Post by VWCA_Adman on May 29, 2019 11:34:44 GMT -6
May 23, 2019; Elkhart Lake WI: VW’s Mark Gillies went against the truck/SUV grain. He presented two new VW sedans to more than 100 automotive journalists at the Midwest Automotive Media Association's spring rally at Road America. According to Gillies, Americans bought more than 4.2 million sedans last year. This is more than the entire German car market. So, VW sees America as ripe for its new sporting sedans.
Gillies says the Jetta GLI is the GTI of sports sedans. Compared with last year’s GLI the new one has 18 more horsepower and 51 more lb-ft of torque (228 hp/ 258 lb-ft). It’s available with either a six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed DSG. A multilink rear suspension, variable-ratio steering, and understeer reducing suspension tuning improve street or track driving. Base price is $25,995 plus $995 destination.
VW says the 2019 GLI doesn’t race through your wallet. It offers about $1,850 more content for about the same price as last year’s car. I found GLI engaging on Road America’s track. The manual transmission GLI seamed light and playful. It willingly climbed to triple digit speeds and braked well. Seating isn’t as grippy as the GTI, however.
Stylish Arteon
VW’s slinky fastback Arteon references the look of premium cars such as Audi’s A7. It does this at a lower base price: $35,845 plus $995 destination. Gillies says it’s a true grand touring machine offering power and efficiency. It’s also unusually well equipped.
The 268-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic. Arteon’s 111.7-inch wheelbase adds nearly three inches to rear-seat legroom vs. the VW CC. Due to the rear liftback, cargo space is generous: 27.2 cubic feet expanding to 55, when you fold the rear seat.
Gillies says the Jetta GLI is the GTI of sports sedans. Compared with last year’s GLI the new one has 18 more horsepower and 51 more lb-ft of torque (228 hp/ 258 lb-ft). It’s available with either a six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed DSG. A multilink rear suspension, variable-ratio steering, and understeer reducing suspension tuning improve street or track driving. Base price is $25,995 plus $995 destination.
VW says the 2019 GLI doesn’t race through your wallet. It offers about $1,850 more content for about the same price as last year’s car. I found GLI engaging on Road America’s track. The manual transmission GLI seamed light and playful. It willingly climbed to triple digit speeds and braked well. Seating isn’t as grippy as the GTI, however.
Stylish Arteon
VW’s slinky fastback Arteon references the look of premium cars such as Audi’s A7. It does this at a lower base price: $35,845 plus $995 destination. Gillies says it’s a true grand touring machine offering power and efficiency. It’s also unusually well equipped.
The 268-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic. Arteon’s 111.7-inch wheelbase adds nearly three inches to rear-seat legroom vs. the VW CC. Due to the rear liftback, cargo space is generous: 27.2 cubic feet expanding to 55, when you fold the rear seat.
All-wheel drive is available. The SEL with 4Motion tester tackled twisty scenic routes near Elkhart Lake like an NFL pro who took ballet lessons. It’s smooth, quiet and potent. There's one exception--the engine is sometimes gritty. Drivers enjoy rich-looking interior trim. Aft views via the rearview mirror are restricted.