Volkwagen Jetta GLI 2012 debuts at Chicago Auto Show

Volkswagen revealed the 2012 Jetta GLI at the Chicago Auto Show. It is slightly longer than the previous Jetta and will have the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.

The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine produces about 200 hp and generates 280 Nm of torque at 1700 rpm. It can be bought either with a 6-speed manual or a DSG automatic. Fuel economy for the manual is 7.6 litres/100 km for the manual and for the DSG, it is rated at 7.4 litres/100 km. Additional performance features include four-wheel-independent suspension, paddle shifters, an “XDS” cross-differential system which prevent inside wheel spin during cornering, and four-wheel-disc brakes with red calipers.

Safety features include electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring and Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System, in which the electrical supply to the fuel pump is shut off, the doors unlock and the hazard lights switch on. Also included are driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags in front and Side Curtain Protection airbags in front and rear.

The 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI could makes its debut in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other GCC regions at some point next year, based on VW’s usual delays in releasing new models here.

Keep track of the latest prices and updates in the Volkswagen Jetta buyer guide.