One of the most iconic models that embodies sporty and performance spirit is the Volkswagen Jetta. And it’s come a long way over the last 40+ years of its existence. But there are a few details about this popular Volkswagen that you might not know.

A host of Volkswagen Jetta variations have been introduced since that first Jetta rolled off the production line. Today’s car-buying consumers are expressing some love for the VW Jetta GLI, an even more sporty, fun, and performance-driven compact sedan. But do you know what the GLI stands for in its moniker? Here’s a slew of juicy details you might not know about the Jetta, including what the GLI acronym means.

Looking back at the Volkswagen Jetta

Even if you’ve never owned a Volkswagen Jetta yourself, you’re likely familiar with this popular, personality-infused car. As MotorTrend describes, the Jetta has always been a strong car contender, becoming one of VW’s “strongest-selling” vehicles. And it’s been around for decades, having made its North American debut in 1979 as the VW Golf/Rabbit. 

The Golf was a smash hit in Europe but remained a bit sluggish in the states. To make it more appealing to the U.S. market, VW added a trunk to the Golf, and the Jetta Sedan came to life.

According to CarBuzz, the first Jetta GLI arrived in the U.S. in 1984 and, with it, came with four doors, a 1.8-liter engine, and 90 horsepower, which was impressive for the time.

What GLI stands for in the Volkswagen GLI

So, what’s up with the GLI? And what differentiates it from the GTI? Ask Any Difference shares what both GLI and GTI stand for, along with core differences between these two popular Volkswagen Jetta variations.

The GTI acronym stands for Grand Tourisme Injection, harkening to the German model, while GLI represents Grand Luxe Injection, aligning with the Mexican model.

The core differences between the two include length, with the VW Jetta GLI being several inches longer. There are torque distinctions, too, with the GTI offering 258 lb-ft at 1,500 RPM and the GLI offering 207 lb-ft at 1,800 RPM.

The latest news about the VW Jetta GLI

As Scanner Answers shared, the current VW Jetta GLI is a reintroduced version and seventh generation for the 2020 year and as a counterpart to the VW Golf and Golf GTI models. And before you buy, venture over to Volkswagen’s website to explore all the available options for building out your perfect Jetta GLI.

Today’s Jetta GLI comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that harnesses 228 horses and provides 258 lb-ft of torque. And there’s a standard DCC Adaptive Chassis Control that makes this car feel like a perfect marriage of posh style and thrill-seeking performance. Yes, it still comes as a four-door sedan with a nice-sized trunk. You’ll appreciate the fuel efficiency, too, with a combined mpg rating of 30.

Everything about the Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a blast, from its sharp design to upscale touchpoints and the dynamic feel from behind the wheel.

It’s a compact sedan that has enough size to feel like more than it is, too, making it appealing for those who need to transport their favorite people and things. And with a starting price of $31,585, it’s an incredibly affordable contender considering just how much car the Jetta GLI really is.

As you consider the various options out there in the compact sedan category, don’t make your purchasing decision until you’ve had a chance to drive the Volkswagen Jetta GLI. And now that you know what GLI stands for, you know where this performance ride gets its spirit.