In its second year as a model distinct from the Jetta, the 2009 Volkswagen GLI adds heated front seats and a 6-CD changer to its standard equipment. This compact sport sedan can be seen as a counterpart to the hatchback GTI and competes with the Civic Si, the Subaru WRX, and the Acura TSX. Tight, precise handling and maneuverability with quick off-the-line power give the 2009 GLI an exciting driving dynamic, while refined European design on the inside keeps everything upscale.
Helping drivers have fun behind the wheel, the GLI's 16-valve, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four delivers 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque in a wide 1,800-5,000 RPM range. Its turbo power impresses even more with its 21/29 mpg and PZEV compatibility. Paired with a 6-speed manual, the 2009 GLI hits 0-60 in 7.2 seconds. Switch to the 6-speed DSG sequential shift automatic and that number dips to 6.9 seconds. Test drives find both transmissions quick and responsive.
The front-wheel drive 2009 GLI rides on a sport-tuned suspension and 17-inch wheels with performance tires. Bolstered front seats support passengers firmly, particularly in the GLI's tight cornering. Standard features include tilt and telescopic steering, a leather-trimmed wheel housing cruise and audio controls, full power features, heated seats and mirrors, a 10-speaker sound system, and an MP3 jack. Options increase the wheel size to 18 inches and add leather upholstery, a sunroof, and a navigation system.
The GLI seats four in two rows, with a large 16-cubic-foot trunk accessed via an armrest pass-through or by the 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Head and legroom favors front passengers, with back-seat riders probably feeling a bit hemmed in on long trips. The 2009 GLI earns four stars in front impact and five in side impact tests, offering standard traction and stability control, four-wheel ABS brakes, dual-stage front-side and side curtain airbags for both rows, mirrors with turn signals, and a tire monitor.
Reviewers give high marks to the 2009 GLI's expert handling, which exhibits very little body lean in combination with tight maneuverability and good driver feedback. It's a sedan that will appeal to those needing a commuter car during the week, but wanting to have a little fun on the weekends. Back seat space feels a bit compromised, but the large trunk and high-quality cabin materials make the GLI seem more refined than many compacts. Despite noticeable turbo lag, the four-banger engine rides quietly and provides good acceleration response. Though it requires premium gas, the 2009 GLI represents a cheaper alternative to higher-priced luxury sport sedans and offers satisfying driving dynamics.
Recently switched to a GLI after several years of GTIs including a 2006 MkV. To say the least I'm very disappointed with the performance of the 2009 GLI- I though the handling would be much more similar to the GTI except accounting for the added size/height. My experience thus far has been considerably more body roll and nervousness/unsettling when pushed- this despite having the 18 in wheels. Did I simply buy a dressed up Jetta?
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
MP3 auxiliary audio input · Hard Drive: 30GB · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: storage organizer · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual adjustments: 8
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: wing
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: one-touch
Safety
Active head restraints: driver
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation