7th-gen VW Jetta gets its first facelift

Volkswagen has updated the Jetta and its performance-focused GLI version for the United States, leaving customers in Europe wondering when the facelift becomes available there.

The compact-sized sedan now features a digital dashboard, which reaches 10 inches of diagonal size in top trims. The interior comes wrapped in fabric, but you can go for a volcanic-hued premium natural leather trim. The GLI adds red accents throughout and perforated leather on the seats.

On the outside, the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta sports redesigned bumpers, exclusive body finishes, a new radiator grille, and wheels. Power now comes from a 1.5-liter Taos engine which permanently replaces the old 1.4-liter mill. It produces 160 PS (158 hp / 118 kW) and 250 Nm (183 lb-ft) and can be obtained with a CVT or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GLI holds on to its old two-liter turbo good for 228 PS (225 hp / 168 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, sent to the wheels via a DSG transmission.

Sales will start before the end of the year.