"Übel" (ubel) 08/26/2013 at 09:50 • Filed to: None

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Random question: In the US, why does Volkswagen market the GLI as a Jetta trim level, but it considers the GTI a separate model from the Golf? Just marketing?

AbigGRNboot > Übel 08/26/2013 at 09:59

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Because Racecar.

trynthink > Übel 08/26/2013 at 10:24

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I'd guess because the GLI is on-again off-again in the US market, and because the GTI has a lot more brand recognition, independent of the Golf name. Isn't there a guy here who recently got a job at VAG NA?

boddagettaflyer is staying put > Übel 08/26/2013 at 10:24

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I think they're starting to slowly migrate the GLI into its own model. On my '13, there is absolutely no reference to "Jetta" anywhere on the car. My title and insurance card both say "Jetta GLI," but everything from VW is just "GLI." Also, even though the GLI is on the Jetta page on VW's website, if you search inventory on dealers' websites, you'll search specifically for the GLI, akin to the GTI.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Übel 08/26/2013 at 10:36

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Mostly because of the positioning of the model. Even though they're similarly differentiated from a mechanical standpoint, the GLI is designed and visually meant to be the top Jetta. The GTI on the other hand is visually more differentiated (inside and out) and is supposed to be a "ZOMG AFFORDABLE JURMANNS SPORTS CAH!"

Übel > boddagettaflyer is staying put 08/26/2013 at 11:43

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Isn't the GLI more upscale from the current Jetta, too? I remember hearing that it wasn't nearly as affected by VW's cost cutting as the rest of the Jetta lineup.

boddagettaflyer is staying put > Übel 08/26/2013 at 12:58

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Well, it has that stupid leatherette (Canadian models get real leather! BRB—flying to Toronto and buying replacement seats...) and there's a couple other touches where you can tell the bean counters got their way, but yeah, it is definitely nicer than the 2.5SE.