by Volkswagen has officially discontinued the Jetta GLI with a manual transmission starting with the 2027 model year. This decision is part of the overall trend of abandoning manual transmissions in favor of automatic transmissions.
Why did the manual transmission become a thing of the past?
The sporty sedan will now be available exclusively with a seven-speed DSG robotic gearbox. The reason for this step was a sharp drop in demand for cars with manual shifting, making their production economically unviable.
As a Volkswagen spokesperson stated, “As drivers and enthusiasts, we too appreciate the manual! That is why our team made every effort to preserve it for a small but passionate group of drivers who love full control. However, global demand has narrowed to a level where the market can no longer support it. As painful as it is, reality has forced us to make difficult decisions.”
Technical specifications and other updates
The loss of the six-speed manual means the Jetta GLI will now be offered only with the DSG. The engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder unit producing 228 horsepower (170 kW) and 349 Nm of torque.
In addition to the transmission changes, Volkswagen also announced other updates for the Jetta lineup. The 2027 Jetta S and Sport models will receive a new six-speaker audio system, as well as the Composition Media infotainment system with satellite radio and voice control. These trims will also be equipped with a keyless access system and an engine start button. Furthermore, all Jetta versions will get an improved rear seat belt reminder system.
Earlier this month, the company presented a range of changes for 2027, including the return of the ID. Buzz model and the announcement of the facelifted Atlas Cross Sport. However, the news about the discontinuation of the manual transmission in the Jetta GLI went almost unnoticed, although for many brand fans, this was a real disappointment.
This decision fits into the global trend where automakers are gradually abandoning manual transmissions due to the growing popularity of automatic transmissions and electric vehicles. For Volkswagen, which held on to the manual transmission in the sporty versions of its models for a long time, this became a symbolic step highlighting the shift in market priorities. Although enthusiasts have lost the ability to manually control gear changes, the modern DSG offers speed and efficiency that are hard to surpass, making the Jetta GLI a more technologically advanced, albeit less ‘driver-focused,’ car.
