See Photos of the New 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Volkswagen has always closely associated the Jetta GLI sedan with the Golf GTI hot hatch, but the supposed siblings were most recently more like distant cousins, as the outgoing sixth-generation Jetta used completely different underpinnings than the MQB-based seventh-generation GTI. Now that the new 2019 Jetta has migrated to MQB, its GLI variant can once again legitimately claim to be a GTI with a trunk, and it has the standard and optional performance extras to back up that assertion.

For starters, the GLI has the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder as the GTI, with the same 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque-increases of 18 hp and 41 lb-ft over the last GLI.

It mates with a standard six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, with automatic cars adding stop-start functionality.

A mechanical limited-slip differential is newly standard, and adaptive dampers are newly optional.

The braking system is shared with the GTI, with 13.4-inch front rotors.

There are two ways to get a manual transmission on the new 2019 Volkswagen Jetta: Settle for the base S trim or go all in on the new 2019 Jetta GLI. Now built on the same MQB platform as the Golf GTI, the GLI is once again a legitimate GTI with a trunk, and thus it gets the same turbocharged 228-hp 2.0-liter inline-four as the GTI. Even better, the six-speed manual is standard.

Now that the Jetta again shares its platform with the Golf, the GLI reclaims its place as a legit GTI with a trunk.

The front and rear bumpers look more aggressive, and dual exhaust tips round out the look.

The Jetta GLI's aggressive bodykit, lowered suspension, red-colored trim, and larger brakes set off its sporty aim nicely. Standard equipment is generous, with features like keyless entry and dual-zone automatic climate control included; options include adaptive dampers and a digital gauge cluster. A 35th Anniversary Edition will be part of the initial lineup, with special trim and styling bits.

Now that the Jetta again shares its platform with the Golf, the GLI reclaims its place as a legit GTI with a trunk.

A panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, and a digital gauge cluster are optional.

A 35th Anniversary Edition will be part of the lineup to start; it has black wheels with a red stripe, a black roof, black mirror caps, and special badging, and comes standard with the aforementioned adaptive dampers.

Two lesser trim levels will exist, too-a base trim and an Autobahn-and the GLI should start in the high-$20,000 range when it goes on sale this spring.