Volkswagen’s redesigned Jetta sedan is a newcomer to dealer showrooms in the United States and Canada, but now the German automaker has revealed its hopped-up GLI model for those seeking a bit more get-up-and-go from their V-Dub.

While many – including Leftlane - were a bit disgruntled to see the level of decontenting applied to the 2011 Jetta, the sport-oriented GLI model promises a fair amount of recontenting.

First things first, when it comes to the GLI it truly is a significantly unique vehicle compared to the standard Jetta, and those differences which come in the form of additions are reflected in the roughly $8,000 increase in base price. The Jetta GLI will come in three flavors, starting with the standard GLI that carries an MSRP of $23,495, followed by the GLI Autobahn which adds 18-inch alloy wheels, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated V-Tex leatherette seats and a Fender-branded audio system for $25,545.

The range-topping GLI is the GLI Autobahn with Navigation, which adds VW’s RNS-315 navigation system, key;ess entry and push-button start – and starts at $26,445.

Jetta GLI – more power, better handling
Taking its drivetrain from the Volkswagen GTI, the GLI will use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder rated at 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft. of torque. Mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG transmission, the Jetta GLI should hit 60 mph in just under seven seconds regardless of gearbox. The DSG comes with steering wheel-mounted paddles for sequential-style shifting and rev-matched downshifts.

VW says the EPA is not yet done evaluating the GLI, but thanks to the vehicle being lighter than the previous GLI, highway fuel economy is expected to come in at 31 for the manual and 32 with the DSG automatic.

Some of the biggest changes come to the Jetta GLI’s suspension, however. While lesser Jettas now make do with a simple twist-beam rear axle for 2011 (previously, all Jettas had a fully independent suspension), the GLI gains a four-link independent rear suspension with an upgraded anti-roll bar. The Jetta GLI also add upgraded to four-wheel disc brakes which the automaker points out come in shiny red paint.

GLI-specific style
Outside, the Jetta GLI surprisingly forgoes the GTI’s front fascia with its trademark red styling. Instead, the front of the GLI is defined by two prominent horizontal lines across the top and bottom of the grille, which combined with the trapezoidal headlights help create a distinct look.

Out back, the GLI has a special rear diffuser and a small lip spoiler, as well as smoked taillights.

Inside, the GLI features sport bucket seats with red stitching and a sport flat-bottom steering wheel with red stitching, the GLI logo and aluminum accents. The overall interior styling consistently follows the sporty exterior lines of the car. The Jetta GLI is available in cloth or V-Tex Leatherette and also features alloy pedals, shifter, dash and door trim.

To increase versatility, the rear bench seatback is split 60/40 and folds. The trunk can also be opened from inside the car by a remote unlock switch.

Jetta safety
The Jetta GLI includes several features designed to enhance driver and passenger safety including electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring and Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System, which initiates automatic safety protection in some types of collisions — the electrical supply to the fuel pump is shut off, the doors unlock and the hazard lights switch on.

As part of the equipment package, the Jetta GLI also features driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags in front and Side Curtain Protection airbags in front and rear.

The GLI is only the second in several iterations of the sixth-generation (Mark VI) Jetta VW has planned; a hybrid is due later in 2011 as a 2012.

A sign of more things to come?
Confirming earlier rumors, the Jetta GLI does include an upgraded interior pulled from the European-specification Jetta. That doesn’t mean its appearance changes, but the Jetta GLI does come with a soft-touch dashboard, automatic climate control, a multi-color trip computer display and, rumor has it, more sound deadening.