Base Price: $24,750
Price as Tested: $28,895
Why We Drove It: The Volkswagen Jetta was the top ranked vehicle in its class in the 2007 Automotive Performance, Layout and Execution Study (APEAL), and has trended strongly as a top-three ranked model in this study over time.


The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a compact sport sedan based on the German automaker s best-selling model in the United States. The Volkswagen Jetta GLI originally debuted in 1984 and has served as the performance-tuned Jetta variant since. Equipped with a turbocharged engine, a sport suspension and other features that appeal to people who want a car that performs better than most sedans on the road, the Jetta GLI shares its powertrain and platform with the Volkswagen GTI, which is the sporty version of the Volkswagen Rabbit. The current Jetta GLI was last redesigned for 2005.


Here is a summary of the changes to the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta GLI:
. Redesigned wheel choices
. Reduced ride height
. Standard tire pressure monitor
. Silver finish radio buttons
. Simplified cruise control
. Premium sound is now optional
. Launch control comes standard with Direct Shift Gearbox transmission
. Special edition Fahrenheit model (pictured)


The 2007 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is offered in standard or Fahrenheit trim. It is distinguished from the Jetta 2.0T by its standard 17-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension, lower ride height, blacked out grille, bi-Xenon headlights, sport seats covered in plaid fabric, flat-bottomed steering wheel, and aluminum interior trim. The GLI Fahrenheit model adds unique yellow paint, a stiffer suspension, special wheels, leather heated sport seats, a power sunroof, summer performance tires, and other minor modifications. Production of the GLI Fahrenheit model is limited to 1,200 examples, each with its serial production number stamped on a small metal plate affixed to the steering wheel.


Options are grouped into packages. For example, a power sunroof is packaged with a premium audio system and an auxiliary power outlet. Leather upholstery is available to replace the Jetta GLI s unusual standard plaid fabric, and includes heated sport seats with stiffer bolsters, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated washer nozzles. Rear side-impact airbags, a navigation system, an iPod adapter, satellite radio, a rear spoiler, and summer performance tires are also available.


The 2007 Jetta GLI is powered by a standard 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine makes 200 horsepower between 5,100 and 6,000 rpm and 207 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,800 and 5,000 rpm. A six-speed manual transmission drives the front wheels. Volkswagen s Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) is optional. The DSG is an automated manual, which means it works just like an automatic transmission from the driver s perspective, but mechanically operates like a manual transmission without a foot-operated clutch.


Standard safety features on the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta GLI include six airbags: dual front, dual front side-impact, and side curtain airbags. Additionally, the Jetta GLI is equipped with antilock brakes and brake assist, stability and traction control, and a tire pressure monitor. Side-impact airbags for the rear passengers are optional.


J.D. Power and Associates says the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta GLI competes against other compact sport sedans like the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Ford Focus ST, Mitsubishi Lancer GTS, and Nissan Sentra SE-R.