I Want VW to Make the Jetta R

"willkinton247" (willkinton247)
01/24/2014 at 11:12 • Filed to: Volkswagen, Jetta, Wants, Desires, Fantasies

VW unveiled a Jetta R coupe concept back in 2010 at the Detroit Auto Show, but VW hasn't really done or said anything about it since. But honestly, it really shouldn't be that expensive for them to develop and make, and I think a business case can be made for it in the American market.

The mechanical parts already exist, meaning development costs would be low. It could utilize the 296 hp 2.0l turbocharged engine from the Golf R and Scirocco R, and it could be offered in AWD. It could be offered with either a manual or a DSG gearbox. The interior could be made with the same soft-touch materials offered in the Golf R, and it could be offered as either a coupe or a sedan. I personally think that coupe looks fantastic.

If it was brought to market, it would be priced close to, or slightly less than the Golf R, a bit over $30,000. This may look like Audi territory, as the A4 starts at $33,800 before options. However, the A4 makes only 220 HP, and our theoretical Jetta R would make around 296 hp, which is significantly more. This wouldn't be the people's version of an A4 then, that's what the GLI is, which is about $10,000 less than the A4. This would be the VW equivalent of the S4, and that makes me salivate.

Let's face it. As much as we love hatchbacks around these parts, America has not had a love affair with them. Americans see them as city cars for young people, and the hot versions are for twenty-somethings who have been in the work place for a few years. People here think that sedans are better looking, and if they are going to spend $30,000 on a car, they would want to buy something they think looks nice.

The Golf R starts at $34,795 MSRP, and an options package could push it as high as $37,000 so let's say you're in your early thirties, married, with a young kid or two, and you have $37,000 to spend on a sporty car, and you, like your red-blooded neighbors, don't want a hatchback. The Jetta R would ride like the Golf R, so it wouldn't be too harsh, but it would still be sporty, and similar performance figures (0-60 in 5.3 seconds with the manual and 4.9 with DSG). It would have the same level of options as the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , notably the same flat bottom steering wheel, bucket seats, soft touch plastics. Higher end VW interiors have always been a strong point of VW's, and this would be no exception. You know, something like this:

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So let's take a look at the competition. First up, there is the new Subaru WRX STI. This car will offer 305 hp, with AWD, and a 6MT. It will do 0-60 in about 5.0 seconds, and handle well without a doubt. However, Subaru interiors have never been at the same level as a Volkswagen's, and I don't expect this STI to match the Golf R, and by extension the Jetta R interior. Furthermore, as cool as that wing is, it is ostentatious and dare I say, childish. You'd look ridiculous getting out of it while wearing a suit. If you're not willing to get a hatchback, you wouldn't want to get this. It's expected to start at $36,500, which could be almost two grand above our base Jetta R, before options. The Mitsubishi Evo falls into the same category as the Evo, and so it would not appeal to this person who is a wearer of suits. The Jetta R looks like a better option.

As I mentioned before, the Audi A4 starts at $33,800 for a CVT equipped, FWD version with wheels, paint, and most importantly, four interlocking rings on the front of the car. You get 220 hp out of the 2.0L I4 turbo. If you would like a manual transmission and AWD, that will cost you an additional $900, and if you would like the automatic (why would you?) it will cost you an additional $2,100. If you would like navigation prepare to shell out an additional $1,950, heated seats will run you $750, and the S-Line package adds another $1,600. It'll be difficult to stay in budget and walk away well equipped, and performance won't be on the same level as the Jetta R. Audi interiors are quite nice, so I imagine even the base level A4 would be nicer than the Jetta R's interior, but I think the A4 is meant to appeal to a different kind of buyer. Our buyer would walk away from the A4, satisfied with how he could drive it to a big job interview wearing his best suit, but unsatisfied with the performance. He would also feel similarly about the CLA250 and the ATS.

Then there's the BMW 228i, which has 240 hp, and looks pretty great too. It starts at $32,100, and you can reasonably equip it under $37,000. It has less power than the Jetta R, but it will handle very well with it's rear wheel drive. The interior will be comfortable for you and your wife, but the rear seat will be cramped, and your kids will complain on longer car rides. A sedan version of the Jetta R would solve this, and a sedan version would definitely be the easiest for VW to create. Even the coupe version would probably have better rear leg room than the BMW 228i.

So where does that leave us? I can't think of anything that really fits into this mold. The Jetta R would fulfill a niche in the market that doesn't exist right now, and I think it could definitely be profitable. Many companies are looking to build cheap performance these days, and I think Volkswagen would find it very advantageous to be the first to make an affordable "adult" performance sedan with high horsepower and a comfortable interior. They've even thought about it. It won't be very expensive to develop, and its something I believe people would want. VW has proven that they can make quality Golfs, and this could prove to the US that they can make a quality Jetta too.

So VW, if you are listening, please make this. We don't get the Scirocco R, give us the Jetta R.

What do you think? Would a Jetta R be successful? Is there anything else that fulfills this niche?

I talk about cars a lot on Twitter. Feel free to follow me there at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . If you want me to look into a particular series or topic, or have any feedback, let me know!

DISCUSSION (100)

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 11:14

Audi S3

Jayhawk Jake > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 11:15

The problem is the price point starts to reach a lot of money for a Jetta, which is the same problem the Golf R has. "You want me to pay how much for a Golf?!"

There's also the issue of there being a small market to begin with. The STI occupies a tiny market, so trying to compete with that means you aren't really going to get all that many sales.

I like the idea of it, and I think it would be a little bit successful but it would be really hard to market.

willkinton247 > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire
01/24/2014 at 11:15

That'll probably end up closer to $40K.

Brian Silvestro > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 11:15

It's so weird that they didn't make it. For some reason, Americans love sedans much more than hatchbacks (Fiesta sedan ew) so this should've been an easy sell for them.

willkinton247 > Brian Silvestro
01/24/2014 at 11:17

Exactly! It's honestly a way better idea for America than the Golf R

willkinton247 > Jayhawk Jake
01/24/2014 at 11:18

I think they need to market it as a budget S3 or S4. If they do that, people will take notice.

Tom McParland > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 11:19

I think it could work, if they get the pricing right. The problem with the Golf R for a lot of people is once you hit that price range there are so many nicer, and faster cars. It really just appeals to hard-core VW folks.

willkinton247 > Tom McParland
01/24/2014 at 11:21

I think the fact that the Golf is a hatchback causes it to run astray. American's think hatchbacks should be cheap, and so I think a Sedan would do better.

Jayhawk Jake > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 11:21

But it's not an Audi, which is bad for marketing.

I think they'd be better off just calling it an S3.

willkinton247 > Jayhawk Jake
01/24/2014 at 11:23

Or making sure the S3 ends up cheaper than $40K, which is what it looks like it'll be.

Jayhawk Jake > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 11:25

If the S3 can start at $36,500, it's perfect. A bit more expensive than a Golf R

Tom McParland > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 11:27

But the Golf R can push 40 grand loaded, you are in 3-series territory and 2 series territory with that kind of dough. Not to mention the pre-owned market.

willkinton247 > Jayhawk Jake
01/24/2014 at 11:28

Yeah, I agree. That would absolutely fill this niche. But if it ends up over $40,000 like people think it will, it'll be in the same territory as the S4.

willkinton247 > Tom McParland
01/24/2014 at 11:29

Is there a price difference between the GTI and the GLI?

Stupidru > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 11:52

As much as I'd love a VAG product that doesn't scream "Look at me, I make a ton of money", it's not going to happen because Audi already makes the A5.

duurtlang > Brian Silvestro
01/24/2014 at 11:57

I'd guess the Golf R was designed with Europe in mind, and they were only offered in the US because they had it already so it was relatively easy/cheap to redevelop in US spec. In (Western-) Europe there isn't even a market for a Jetta GLI given the target demographic of the Jetta here (grandpa), so there certainly isn't a market for a Jetta R.

Josh > Jayhawk Jake
01/24/2014 at 12:02

I agree with this sentiment because America. I give zero shits what the badge says if the car performs well, meets my expectations and looks good enough. On the other hand, most of America believes that the badge that your car wears is absolutely inseparable from its inherent level of performance, so I would assume this to be sales failure (much like the Golf R already has been).

specialfunk > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:04

Since when does the Golf R make 296 HP?

willkinton247 > specialfunk
01/24/2014 at 12:05

since 2015.

specialfunk > Tom McParland
01/24/2014 at 12:06

$40k? They typically max out around $36k. What other car can you get that is as nice and as fast and AWD (or at the very least, RWD)? Sure, you can get faster ones that aren't as nice, and you can get nicer ones that aren't as fast.

Jayhawk Jake > Josh
01/24/2014 at 12:07

100% agree. I wish we had Seat. Why? Because I can get a GTI for a few thousand less than a GTI, only wearing a different badge with some slightly cheaper materials.

If VW made a Jetta R and priced it $5000 less than an S3, even though I really like Audi I'd be hard pressed to turn it down. Unfortunately though logic goes out the window for most people, and instead of saying 'wow, I can get all that for only $30,000?!" they say "What, you mean pay $30,000 for a Jetta?!"

That being said, I think the S3 could do really well for mixing performance and luxury, and I hope it does well because I would love one someday.

Vintage1982Benz > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:07

^^^

This. IDK if it will ever see the light because VAG wants people like me (driving a GLI Autobahn) to make the jump up to their Audi brand and pay the price premium.

Otherwise, I would totally drive the Jetta R.

Nice post and comparisons, thanks for putting it together.

Canofminus > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:10

A Jetta R? No thanks.

A CC-R, now I'm on board.

hhauflaire > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:11

Then, if they could do the same thing to the sportwagen...

StevenG > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:14

You're absolutely right, which makes me sad as hell.

MannyBones > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:17

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Holy shit yes! Why have they never done this?! I've thought about this ever since I had my MkV Jetta GLX. I liked the car generally, but it basically made me hate FWD. Somehow even with a manual (or maybe because the crappy 5-speed somehow didn't match the power of the engine) It was neither smooth nor peppy. I always thought how much better AWD would make it, even if it literally put enough drag on the engine that it would make 1st gear starts easier.

Saracen > Tom McParland
01/24/2014 at 12:17

Show me a BMW 3-series with a loaded Golf R's equipment level and power that is well below $40k.

Doesn't exist.

You will find nicer cars, you will find faster cars, but you will not find sportier German cars with the same level of refinement at the Golf R's price.

And the 3-series has terrible, awful, numb steering.

DanimalHouse > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:18

But it would still be.... a Jetta.

jfrid710 > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:18

This is a great car for the more-grown-up enthusiast, like you said. Perfect for the guy who values good performance and a nice interior more than a badge. Well written article and come on VW! Just keep the AWD and MT and it'll be a hit

T off the New > DanimalHouse
01/24/2014 at 12:21

And whats wrong with that?

Charlie B. Sharenative > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:22

Not only is it a good idea, they should take the R performance style to all the models, like a cheaper, lightweight M. Not just ground moulding, real performance changes. Like the Audi S5 is to the A5.

Eyaare > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:22

I think there's a lot about the Golf that causes Americans to turn the other way.

I mean, the Golf R is a small hatchback with, let's face it, some of the least aggressive styling known to this nation, and even though it's AWD, it's based on this budget little FWD ecoturd. for $35k.

The 300, a V6, RWD full-size entry-luxury sedan will run you $30k.

The similar Dodge Charger, V8, RWD and big as a mofucka, will run you $30k.

An ATS is, what, $33k?

A 3-series can't be that much more.

An FR-S is ten grand cheaper.

Muscle cars. In fact, this is the biggest point.

The American view of performance is not highly-engineered cars that get good lap times and run tuned versions of economy engines, wearing updated accessories on econobox faces. The American view of performance is big cars with huge engines. American performance is not sampled on a crafted and well-maintained set of turns on a perfect course, but burnouts in a parking lot and launches when the light turns green.

And you're thinking right now. But Audi. But BMW. But Subaru. Audi and Beamer get by on fucking suits who've heard from their fancy friends that these are the "driver's cars." And wanna be suits. And then, like, three people who actually know a thing or two. And Subaru gets by because snow. Like, I never saw any Subarus before I moved to Ohio where it snows like a bitch and every asshole who would be driving a Cavalier with sprayed flames has a beater Subie instead.

You're taking a culture that, for a long time, has had this view of "for this much give me the biggest car with the biggest engine," and going "hey, this thing isn't aggressive, it's refined, and this size isn't cheap against desired, but practical against excessive, and I know it has this smaller engine and isn't RWD but it's been engineered and tuned and blah blah blah ." It goes against everything mainstream about performance to buy a fucking VW performance car in America.

And there's a lot of insults throughout that, I realize. It isn't necessarily attacks on VW. I don't care for them, but I'm trying to demonstrate, these are the attitudes. Subcompacts are for college chicks who want to save the environment. Fullsizes with V8s are for people who want to go fast and be cool. That's America.

OldManMcKenna > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:23

I want them to make it too... in Germany. Ever been in a US Market 2011+ Jetta? The kind of people who would buy a Jetta R would likely pay a premium for a car that doesn't quite literally fall apart in your hands as you're driving it.

marshamallow > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:24

Or you could just get, say, a nice MKV GLI autobahn for around $15k or so and a K04 turbo kit from APR for less than 4 grand and have more power than a golf R. Granted you would be missing the AWD, but we all know that just slows you down after 60 feet anyway, and you'd have an extra ten grand in your pocket.

willkinton247 > Canofminus
01/24/2014 at 12:24

Here you go:

PardonMyFlemish16 > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:26

I don't see the point. The Jetta's interiors are better, but it's not the gulf it used to be. Not to mention, the Jetta looks boring as hell, and is not much more practical than the Golf. I'm sure the 2.0T in the R has the same dull engine note and slight turbo lag as the base GTIs. Just another cookie cutter 2.0T turbo 4 that's great for emissions and wack for engagement. No thanks.

I personally think the Rs should have a VR6. Make AWD and a "power pack" an option for the regular GTIs. These things are nose heavy as hell anyway. Put a big 4.0L VR6 in the nose. NO TURBOS. Let it sing. To hell with emissions. Otherwise just leave it alone. Let the Jetta continue to be VW's tool of blandness to try and hang ten with the Civrolla.

willkinton247 > Charlie B. Sharenative
01/24/2014 at 12:27

VW acts like they want to do that, but then... they don't....

seoultrain > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:29

VW won't even import the Scirocco R, a ready-made car they just have to send over from Europe, crash tests being the only hurdle. Sadly, I don't think they'll decide to offer something they have to pay to design (apart from the outside) and engineer.

That said, I bet one could make a case for this being a halo trim for the Jetta, which will help the cheaper Jetta's sales. It's certainly the only reason why anyone bought a Lancer.

April_N_ > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:30

The main issue I have here is that you're using 2013 Golf R prices with 2015 Golf R performance numbers.

Not to mention the GLI starts at $24,535. The GTI at $25,095. Assuming 2013 prices a Jetta R is probably going to be around $34k, however the 2015 model is undoubtedly going to be more expensive.

Plus after a couple options you're getting awful close, probably, to S3 prices, which to I think to the person worried enough about images that they refuse to buy a hot hatch is likely going to pony up a couple extra grand for. I mean a Audi with a S badge? That's some good image right there.

472CID > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:31

Kinja'd!!!

alternatively

Josh > Jayhawk Jake
01/24/2014 at 12:32

Yeah. If the S3 pulls off the "adult WRX" platform that Subaru is trying to do but currently ruining, I may be interested. I wish that they would've ported an AWD S3 hatch though for the new A3 platform. I would be very, very interested in that. Plus, they've already got all the parts - it's basically just a Golf R with rings stuck on the front and a slightly more wagon-y-er body.

Edit: just read up on the American S3 - $40k+ for auto only, no LSD, sedan only? Yeah, nevermind that idea.

Brumos59-2 > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:32

While a 2 door Jetta like the concept car pictured is not unheard of, it was available in the 1st and 2nd generation of the Golf with a trunk, I don't see VW doing this today.

A Jetta R does make some sense given the competition but it would essentially be a sedan version of the Golf R, which does not sell well compared to say the Subaru STI hatchback since it gives up a lot of performance for the money in exchange for the nicer VW interior. I'm sure the whole thing would hinge on how well the Jetti GLI has been selling over the past 2 years and I'd say not well based on the number of them I see on the road. What I would really like to see is a GLI Sportwagon, which I'm pretty sure VW sells an equivalent to in Europe as a Skoda and/or Seat.

Buckus > Tom McParland
01/24/2014 at 12:33

Everything pushes into the pre-owned market. That's why people tend to compare new cars with new cars only.

americancarfanboi > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:33

Have you ever read up on a comparison between a GLI and the GTI?!? The jetta is a pathetic chassis compared to the golf, and the GLI far underperforms the GTI with the exact same drivetrain. If you want VW's attempt at a classier camry, that is almost solely built for the US market, then throw a K04 on a 2.0t jetta and have fun with those rear drum brakes... If you want a good VW sedan, buy a CC with the dsg and a VR6, I don't believe you can have a VR6 and the stick, and throw a turbo on it. /discussion

CleverBS > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:35

The Jetta R could be a couple grand less than the Golf R for the fully loaded version (think $35k vs $37k) much like the loaded GLI is a couple grand less than a loaded GTI, but overall this would have to be a lower volume model piggy banking off of a high volume platform to justify its existence.

But I say they should go for it... and I was always hoping that the Jetta R would make it to production. And that's coming from a current Golf R owner.

Buckus > Eyaare
01/24/2014 at 12:35

Some people aren't interested in bigger cars even though they can afford them. Some people want German cars. To each their own, as long as there exists a big enough market share to justify the Golf R, it will keep coming over.

vdubaron > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:35

Being a vw enthusiast and current owner of a Golf R I always wonder if people realize how easy it is to make turbo vw or audi's faster? Simple stage 1 apr tune (15 minutes) and decent cold air intake put my Golf R at 337 hp to the wheels (yes dyno'd on a cold day). AWD makes a huge difference, I would think if they are going to do a Jetta R it really should be a 4 door to compete with S4's.

willkinton247 > seoultrain
01/24/2014 at 12:41

The idea of a halo Jetta is something I definitely thought about.

bimmerismyname > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:41

I completely agree! If i could (financially) i'd drop the VR6 engine in my Mk5 Jetta, convert it to 4Motion and supercharge that bitch. THEN i'd have a Jetta R lol

ChrisFu > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:42

You showed a picture of the S3, but didnt mention it at all.

willkinton247 > ChrisFu
01/24/2014 at 12:48

Shoot you're right. That is an S3.

The reason I didn't mention it was because it's expected to be start around 40K

Maxaxle > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:49

Kinja'd!!!

Volkswagaru?

smrtypants44 > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:52

The only problem is that there is no AWD setup on the Jettas current platform. For the mk6 gen the Jetta and GTI platforms have split, with the Jetta and Beetle being on their own separate (read cheaper) platform. They would have to develop a whole new AWD drivetrain setup for this new platform (which may or may not have been designed with the ability to add a driveshaft/rear axles)

Captain Hostile > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:55

Right after they make us a Bus. If wanted two doors and not a GTI then the A5 is it, even with the premium price.

ChrisFu > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 12:56

True, and VW wouldnt be so heartless to offer a Jetta R here without a manual.

Thanks Audi.

boneheadotto > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 13:04

Id settle for a GLI wagon honestly. (though please give it the plaid seats and the R steering wheel!!!)

Joe Stevenson > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 13:05

Hey! I often wear suits while driving and it makes me feel like a bad ass stepping out of my WRX. I don't think I look (too) ridiculous doing it.

ezeolla > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 13:18

1. Wouldn't the ATS be in the same category as the 3-series? RWD and manual transmission with ~250 HP?

2. I don't find the back seat of the 3-series to be cramped and I am 5'10", so I don't imagine a little kid would care. My dad has one and I usually end up in the back seat when we drive the 3 hours to visit family for the holidays and I have no problems

rabbitman > Canofminus
01/24/2014 at 13:18

They already make it. It's called the V6 executive. Best part it you get a VR6. But for the price it should have more HP.

Mr Evolution > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 13:18

Jetta Sportwagen R TDI 6spd 4Motion!!

Put me down for one please!

willkinton247 > ezeolla
01/24/2014 at 13:23

Yeah, that's why I didn't mention it. I mentioned the 2 series. That's a different back seat story.

Franz86 > Jayhawk Jake
01/24/2014 at 13:24

My thoughts exactly. As an auto enthusiast I would love to see a Jetta R. With the golf R selling so few units last year and the fact that many american's thinking VW builds unreliable and overpriced cars I don't think a $35,000+ jetta would be a sales hit.

ezeolla > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 13:27

Oh, sorry. In my head I automatically read 328i

911c4s > vdubaron
01/24/2014 at 13:29

A Stage 1 Golf R does not make 337 HP to the wheels. That would mean the car is pushing closer to 400 HP at the crank! An APR Stage 1 with intake Golf R does 337 HP at the crank.

DatBomb > rabbitman
01/24/2014 at 13:33

typical VW

'Wägen, EPA LOL > Mr Evolution
01/24/2014 at 13:36

Came looking for this...

Steelytuba > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 13:41

As one of the (apparently) few people in the US who love hatchbacks I'd much rather they keep giving us the Golf R. It's pretty much the only game in town at that performance and price point.

volks_sleeper > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 13:58

So what we essentially want is a tuned down S5 for $37k?? I know I would buy one.

vdubaron > 911c4s
01/24/2014 at 13:58

So I didn't really dyno my car and this graph is magically calculated power at the crank? Sorry the picture will only load landscape. APR has made a lot of recent updates to their software and is fairly well known that the advertised hp numbers of the stock R is probably below actual. I am actually using stage 1 no intake software with an intake....

Kinja'd!!!

duurtlang > OldManMcKenna
01/24/2014 at 14:00

Not going to happen. Even the current gen Jettas in Germany are made in Mexico. Rule of thumb: Golf: Europe. Jetta: North America.

Generally speaking you could say that in Europe, especially in the Western part, the Golf is a car for all generations with a license. The Jetta is for grandpa.

volks_sleeper > bimmerismyname
01/24/2014 at 14:01

supercharge that bitch!!! that's what I'm talking about

FactualOpinion > vdubaron
01/24/2014 at 14:05

APR Stage II+ makes 329 whp, ummmm......

APR Stage I+ makes 337 at the crank. Check their site.

Canofminus > rabbitman
01/24/2014 at 14:07

Close, but not the same. For instance, in the States our VR6 4/motion CC comes with a standard 6-auto, not DSG. Also, while I love the VR6 (current 08'R32 owner), they are seriously outdated in terms of MPG and power, their only strong suit being the only non-luxory European six cylinder in the US market.

bimmerismyname > volks_sleeper
01/24/2014 at 14:16

I've got a 2.5L right now with a BSH Cold Air Intake, 2.5 inch cat back, and full Eibach ProCup Kit at the moment

willkinton247 > volks_sleeper
01/24/2014 at 14:20

Exactly.

volks_sleeper > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 14:22

The last Jetta coupe was the MkII, right? The EOS is trash, they need to make this happen..

Cheesewhiz > Jayhawk Jake
01/24/2014 at 14:23

Marketing is the biggest issue: The coupe market has practically collapsed and marketing a niche product for a brand whose core products are tanking is impossible. VW is in a major spiral (partly due to poor product strategy) so the addition of small volume image cars is not feasible. This would be much better sell after they revise the product line and get their mojo back in a few years. Definitely not now.

vdubaron > FactualOpinion
01/24/2014 at 14:24

Understood it is well above advertised. Was surprised numbers came out as high as they did but they were measured at the wheels. It was also a 35-40 degree day and APR is in Alabama? I don't know why it tested higher than APR but it did.

magman007 > Brian Silvestro
01/24/2014 at 14:26

Agreed, especially when we used to get the GLI (do we still?) which is just the sedan version of the gti. So why knowing full well that americans don't really like hatches have they not branched into this? Maybe GLI sales are less than stellar, so they don't bother?

Brian Silvestro > magman007
01/24/2014 at 14:29

I think Americans buy more GTI's then they do GLI's for some reason. What VW doesn't see is that people don't want to pay more than $30k for a hatchback. If the Jetta R were sold, they'd love it because it's a more "grown up" shape and still has all the power.

marcinmk > Mr Evolution
01/24/2014 at 14:31

You beat me to it. I would sell my Golf R in a heartbeat for a Sportwagon TDI-R with 6-speed and 4Motion

volks_sleeper > bimmerismyname
01/24/2014 at 14:34

I love my Golf R, but it will be replaced with the 2015. My wife got my Mk5 GTI and she will inherit this R. That GTI was my baby, full APR Stage II and VWR coilovers, faster than my current R hands down. I like the way VW is going. Now for a Jetta R Coupe.. SUPERCHARGE THAT BITCH!

bimmerismyname > volks_sleeper
01/24/2014 at 14:44

Wanna donate $15,000 to my fund? lol. VR6 Engine, 4Motion system, and a supercharger? lol. Please.

Rocketred > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 14:45

No. There is a GLI. If VW wanted to chip the GLI can make it an R it would be no big deal technically or cost wise. But there is no upside to that because there is no real market for a hard-core Jetta. People want it medium-core. If you want that car and you want it to be hard core, you are only a GLI, an APR reflash, and some coilovers away. And that market is small enough and niche enough that they take care of themselves and they are well served by the aftermarket. If you want an "R" heritage car, you are not looking for a Jetta, espeically in Europe (where for some reason grown-ass people prefer a hatchback to an actual grown-up's car.) The real question is why not do this with the CC? an AWD CC with the much lighter EA888, insted of the enormous VR6 warhead in there, would....keep the non-brand conscious people out of A4s. Then there would be a lot of side-eye going on in Herndon. But, seriously, VW is in such bad shape now with product selection and Audi is doing so well, that they need to let Cinderella out of the attic.

magman007 > Brian Silvestro
01/24/2014 at 14:48

I completely agree. It might even pique my interest, something very few vw's have ever done. Also, i will note that I still look like a bad ass climbing out of my smurf murder interior, and my superfluous wings while wearing a suit in my STi :)

However, when i bought my e46 m3, that was something that I considered, and a reason I stayed away from the sti at first.

Brian Silvestro > magman007
01/24/2014 at 14:53

I feel like a Jetta R will appeal to a very wide audience. Unlike the Golf R, it would have a mature and reserved look. Many people of all ages will find this appealing.

Saracen > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 14:55

What makes you think this will be cheaper?

A GLI is not any cheaper than a GTI.

Chris > willkinton247
01/24/2014 at 15:06

Audi A3/S3 is going to be my choice every day of the week at a similar price point... As much as I would love to see this happen.

magman007 > Brian Silvestro
01/24/2014 at 15:14

I completely agree. The beige attack basically hinges on masses buying tons of jettas right? Like we already do with the corolla. Well, having a halo car within that range should help seal the deal.

That, and the north east eats up AWD, hence why the e class amg's are getting it.

volks_sleeper > bimmerismyname
01/24/2014 at 15:15

While I appreciate the offer to fund the project, it would probably be cheaper to import one.

Brian Silvestro > magman007
01/24/2014 at 15:16

Like I said, this car should've been an easy sell for VW. They fucked up for not making it. They would've made so much money.

BrendanKennedy > willkinton247
01/25/2014 at 11:24

I think the problem with the Jetta R occurs when you put it against the used car market. An Audi can stand on its own because it's an Audi. But a Jetta? I bought my 2011 infiniti G37 Limited Edition with 20k miles last year for $26k. I got more room, more power and a more premium brand than what the Jetta R would offer. And for about $7k less than a new Jetta R would be. How can you justify that?

Nater Kane > willkinton247
01/25/2014 at 12:06

Why would you want a Jetta R? Trunks are for elephants.

911c4s > vdubaron
01/25/2014 at 12:16

The 2.0T FSI is an underrated engine but it isn't THAT underrated. Either you have a golden jewel FSI or the dyno isn't calibrated properly especially since Mustang dynos tend to read lower than other dynos (e.g. Dynojets). With that said, if you really do have a factory freak then congrats, that's awesome.

DeltawingGothamDeserves > willkinton247
01/25/2014 at 12:36

You still have to say.. "I drive a Jetta."

But it would be mountains of fun. People thinking you are lame because you have a Jetta will be put to rest.

willkinton247 > DeltawingGothamDeserves
01/25/2014 at 14:48

The people who care about that would think a Miata makes you "gay"

Heavyfoot > willkinton247
01/27/2014 at 09:28

I love my Golf R, but if I could get the same performance in a 2-door sedan I would trade the Golf R in a second. I personally love 2-door sedans, but VW doesn't offer one unless you want the ridiculously priced Eos...which I don't.

Rick > willkinton247
01/27/2014 at 14:40

Article mentions A4 but shows S3? Also, the Jetta R would kill A3 and be tempting against the A4. Won't happen when VW already has the GTI/Golf R because the Golf has no Audi counterpart. The Jetta is now the A3 and you don't then make a argument for it to go against the A4.

Bearded_Barbarian > willkinton247
01/29/2014 at 07:12

A hot Jetta you say?

Kinja'd!!!

Regards: Europe.

willkinton247 > Bearded_Barbarian
01/29/2014 at 07:59

See, they can do it, they just need a little push!