2000 Volkswagen Golf
AutoWorld.com
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Autoworld.com - David Lee - The Volkswagen Golf-renowned for years as the world's best-selling premium compact car--enters the new century offering even more world-class amenities. Get
A Quick Quote Here A new for 2000 option on the Golf GLS is the powerful Monsoon Audio System. Conceived to satisfy music lovers who want to be immersed in a clear, crisp sound with a strong bass response, the Golfs Monsoon Audio System uses eight premium speakers, each positioned and aimed for optimal sound-including four woofers for powerful, low frequency sound and four tweeters for a crisp, high frequency sound. Ail eight-channel, high-performance 200-watt amplifier, with 103 poles of active equalization, provides power and custom equalization for the Monsoon system, directing low, mid and high frequencies to the appropriate speakers. The cassette receiver comes equipped with Digital Signal Processing, self-diagnostics and circuitry to minimize noise interference. It also controls an optional six-disc CD changer mounted in the trunk.  On the outside, the sophisticated, premium look of the Golf translates into an aerodynamic 0.31 drag coefficient. Its overall structural rigidity , made possible by the use of advanced production technologies, is near that of vehicles in the luxury class. Fully galvanized sheet metal allows for an unprecedented 12-year, unlimited mileage anti-corrosion warranty . Inside, there are more new features and the same premium look and feel. A long list of standard passive safety features includes side-impact airbags, and new for 2000, child seat tether anchorage points (CSTAP) in the rear outboard seating positions (running change), which make installing a child seat more secure and much less worrisome. As expected in a Volkswagen, active safety in the 2000 Golf 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. A new security feature for the 2000 Golf is the introduction of the Immobilizer system. 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. The whole procedure is "invisible" to the owner.-However, without the properly encoded key, the car cannot be started. With this feature, Volkswagen has added to the peace of mind that comes with owning a Golf. Offering the renowned cargo versatility of a wide-opening hatch and rear seats that fold flat, the 2000 Golf comes in two basic configurations: a two-door GL and four- door GLS. Like other Volkswagens, al12000 Golfs are built to exacting standards, with extremely narrow panel gaps and joint tolerances. This helps make the Golfbodyshell extremely rigid, adding to its rock-solid feel on the road. Advanced space-age bonding techniques also contribute to the Golf s torsional and dynamic rigidity , a major factor in a car's handling and crash integrity. From the front, the Golf's modernity is clearly seen in its headlights, which present with halogen headlights behind a clear, polycarbonate lens. Turn signals are also incorporated in this unit, giving it a precise high-tech look. From the rear, the interplay of lines between the C-pillars, tailgate, and taillights also make a striking impression.  The Golf's interior carries on with its high quality feeling. The instrument cluster uses two large dials and fits harmoniously with the panel. At night, a striking indigo blue illuminates the cockpit while glowing red dials inform. On the whole, the interior gives one a feeling of high quality and modern sophistication, detailed down to the touch of the textured "soft" paint. Chrome accents are used throughout the Golf's interior, and even its grab handles feature the luxury touch of silicone dampening for a soft return to their original positions when released. First and foremost a driver's car, the Golf employs the secure traction of front-wheel-drive and proven running gear. The Golf's rear wheels are linked to an independent torsion-beam axle, in which the springs and shock absorbers have been installed separately. This rear layout places the coil springs below the longitudinal members, eliminating the need for the suspension strut turret, which would otherwise intrude into the luggage compartment. This innovation further helps reduce noise into the cabin area.  Both the Golf GL two-door version and Golf GLS are powered by a 2.0 liter, SOHC, four-cylinder powerplant. Built from a compact, cast-iron cylinder block, it produces 115 horsepower at 5,200 revolutions per minute; more importantly, its maximum torque of 122 ft. lbs. is realized at just 2,600 revolutions per minute. An optional powertrain on the Golf is the innovative TDI diesel engine; it's clean, fun-to-drive, and remarkably frugal, with an EP A rating of 49 mpg during highway driving and 42 mpg in the city. This four-cylinder, 1.9 liter engine provides exceptional performance over a wide rpm range from a flat torque curve which peaks at 155 ft. lbs. at just 1,900 rpm. This low-end torque performance gives the TDI surprising acceleration and good mid-range capabilities. Mated to both engines is a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. Both the Golf GL and GLS offer a range of standard features that place them in a category above anything offered in the compact car class. Standard items not previously mentioned include a premium 8-speaker stereo cassette player with CD prep (with the option, starting for the 2000 model year, of a dealer-insta1led, in-dash CD player); anti-theft alarm system; CFC-free air conditioning; power centra1-locking system; split folding rear seats with three headrests; a pollen and odor filter; a height and telescoping steering wheel; and roof mounted whip antenna. New this year, Volkswagen has added a string attachment to the fuel cap, a brake wear light indicator on the dash and glare repelling gray shade band on the front window. The Golf GLS adds a folding front-center armrest, one-touch up and down power windows, power heated mirrors, cruise control and special velour fabric seats. Options on the Golf GLS not mentioned include a four-speed automatic transmission, alloy wheels and power glass sunroof. On the passive safety front, for protection when an accident can't be avoided, the 2000 Golf offers a multitude of state-of-the-art safety features and structural elements designed to work together as a safety system to help protect its occupants. This system begins with the Golfs exceptionally rigid body structure that includes energy absorbing crumple zones. In a severe crash, these deformation zones sacrifice themselves in an accordion-like fashion, absorbing the energy to help spare the critical central structure.  This system works in concert with an advanced supplemental restraint system. In addition to front driver and passenger airbags, the Golf uses a seat belt tensioning system that tightens and optimally positions the front safety belts within milliseconds of a severe crash. These 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 utilizes standard side air bags 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 be assured if the side airbarg 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 interior provides 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 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, the Protection Plus package includes an outstanding limited corrosion warranty of 12 years with no mileage restrictions. In addition to the extensive warranties, Volkswagen dealers will perform all scheduled maintenance at no charge for two years or 24,000 miles. Two-year, 24-hour roadside assistance is also provided. . |
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