This past year or so—and next—is shaping up to be the years of major automotive anniversaries, what with BMW M, Ford’s Mustang, and Porsche’s 911 all celebrating milestones of 40 and 50 years. Falling into the category of “less-known than those other guys” falls Volkswagen’s sporty Jetta GLI, which marks its 30th birthday in 2014. To celebrate, VW is releasing a special-edition model to commemorate its affordable sports-sedan: the 2015 GLI Edition 30.
Interestingly, the Edition 30 isn’t so much a special-edition model as it will be the GLI model—VW will sell only Edition 30 GLIs in 2014, meaning no standard GLI will be offered. Two Edition 30 trim levels will be available—one with navigation and one without—but even the “base” car will come well equipped. V-Tex leatherette seats with red accents and red contrast stitching (which extends to the steering wheel, shifter, armrests, and hand-brake lever), carbon-fiber-look trim, Edition 30 doorsill trim plates, and floor mats with red stitching are included; there are also special badges, 18-inch “Laguna” wheels, red grille trim, and a trunk spoiler. The nav-equipped Edition 30 adds a backup camera, LED daytime running lamps, adaptive xenon headlights, and keyless entry with push-button start.
Volkswagen’s first Jetta GLI was introduced in 1984, and since then it has cemented its role as the three-box GTI in VW’s lineup. Whereas back then it boasted a 90-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder and a five-speed manual, today the GLI more than makes do with a 200-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four and a six-speed manual or dual-clutch automatic transmission. That powertrain also applies to the Edition 30. Pricing will be announced closer to the car’s early-2014 on-sale date, but given that the 30′s the only GLI on offer, we doubt it will cost much more than the current GLI, which starts at $25,075.
