A
standard security feature for all Jettas and Golfs (including GTI models)
is the Volkswagen Immobilizer. The Immobilizer is a theft-deterrent device
that adds a new layer of protection to Volkswagen's standard anti-theft
alarm system. Every time the car is started, the Immobilizer control unit
must recognize the special key. Without the coded key, the car cannot be
started.
Like all Volkswagens, the Jetta, Golf and GTI GLS models come with a
wealth of standard items unattainable anywhere else in the compact class.
A short list includes front side airbags; a premium eight-speaker cassette
stereo with CD prep (with the option of a dealer-installed, in-dash CD
player); four-disc ABS brakes; height and telescoping steering wheel;
heated remote mirrors; central remote locking; a center-cut folding key;
two power outlets; a string attachment to the fuel cap; a brake wear
indicator on the dash; a glare repelling gray shade band on the front
window; power one-touch up and down (front only) windows; cruise control;
and a center armrest.
The GTI GLS comes standard with alloy wheels, front sports seats, foglamps,
darkened tail lamp lenses, and a power glass sunroof. The Monsoon stereo
system, four speed automatic, CD changer, and a partial leather interior
with cold weather package are optional.
Options for the Golf and Jetta GLS models include a four-speed automatic
transmission, the Monsoon sound system, metallic paint, power glass
sunroof, 15-inch alloy wheels, and a cold weather package. On the Jetta
GLS, a leather package is available.
Built to exacting tolerances with laser welding and space-age bonding
agents, all Volkswagen passenger cars boasts exceptional structural
rigidity, a trait essential to crisper handling and control.
Aside from its dynamic appeal, Volkswagen's Golf, GTI and Jetta have been
designed and built to meet the exacting production standards of Germany's
finest cars.
High-tech bonding agents, laser welding, and self-piercing riveting are
used to help create bodies with exceptionally high torsional rigidity. In
addition, they employ very narrow panel gaps at the doors and Raps,
ensuring a rigid bodyshell and a solid, one piece appearance.
All feature a fully galvanized body that allows for an industry leading
12-year limited corrosion protection.
Inside, the premium quality of the Golf and Jetta are further demonstrated
through the use of carefully chosen combinations of matching fabrics and
other quality trim materials. All plastics are coated with a soft lacquer
that matches and even exceeds the sense of premium plastics used by many
of Germany's luxury cars. Flush mounted to match the interior's contour,
even the air vents are specially designed to convey quality and spatial
sophistication. The dashboard, which has a finely textured surface,
surrounds an easy-to-read instrument binnacle with four circular dials;
these are back-lit by a vibrant blue, with illuminated red needles.
Seating positions are high, and seats are firm and well bolstered to
provide Volkswagen's acclaimed orthopedic support and comfort. Controls
are logically placed, with large dials for ventilation. A unique pump
operated handle adjusts the front seat heights and a tilting/telescoping
steering wheel allows for a precise driving position.
Designed for spirited driving, the Golf, Jetta and GTI's running gear are
designed for ride quality and dynamic control. At the front, a McPherson
suspension strut concept is used, with an independent suspension via coil
springs and lower wishbones. Positive caster gives these models good
directional stability under acceleration and hard braking, and a perfected
strut layout minimizes drive force influence.
The track-correcting torsion beam rear axle concept employs high-volume
rubber bushings, gas-pressurized shocks, and separate dampers and coil
springs.
Coming in 2001 model year, Volkswagen will offer an optional sports
suspension that includes stiffer suspension settings and design upgrades
for even tighter control and handling.
The Golf s, GTI's and Jetta's chassis also benefit from power-assisted
rack-and pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front)
with the latest generation ABS.
A long list of standard passive safety features on all Golfs, GTIs and
Jettas include side-impact airbags, child seat tether anchorage points (CSTAP)
in the rear outboard seating positions, which make installing a child seat
more secure and much less worrisome. As expected in a Volkswagen, active
safety comes from its precise handling, the security of front-wheel-drive,
advanced ABS braking with electronic distribution, and
other accident avoidance aids like daytime running lights (DRL).
For protection when an accident can't be avoided, the models offer a
highly advanced passive safety system that comprises a multitude of
state-of-the-art safety features and structural elements designed to work
together to help protect its occupants.
This system begins with an exceptionally rigid body structure that
includes energy absorbing crumple zones.
This system works in concert with an advanced supplemental restraint
system. In addition to front driver and passenger airbags, the Golf and
Jetta use a seat belt tensioning system that tightens and optimally
positions the front belts within milliseconds of a severe crash. The
three-point safety belts are also equipped with shoulder height
adjustments, and to help secure a child safety seat-which should only be
used in the rear seats! -automatic locking retractors (ALR) and emergency
locking retractors (ELR) are provided. New for 2000 is the standard safety
feature of child seat tether anchorage points.
The Golf, GTI and Jetta utilize standard side airbags for front seat
occupants. This system is integrated into the front seats for good reason:
no matter where the front occupant adjusts his or her seat position, the
airbag maintains its protective relationship. This cannot always be
assured if the side airbag is installed in the door or the roof pillar.
Side protection is further ensured by special reinforcements and
structural members, including anti-intrusion tubes and foam padding at all
four doors.
Additional frontal impact protection comes from the steering system via a
collapsible steering column and a steering wheel specially cushioned and
designed to manage impact energy.
Further details of how the Golf, GTI and Jetta interiors provide occupant
protection are found in the use of adjustable headrests for all seating
positions, front and rear; the absence of sharp interior edges; recessed
handles and control switches; crushable sun visors; a foldable rearview
mirror, and non-override door locks.
Protection Plus
Standard on the Golf, GTI and Jetta is one of the most comprehensive
warranty and maintenance protection plans available to new car buyers.
Volkswagen's Protection Plus includes a two-year/24,000 mile new vehicle
limited warranty and the limited powertrain warranty at ten years/ 100,000
miles. Now, with the fully galvanized Golf and Jetta, the Protection Plus
package includes an outstanding limited corrosion warranty of 12 years.
-Autoworld.com
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