Volkswagen Jetta GLI Celebrates 40 Years with Limited-Edition Anniversary Trim

Marking Four Decades of the "GTI with a Trunk" in Sleek Style

Volkswagen Canada is ringing in the 40th anniversary of the Jetta GLI by announcing the start of production for a special commemorative model. Originally introduced in 1984, the Jetta GLI—often dubbed the "GTI with a trunk"—has since offered German-engineered performance to Canadian drivers, and this edition aims to celebrate its legacy.

Unique to the 40th Anniversary Edition are the three distinctive exterior shades: Pure Grey, Oryx White, and Kings Red. Further enhancing the vehicle's appeal are blackout details spread across the exterior. Each of these shades is complemented by a black roof, which runs consistently from front to back. Adding to its polished look are the 18-inch “Belvedere” wheels in a ten-spoke black design. The vehicle's sleek appearance is rounded off with a black grille, mirror caps, door handles, and a spoiler.

The interior of this special edition boasts a plethora of unique 40th-anniversary design elements. The embossed “Molecular” cloth seats, custom-made for this trim, ensure each vehicle boasts its own distinct pattern, akin to a fingerprint. To further commemorate the legacy, engraved cupholders display the GLI logo and the year 1984. Additionally, the seat tags and front door sills are adorned with “GLI 40” inscriptions, and a special “40” clip is prominently displayed at the six o’clock position on the steering wheel.

Under the hood, the 40th Anniversary Edition is driven by the turbocharged EA888 2.0-litre engine, capable of pumping out 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. Reflecting its sporty lineage, this edition includes beloved performance features: larger brakes, the Sport HMI performance monitor, VAQ electronically-controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential, and a robust sport exhaust.

For those looking to own this slice of Volkswagen history, the Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary Edition is priced starting at $31,395 for the manual variant and $32,795 for the DSG version. This sits alongside the standard GLI Autobahn model, which begins at a MSRP of $33,395 with a manual gearbox and $34,795 with the DSG option.

Customers can expect the Jetta GLI models to start rolling into dealerships by the end of the summer.