---
title: "VW Boss: High-Performance Volkswagen Jetta R Won’t Be Happening Anytime Soon"
description: "VW doesn't see a market for an amped-up, all-wheel-drive sedan."
date: "2019-04-01"
modified: "2019-04-01"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Tsui"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/chris-tsui"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/27240/vw-boss-high-performance-volkswagen-jetta-r-wont-be-happening-anytime-soon"
categories:
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
  - "Volkswagen News"
tags:
  - "compact"
  - "Golf R"
  - "jetta"
  - "sedan"
  - "Volkswagen"
  - "Volkswagen Jetta"
---

# VW Boss: High-Performance Volkswagen Jetta R Won’t Be Happening Anytime Soon

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2019/04/2019_Jetta_GLI-Medium-9355-e1554125832480.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com\</em\>*

Sharing much of the same hardware as its Golf GTI platform-mate, the 2019 [Volkswagen Jetta](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/25824/2019-volkswagen-jetta-new-dad-review-this-peoples-car-is-a-solid-simple-small-sedan>) GLI is a three-box alternative for those who want GTI practicality and performance but, for whatever reason, find hatchbacks less than desirable. If you were hoping for a similar alternative to the all-wheel-drive Golf R, however, it sounds like you'll be waiting a while.

Speaking to [*CarBuzz*](<https://carbuzz.com/news/don-t-hold-your-breath-for-a-volkswagen-jetta-r>) at the recent GLI press launch, VW marketing boss Serban Boldea said, "I don't think there would be enough of a market for it," in regards to an AWD Jetta R. Boldea explained that the Jetta is a more price-sensitive product than the Golf, which attracts customers from all kinds of tax brackets. "Golf R customers aren't typical Volkswagen customers," he told the publication. "The Golf R customer is much wealthier. They can buy an Audi but choose to drive a Golf R."

The top trim 2019 Jetta GLI currently goes for a fiver under $30,000 while the Golf R starts at over $40,000.

As it stands, the Subaru Impreza and Mazda3 are the only two cars in the segment to offer AWD. [When we drove the Mazda last month](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/27062/2019-mazda3-awd-review-switchbacks-and-snowbanks-in-a-near-luxury-compact>), it proved to be a winner on both dry and frigid surfaces. Boldea reportedly expressed doubt that those two vehicles would account for a big enough market to be worth competing in with [the Jetta](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/20057/2019-volkswagen-jetta-first-drive-review-vws-small-sedan-surges-forward>).

The front-wheel-drive 2019 Volkswagen Jetta GLI shares the same 2.0-liter engine, limited-slip differential, and MQB platform as the GTI. It also inherits brakes from the Golf R and starts at $25,995.

## Author
Chris Tsui is *The Drive*'s former Reviews Editor and current freelance automotive journalist. He's based in Toronto.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/cltsuii/>)