Interesting that the GLI keeps the manual, but the GTI doesn't.
Is the average GLI buyer really more likely to buy a manual over the average GTI buyer? Or is there something else at play here?
Photography Courtesy VW
Those that prefer to row your own gears, rejoice: Our hypothesis yesterday was correct, and the 2025 VW Jetta GLI will still be available with a six-speed manual.
VW unveiled a refreshed Jetta and Jetta GLI this morning, promising “style and better value” for 2025.
While there’s no additional power for the 2025 GLI–the 2.0-liter EA888 engine good for 228 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque is retained–the more exciting news here is that the GLI can still be had with a 6-speed manual alongside a 7-speed DSG. (We’re looking at you, GTI.)
What is new for the GLI? A fresh face and rear end, new exterior colors–Monterey Blue Pearl and Monument Gray–plus new wheels and optional black-wheel packages.
Inside, the GLI gets a fresh dash design, one that “directs the eye to the new focal point for the cabin—the floating touchscreen infotainment system.” The GLI also gets new perforated leather seats–with red contrast stitching–in either Grey, Red Crust or Titan Black.
As for the more pedestrian Jetta, the 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four stays for 2025, as does the 8-speed auto. Similar to the GLI, the interior plus the front and rear facias have also been refreshed.
VW also touts that it's IQ.DRIVE safety suite is standard for the 2025 Jetta and GLI:
The system utilizes front and rear radar, a front camera and several ultrasound sensors to collect data from the surrounding area, enabling Travel Assist (semi-automated driving assistance); Front Assist (Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring); Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go; Lane Assist (Lane Keeping System); and Emergency Assist (semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency).
While pricing for the entire lineup has not been announced, the 2025 Jetta will have a starting MSRP of $21,995, which, as VW is quick to note, is lower than the $22,235 starting MSRP of the outgoing, automatic-equipped 2024 model. (For reference, the 2024 GLI starts at $28,085.)
The 2025 Jetta and GLI are expected to arrive in U.S. dealers by the end of Q3 2024.
Interesting that the GLI keeps the manual, but the GTI doesn't.
Is the average GLI buyer really more likely to buy a manual over the average GTI buyer? Or is there something else at play here?
In reply to Colin Wood :
The car is a refresh of the old model, like a MK 7.75 vs a MK8. I'm guessing it's all the older parts
In reply to J_D :
Good point. It's likely easier to keep offering the manual than nixing it.
Bravo for keeping the manual available!
I've owned somewhere in the neighborhood of 6 Jettas over time, all have been absolutely fantastic cars. Gotta give them huge credit for keeping the manual alive when so many have long ago abandoned the notion.
If you want manuals, let's hope people buy them. Ultimately, dollars do the talking and, ultimately, convincing in boardrooms. Encourage your friends to save the stick 
.
A magazine article just posted indicates that since the Jetta is a US market controlled car model it was able to keep the manual.
Would a Jetta manual compete in the market against a civic SI? Is it any fun to drive relative to an SI or Mazda 3 hatchback manual?
In reply to Advan046 :
I'm biased on this but the 3 Jetta GLI's I've owned have been some of the best low buck fun I could imagine having. My current 2017 Jetta GLI I took out on Tail of the Dragon with no upgrades other than pads and brake fluid, was able to drive it hard enough to get the front brakes smoking and was grinning ear to ear the whole time, then drove back to FL getting 31+MPG the whole way. As with any German car, they're more finicky with the maintenance than something like a Civic Si, but I've driven a number of those over the years and never was inspired enough to buy one. I also have never experienced an unexpected failure, short of a dead battery on any of them, and I'm not by any means gentle on them. If I was ever forced to go back to just one car, it'd be another GLI.
I saw a MkI Jetta GLI yesterday. They were never, ever common, even when they were new. It was beautiful and so very cool.
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