the class as "getting more for your buck." The controls are all placed in logical locations and are easily seen from the driver's position, ensuring easy driving. Adding the navigation system does complicate the controls more than it should, though this seems normal for most vehicles today.
The front seats of the GLI provide snug fits for occupants, though they are not uncomfortable. In fact, even very tall and large drivers will find plenty of room and comfort in the front, though the rear headrests do block some of the view out the back. Rear seats provide decent legroom for the average sized passenger and children, but tall adults will not enjoy the ride in the back. All seats in the GLI are comfortable, though and this includes the rear seats.
When it comes to cargo room, the GLI offers plenty for its class. The large trunk is more than ample for storing groceries and the trunk hinges do not affect storage space. The folding rear seats increase the available storage space by a considerable amount, as well. Storage areas in the cabin are mostly small, but there are plenty of them, so you can store a wide range of items throughout the cabin.
2009 Volkswagen GLI Safety Features
With a mix of four and five stars, the GLI comes in pretty good in NHTSA testing. The vehicle also offers numerous pieces of safety equipment. Standard safety equipment on the 2009 GLI includes daytime running lights, an emergency trunk release, dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, front side airbags, an antiskid system, a tire pressure monitor, a brake assist system, 4-wheel antilock brakes and active front head restraints.
Summary
The 2009 Volkswagen GLI stands out as one of the best vehicles in its class. Combining excellent style and design with some of the best performance and handling for the price, the GLI is a tremendous choice for anyone seeking something a bit out of the norm for the compact class. Drivers will enjoy excellent handling, plenty of power, decent cargo space and tons of well thought out German engineering.