Toss a hard-drive-based, voice-activated navigation system into the reborn 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Autobahn, and behold the GLI Autobahn w/Navigation. This agile 5-passenger midsize sedan also boasts such heady touches as 15 cubic feet of trunk space for a vacation journey, as well as a turbocharged inline 4-cylinder (I4) powerplant and multi-link rear suspension to help get over the after-work blahs. Also packed into this flashy VW are 18-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, rear center armrest, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather steering wheel and leather-trimmed shift knob. A cooled cabin storage bin, not to mention remote power door locks, heated power-adjustable outside mirrors, power windows and the self-described navigation system are all included among this heady sedan’s standard creature comforts and conveniences as well. Entertainment, meantime, is handled by the standard Touchscreen Premium VIII sound system backed up by Fender premium audio components. The two systems combine to boast a single-CD player and 9 speakers, all bolstered by satellite radio, a memory card slot and a USB connection. Finally, Bluetooth hands-free communications is also standard, with such options as splash guards, carpeted floor mats, a rear spoiler and upgraded alloy wheels all available.
As with the rest of the GLI lineup, a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 gives the 2012 Jetta GLI Autobahn w/Navigation its go. Mated with the standard 6-speed manual transmission with transmission hill-holder, this peppy four-banger puts out 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, with mileage estimated at 24 mpg city/33 highway. This catchy VW is also available with a shiftable 6-speed DSG auto-manual transmission, though mileage drops to 21/31.
Standard 4-wheel antiock brakes, traction and stability control, front and rear head airbags and front side-mounted airbags are among the 2012 GLI Autobahn w/Navigation’s numerous safety features. Additional safety equipment includes daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors and a post-collision safety system.
