 |
Volkswagon For 2000 |
By Carey Russ |
After several years of intense change, Volkswagen appears to be resting for 2000. The company's earned it, as its complete line has been overhauled in the past two years. All of VW's vehicles have a brake- wear indicator light and engine immobilizer anti-theft device this year. Golf, Jetta, and Passat models will be available with the high- performance Monsoon Audio System.
New Beetle
The Turbo Beetle was introduced partway through 1999. In place of the regular Beetle's 2.0-liter, 115-hp four-cylinder engine, or the TDI's 1.9-liter, 90-hp turbodiesel, is found a 150-hp turbocharged, 20-valve twin-cam four-cylinder engine. The only external change is a small spoiler above the rear window. It automatically raises at speed. 150 horsepower in a Beetle? Yow! Other New Beetle models have minor equipment changes.
Jetta
Jetta sedans are offered with 2.0-liter or 2.8-liter V6 gasoline engines or a 1.9-liter turbodiesel. They have a variety of equipment enhancements this year.
Golf and GTI
Volkswagen hatchbacks with four doors are Golfs, GTIs have two doors. Golfs are fun but practical, with a choice of 2.0-liter gasoline or 1.9-liter turbodiesel engines. The GTI, true to its hot-hatch origin, is more performance-oriented, with a choice of the 2.0-liter four or the powerful 2.8-liter VR6. Changes are minor this year.
Cabrio
The four-cylinder GTI-based Cabrio has no major differences.
Passat
The Passat sedan and wagon have small interior revisions.
EuroVan
Remember the VW Microbus? Its descendent, the EuroVan, isn't so micro. But, with a standard VR6 engine, it goes up hills far better than an old air-cooled bus. The seats can be folded down into a comfy bed, and there's even a breakfast table. It has small interior revisions.