A poke here and a prod there to the standard turbocharged inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant begets the emissions-friendly 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn PZEV. But just because this 5-passenger midsize sedan runs greener doesn’t mean it skimps on standard features. A power glass sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels and heated power-adjustable mirrors adorn the outside of this nimble 4-door, while leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, rear folding center armrest, a leather steering wheel and leather-trimmed shift knob put a bit of posh inside. Also look for standard power windows and remote door locks aboard this family-oriented midsize, as well as dual-zone automatic climate control with cooled cabin storage bin, cruise control and Bluetooth hands-free communications technology. The popular Touchscreen Premium VIII sound system, meantime, with a 6-CD changer and 9 speakers, is bolstered by satellite radio, a memory card slot and a USB connection. Options, though a tad accessory-minded, include splash guards, a rear spoiler, carpeted floor mats and upgraded alloy wheels.
The tweaked 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine is the star of the 2012 Jetta GLI Autobahn PZEV show. Combined with the standard 6-speed manual transmission with the hill-holder feature, this peppy I4 flaunts 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque at an estimated 24 mpg city/33 highway. Should the available DSG 6-speed shiftable auto-manual transmission be selected, look for mileage to drop into the range of 21/31. In any case, this enviro-friendly GLI is welcome in all fifty states due to its greener Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) status, and its multi-link rear suspension system gives it an edge over its less agile next-gen Jetta brethren in pure driving pleasure and excitement.
Included in the list of standard safety features for the 2012 GLI Autobahn PZEV are 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags and front side-mounted airbags. Further standard safety features include daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a post-collision safety system.
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