The VW Jetta GLI is the 4-door equivalent of the German maker's sporty Golf GTI.

After putting the emphasis on its broad “family” of small hatchbacks, Volkswagen is turning its attention back to its compact sedan line with the launch of the 2016 Jetta GLI.

The four-door equivalent of the Golf GTI, the sedan is based on the sixth-generation Jetta first launched in 2011. According to VW, the goal was to come up with “a compelling blend of value, performance and practicality.”

On the powertrain side, the 2016 Volkswagen GLI will carry over the current turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four making 210-horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The GLI is one of only two Jetta variants to offer buyers the option of a six-speed manual, as well as a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

But there are a number of other notable changes for the year, starting with a more aggressive front fascia that gets a new honeycomb grille and integrated foglamps. The rear bumper now incorporates a diffuser and twin chrome-tipped exhaust pipes.

All of the 2016 Jetta GLI models will ride on 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels. All-season tires are standard, but summer performance tires are offered as an alternative.

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The 2016 Jetta GLI gets some modest exterior updates, such as a rear diffuser and twin chrome exhaust tips.

One of the most notable new features is the addition of Volkswagen’s Automatic Post Collision Braking system. It’s designed to minimize the chances of having a secondary collision after a crash, a situation that can significantly increase the odds of serious injuries or fatalities. When the Jetta GLI’s airbag system is triggered by a crash, it automatically applies the brakes to reduce the odds of hitting another object.

The 2016 Jetta GLI SEL package will add a number of other safety features, including Blind Spot Detection with rear traffic alert – as well as upscale touches like navigation, bi-Xenon headlamps with Adapative Front Lighting, and more. The adaptive lighting system can swivel the headlamp beams by up to 15% to light up turns on the road at speeds over 6 mph.

Inside, the 2016 VW GLI gets a new infotainment system that incorporates and USB and other connectivity features. No word on if or when VW will add either the new Apple CarPlay or Android Auto systems some of its competitors are launching for 2016.

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Depending on trim level, GLI buyers may get other niceties such as keyless start, LED taillamps and automatic dual-zone climate control, as well as a 6-way power driver’s seat and rain-sensing wipers.

Look for the 2016 Volkswagen GLI to reach U.S. showroom towards autumn.

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