Happy Birthday GLI!

(@alyssa_mowery's 2013 Autobahn GLI)

The Volkswagen GLI will be turning 30 next year! In celebration, Volkswagen will be releasing the GLI Edition 30. The Edition 30 will come in two trim levels, and will be the only GLI models to be distributed in the United States beginning early 2014.

The GLI’s history starts in 1984 as a Mk1 (Mk - Mark - Generation platform name). It had the exterior of a Jetta, but a lot of the same drivetrain features as it’s hatchback sibling, the GTI. The Jetta GLI was to be the counterpart to the GTI, for those who wanted a fun and practical sports car, but still wanted a traditional trunk. The GLI would become increasingly popular for the U.S. market, who has throughout the years shared a serious love affair with sedans. 

(Mk2 turned to stock car, Southern Worthersee 2012)

The Mk2 GLI styling would become the most sold generation, ranging from 1985-1992. It was also when the 16 valve GLI was first introduced in 1987, and the Helios Special Edition in 1989. Volkswagen recently paid homage to the Helios Special Edition at SEMA, building a “tribute” mk6 concept car. 

In 1995, the GLX was introduced. The GLX would be the first to receive a VR6 in a smaller sedan, and came nicely equipped with leather seating, power windows, and luxurious features that the GLI had never received. The GLX offered a perfect balance of luxury, without straying from it’s sporty and practical GLI roots.

2002 marked the “Return of the GLI” (note Star Wars pun). The first few years, the GLI was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It had the same exterior of a normal Jetta, but was a monster on the inside, offering the 200 horsepower 24 valve VR6, or the 180 horsepower 1.8L Turbo engine.  It wasn’t until around 2004 that the GLI came with a body kit including 18” BBS wheels and Recaro seats. Finally, the GLI had an exterior to match what was underneath the hood.

(APR's Jeremy C's modified 2004.5 Special Edition GLI)

The Mk5 beginning in 2006 would be the introduction of the 2.0L Turbo FSI engine in the GLI and what would carry on to the Mk6 generation. The 2.0L Turbo had specs of 200 horsepower and 207 lb/ft of torque. 2014 models received a bump in power with it’s 3rd generation 2.0L TSI with 210 horsepower, and 207 lb/ft of torque.

Which brings us to 30 years. As mentioned in the beginning, the 30th anniversary model will come in 2 trim levels - Edition 30 and Edition 30 with Navigation. The Edition 30 will have 18-in “Laguna” aluminum-alloy wheels, red trim on the front grille, a rear spoiler, and Edition 30 badging. The Edition 30 with Navigation has red trim inside it’s Bi-Xenon headlights. Inside, the Edition 30 will offer contrasting color V-Tex leatherette seats with red accents and red contrast stitching on the steering wheel, armrests, shifter, and brake handle.

The Edition 30 will be well equipped offering standard features like front foglights, LED taillights, Premium VIII touchscreen radio, and Bluetooth. The Edition 30 with Nav comes also with the RNS 315 Touchscreen navigation system, a rearview camera, keyless access with push-button start, LED daytime running lights, and Bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System.

Pricing has not been announced yet for the Edition 30, however current 2014 GLI’s start around $24,255 to $29,595 MSRP. The beautiful GLI offers the best of both worlds, offering the sportiness of the GTI, the practicality of the Jetta, and premium features of a luxury car. Who said you can’t have it all? Tweet us what you think @StohlmanAuto. Happy holidays and until next time!



Esther Cho
Volkswagen Product Specialist
@esther_ch5