Which Volkswagen Car is Right for Me?
Compare VW Sedans and Hatchbacks in Sarasota, FL
While SUVs and crossovers have taken over as the most popular people movers, cars continue to provide an excellent blend of comfort, efficiency, drivability, and value. While many manufacturers are moving away from sedans and hatchbacks, the Volkswagen lineup still offers appealing models with attractive accommodations, excellent amenities, and refined style.
From sensible sedans to exhilarating hot hatchbacks, the latest VW car nameplates are available for sale or lease at Sunset Volkswagen of Sarasota. But which one is right for you? To help you determine the ideal fit for your Southwest Florida lifestyle, here's a quick look at their similar and distinguishing attributes.
Volkswagen Jetta
- L x W x H: 186.9 x 70.8 x 57.9 inches
- Headroom front/rear: 37.9 / 37.2 inches
- Legroom front/rear: 41.1 / 37.4 inches
- Trunk Space: 14.1 cubic feet
The VW Jetta is an exemplary compact sedan and the quintessential example of affordable German engineering. It's comfortable and inviting, with modern cabin details, nicely cushioned and supportive seats, and ample headroom and legroom for passengers in either row. It's also impressively practical for a compact car, with multiple places to store small items, a sizable trunk (14.1 cubic feet), and standard 60/40-split folding rear seats.
The Jetta's exterior is assertive yet refined, with clean character lines, tasteful sculpting, and a bold front fascia. It's also nicely equipped with many standard driver aids, including Front Assist, Lane Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, and Adaptive Cruise Control. Notable upgrades include heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, driver memory, and a 10.25-inch VW Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster. Power comes from a peppy yet efficient 1.5-liter turbo-four engine (158 horsepower, 184 pound-feet of torque). The Jetta is enjoyable to drive, thanks to its confident handling dynamics and smooth ride.
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Do you like the Jetta's style and overall well-roundedness but want something even sportier and more engaging for your Bradenton commute? If so, the VW Jetta GLI is the way to go. This sport-tuned variant utilizes a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine (22 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque) paired with either a six-speed manual or the automaker's renowned 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic transmission). It also gets upgraded suspension with adaptive dampers, unique design details, and available performance enhancements like a limited-slip differential and variable-ratio steering.
The VW Jetta GLI also adds several amenities to the standard equipment list, including dual-zone automatic climate control, heated sport seats, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and the VW Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
- L x W x H: 168.8 x 70.4 x 57.6 inches
- Headroom front/rear: 38.5 / 38.1 inches
- Legroom front/rear: 41.2 / 35 inches
- Cargo Capacity: 19.9 - 34.5 cubic feet
The long-running VW Golf is a hot hatchback available in two performance levels. The spicy Golf GTI is motivated by a punchy 2.0-liter turbo-four, turning the front wheels with 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It also delivers surprisingly sharp handling thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and limited-slip differentials. The Golf GTI's hatchback form factor adds to its practicality, with nearly 20 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row and up to 34.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
The Golf GTI offers a well-equipped base trim, including amenities like heated seats, power-folding mirrors, a fully digital instrument panel, and VW IQ.DRIVE technologies. Stepping up just one level adds upgrades like a larger 10-inch touchscreen, a sunroof, and Harman Kardon premium audio. It also opens the door to the Leather Seating Surfaces package with leather upholstery, driver memory, and ventilated front seats. Finally, the Autobahn trim adds adaptive dampers, performance tires, a head-up display, and automated parking assistance.
For 2024 only, every VW Golf GTI with a six-speed manual transmission includes the GTI 380 package, including summer performance tires, adaptive suspension, a black roof, and black exterior accents.
Volkswagen Golf R
The fiery VW Golf R ups the ante with a high-output 2.0-liter turbo-four engine. Models with the six-speed manual generate 315 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, while the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG) increases torque to 295 pound-feet of torque. The VW Golf R boasts excellent handling and traction thanks to attributes like 4MOTION® all-wheel drive with rear torque vectoring, performance tires, and sport-tuned adaptive suspension.
The VW Golf R is offered as a single fully equipped trim level. Exterior highlights include Golf R-specific design details, chrome quad exhaust tips, 19-inch alloy wheels, and steering-responsive headlights. Inside, you'll enjoy comfort and conveniences like heated and ventilated front seats, three-zone automatic climate control, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery. Tech features include a 10-inch touchscreen, a digital instrument panel, a head-up display, Harman Kardon premium audio, and a full suite of IQ.DRIVE safety and driver-assistance features.
Test-Drive New VW Cars near Lakewood Ranch
Reach out to Sunset Volkswagen of Sarasota for more information about new and upcoming VW sedans and hatchbacks, including their available features, financing offers, and reservation opportunities. If you'd like a closer look at any of the models in our new Volkswagen inventory, we welcome you to schedule a test drive or visit us in Sarasota at your convenience. It will be our pleasure to assist you.
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Sunset Volkswagen of Sarasota
2124 Bee Ridge Road
Sarasota, FL 34239
- Sales: 941-921-8080
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