94 episodes

The iDriveSoCal Podcast covers automotive news and the future of transportation from the car capital of the world – Southern California.



The region with the worst traffic on the planet has become ground zero for the revolution in how humans and our stuff travels from points ‘A’ to ‘B’.



But while the future of mobility is sorted out, you still have to drive, pretty much everywhere, especially here in SoCal. So, our content includes lots of vehicle reviews and behind the scenes car buying tips from real car dealers. After all, what better time to contemplate the details of your next vehicle purchase then when you're stuck in traffic?



Plus we're always covering cool automotive events, shows museums and everything about the history and future of transportation.

iDriveSoCal Tom Smith

    • Leisure
    • 3.5 • 2 Ratings

The iDriveSoCal Podcast covers automotive news and the future of transportation from the car capital of the world – Southern California.



The region with the worst traffic on the planet has become ground zero for the revolution in how humans and our stuff travels from points ‘A’ to ‘B’.



But while the future of mobility is sorted out, you still have to drive, pretty much everywhere, especially here in SoCal. So, our content includes lots of vehicle reviews and behind the scenes car buying tips from real car dealers. After all, what better time to contemplate the details of your next vehicle purchase then when you're stuck in traffic?



Plus we're always covering cool automotive events, shows museums and everything about the history and future of transportation.

    2024 VW Jetta GLI Review, Prices, Trims, Features And Specs

    2024 VW Jetta GLI Review, Prices, Trims, Features And Specs

    The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is the enthusiasts' Jetta.  It's a compact four-door sedan that seats five.  Aka the Golf GTI with a trunk.



    And if you're looking to drive with more power, tuned suspension, and overall sportiness.  Then the GLI Jetta is for you.  GLI stands for Grand Luxury Injection.  And a little more background bit for you.  Volkswagen introduced the Jetta to the US market in 1980.  Then they followed with the Jetta GLI in 1984.



    ⇒ iDriveSoCal's VW Dealer Is Ontario Volkswagen

    New For 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

    The biggest news for 2024 GLI is that the enthusiast model is being offered in two different trims.  There's the 40th Anniversary and the Autobahn.



    GLI now includes Volkswagen's IQ.Drive driver assistance technology on all automatic transmission models.  And that's now standard.  Also new for the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a nicety on the Autobahn models.  Because they now come with a heated steering wheel standard.



    228 hp & 258 lb-ft of torque

    Trims And Prices - 2024 VW Jetta GLI

    For 2024 the VW Jetta GLI is coming in two different trims.  You have the option of the Autobahn or the 40th Anniversary Edition.





    2024 VW Jetta GLI Trims & Starting MSRPs:



    40th Anniversary Edition $28,085

    Autobahn $31,785





    It's worth noting that the 40th Anniversary Edition GLI costs slightly less than the top-of-the-line non-GLI Jetta for 2024.





    Engine, Transmissions & MPG

    Under the hood is where you'll find a big differentiator between the Jetta and Jetta GLI.



    Because the GLI comes with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder with 16 valves.  It's turbocharged and intercooled.  Putting out 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.  That's a big step up from its more tame sibling.  The non-GLI Jetta offers a 1.5L 4-cylinder putting out 158 hp with 184 lb-ft of torque.



    GLI comes only in front-wheel drive.  But automatic or manual transmission is being offered on both GLI trims for 2024.  The manual transmission is standard equipment on both trim options.  And the automatic transmission upgrades to a seven-speed dual-clutch.



    MPG with the manual is being estimated at 24/35/28 - city/highway/combined.  And with automatic transmission GLI's estimated MPG bumps up to 26/36/30 for the same.



    7-speed automatic or 6-speed manual trans

    2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI - What Does It Look Like?

    The Volkswagen Jetta GLI continues its athletic and sporty appearance.   Immediately recognizable are the red GLI badging and accents.  But if you miss the VW badge, you might easily mistake GLI for an Audi.  And being the brand's luxury brethren, that makes sense.



    Curiously Volkswagen groups the GLI and Jetta in the materials it shares with the automotive press.  However, the engine, suspension and, appearance are all different when comparing the two.  Even the exterior dimensions differ - albeit slightly.





    Exterior dimensions:



    Wheelbase 105.6

    Track:



    front 60.5

    rear 60.7





    Length 186.9

    Width 70.8

    Height 57.3

    Ground clearance 5.2



    *All inches

    Inside The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

    Going inside the 2024 Jetta GLI you find the sporty accents continued.  Red GLI branded highlights and stitching adorn the gear shift column, seats, and more.  The stainless steel pedal covers further the sporty motif.   Plus 40th Anniversary Edition trims get a special steering wheel and seat tags.  A common signature differentiator VW adds to various trims and models.



    Controlling both trims for 2024 is a leather-wrapped steering wheel.  The automatic transmission, of course, includes paddle shifters for taking control of the RPMs.

    • 13 min
    2024 Volkswagen Jetta Review, Prices, Trims Features And Specs

    2024 Volkswagen Jetta Review, Prices, Trims Features And Specs

    The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta carries on the legacy of stylish, fun-to-drive, and practical affordability.



    Setting it apart from all its non-luxury in-class competitors is merely the fact that it's a German car affordable to any American.  Jetta's are immediately recognizable to most drivers, especially 30 years and older.  Because it's been Volkswagen's top seller for more than four decades.



    ⇒ iDriveSoCal's VW Dealer Is Ontario Volkswagen

    New For 2024 Volkswagen Jetta

    Being refreshed in 2022 the 2024 Volkswagen Jetta continues its Euro-stylish-ness.  All Jetta's are now receiving the German carmakers IQ.Drive driver assistance feature suite standard.  Base-model S trims receive an eco-leather trimmed steering wheel plus a gearshift knob.  Also rain-sensing wiper technology.  Additionally, Sport-trimmed Jetta's now receive heated front seats.



    158 hp & 184 lb-ft of torque







    Trims And Prices - 2024 VW Jetta

    Volkswagen likes to group Jetta and its more sporty brethren Jetta GLI in its literature.  However here at iDSC, we prefer to separate the vehicles.  Because there are several differences that we feel are significant enough to warrant the separation.



    So throughout this article, we're just talking about the Jetta.  And for 2024 Volkswagen offers it in 4 trim configurations.





    2024 VW Jetta Trims & Starting MSRPs:



    S $21,435

    Sport $22,585

    SE $24,875

    SEL $28,825



    Engine, Transmissions & MPG

    For 2024 VW's Jetta keeps its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.  Intercooled and with 16 valves it's delivering 158 horsepower with 184 pound-feet of torque.



    Front-wheel drive is the only way Jetta comes.  But you have your choice of manual or automatic transmission.  Which, for many drivers, just the idea of three-pedal driving delivers a sense of enjoyment.  Even if you decide to go with the automatic trans.



    The manual transmission option is a 6-speed.  While the more commonly accessed automatic trans is providing eight gears.



    Either way, Jetta delivers solid fuel economy.  Depending on your trim and transmission configuration.  Jetta is rated, at the high end, of using 29 miles per gallon in the city.  (That's with a manual transmission, automatic actually rates better at 30 mpg.)  Then in the best scenario, Jetta sips as little as 41 mpg on the highway.  Combined it's between 33 and 34 mpg.

    2024 Volkswagen Jetta - What's It Look Like?

    The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta appears bigger than its compact sedan designation.  And being refreshed in model year 2022 Jetta hasn't changed much from the past two model years.  Jetta enjoys a comfortably athletic stance with sleek lines.



    Since Jetta was the top-selling Volkswagen for more than forty years.  It's quintessentially VW to almost anyone 30 years or older.





    Exterior dimensions:



    Wheelbase 105.7

    Track:



    front 60.7

    rear 60.4





    Length 186.5

    Width 70.8

    Height 57.7

    Ground clearance 5.5



    *All inches



    Standard - VW Digital Cockpit

    Inside The 2024 Volkswagen Jetta

    Jetta is a compact sedan that seats up to five passengers.



    Both the S and Sport trims deliver cloth seating surfaces.  While the SE trim gives you leatherette seating surfaces.



    For real leather seating surfaces you need to bump up to the top-trimmed SEL model.  But that also gives you standard ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel.  Plus 10-color ambient lighting.  Heated front seats come with the SE and SEL.  But only the SEL gives you heated back seats.



    Accent stitching on the gearshift knob and steering wheel is included with the SE and SEL trims....

    • 13 min
    2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Review, Prices, Trims, Specs

    2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport Review, Prices, Trims, Specs

    The 2024 VW Atlas Cross Sport gets a big refresh.  Especially being felt inside the midsize 5-passenger sport utility vehicle, behind the wheel, and within enhanced technology offerings.

    • 17 min
    2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Review, Prices, Trims, Specs & Pics

    2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Review, Prices, Trims, Specs & Pics

    The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan drives versatility in the compact crossover SUV segment.



    With an optional third row of seating, you can accommodate up to 7 people.    Plus sporty to classy trim profiles.  And loaded with technology while delivering VW's legendary fit and finish.  Tiguan is a must-test drive for compact SUV shoppers.  And that's whether you're looking for a high-line or non-luxury vehicle.



    ⇒ iDriveSoCal's VW Dealer Is Ontario Volkswagen

    New For 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

    The 2024 VW Tiguan gets aesthetic enhancements.  Plus technology upgrades.



    All trim levels are now getting Volkswagen's IQ.Drive driver assistance technology.  And base model S trims receive a leatherette-styled steering wheel along with rain-sensing wipers.  Also an auto-dimming rearview mirror.



    184 hp/221 lb-ft of torque





    Trims And Prices - 2024 VW Tiguan

    Tiguan is being offered in four trim configurations for 2024.  With MSRPs starting just under $30k for the base model S and topping out just under $40k for the top-of-the-line SEL R-Line.





    2024 VW Tiguan Trims & Starting MSRPs:



    S $28,505

    SE $31,205

    SE R-Line Black $34,205

    SEL R-Line $38,505





    If you're wondering which to go with, we like the top two trims.  The SE R-Line Black saves a few bucks while delivering sweet styling.  But the SEL R-Line, if it fits your budget, is our preference.  While it's slightly less sporty-style-leaning.  It delivers a more classy/executive look.  While also coming packed with all the features available.





    Engine, Transmissions & MPG

    Volkswagen is keeping the 2024 Tiguan straightforward in the powertrain department.  Offering a single engine with two optional drives.  It's a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder.  Turbocharged with 16 valves it puts out 184 horsepower with 221 pound-feet of torque.



    The same spirited eight-speed automatic transmission is included.  But your drive options are two-fold.  There's front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.  And in Volkswagen-speak AWD is referred to as 4Motion.



    Overall Tiguan brings solid fuel economy.  With slight variations depending on your trim and drivetrain.  Combined fuel economy comes in between 24 to 27 mpg.  City gas mileage is estimated at 22 to 24 mpg.  And highway 29 to 31 mpg.  So the entire 202 4 VW Tiguan trim lineup mpg is estimated between 22 and 31 mpg.

    Curb Weight & Towing Capacity

    The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan weighs in at 3,732 pounds in FWD.  Weighing a bit more when factoring AWD/4Motion.  That's when it comes in at 3,818 lbs.



    And Tiguan's towing capacity maxes out at 1,500 lbs.  Giving you the ability to haul a couple of average-sized personal watercraft, with a braked trailer.

    2024 Volkswagen Tiguan - What's It Look Like?

    Tiguan looks sporty, stylish, capable, classy and European.  Above all its look is Volkswagen.



    But it depends on the trim that you go with.  For example, the SE R-Line Black looks more youthful and sporty.  Whereas the SEL R-Line has a more classy and refined appearance.





    Exterior dimensions:



    Wheelbase 109.9

    Length 186.1

    Width 72.4

    Track:



    front 62.2

    rear 61.9





    Height 66.5

    Ground clearance:



    FWD 7.4

    AWD 7.6







    *All inches



    VW Digital Cockpit Standard

    Inside The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan

    Spending time inside Tiguan is a pleasure.  Because Volkswagen's fit and finish details are seen and felt throughout the vehicle.



    From the great use of space to the joints where various panels come together.  Notable inside Tiguan is the ample legroom for both front and second-row passenge...

    2024 Volkswagen Atlas Review, Trims, Specs And Photos

    2024 Volkswagen Atlas Review, Trims, Specs And Photos

    The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas enjoys a major refresh.  And with a focus on the interior and creature comforts.  It's easier to compare this VW to its luxury brand sibling - Audi.

    • 17 min
    2023 Volkswagen Golf R Review, Prices, Features, Specs and Pics

    2023 Volkswagen Golf R Review, Prices, Features, Specs and Pics

    The 2023 Volkswagen Golf R is the hottest hatch driving the German carmaker's lineup. Taking the original hot hatch, the VW GTI, to the next level.  All-wheel drive performance including drift mode. 

    • 15 min

Customer Reviews

3.5 out of 5
2 Ratings

2 Ratings

cscscsc28 ,

Review or Advertisement for Rock Honda?

I listened to the Civic Hatchback Review and it seemed more like an advertisement for a car dealership with name dropping folks over at the car dealership. Would have loved more info on the actual car

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