2000 Volkswagen Jetta
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Autoworld.com - David Lee - America's most popular
German-engineered car, the Volkswagen Jetta, enters the new millennium with several significant updates, including
standard all-speed traction control in the high output VR6 models. Get A Quick Quote Here Coming off record-breaking sales in 1999, the Jetta continues to lead the compact sedan class by offering the unique qualities of a premium-class European sedan in design, performance, comfort and attention to detail. A new for 2000 option on the Jetta GLS (standard on the GLX) is the powerful Monsoon Audio System. Conceived to satisfy music lovers who want to be immersed in a clear, crisp sound with strong bass response, the Jetta's 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. An eight-channel, high perfomlance 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.  A long list of standard passive safety features on the Jetta includes side-impact airbags, and new for 2000, 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 in the 2000 Jetta 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). New for the 2000 Jetta GLS VR6 and GLX is the addition of ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) to the already impressive traction control system EDL (Electronic Differential Lock). EDL is enabled at speeds of up to 24 miles per hour. It detects wheel slippage and applies braking force to that particular wheel. Working in conjunction with EDL, the ASR system uses sophisticated electronics to control throttle response to maximize traction and minimize slipping. With this new feature, which can be deactivated at the push of a button, Volkswagen has added to the sense of surefootedness that comes with the ownership of a high-performance Jetta GLS VR6 or GLX. A new security feature for the 2000 Jetta is the introduction of the 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.  Entry into the Jetta lineup begins with the high-value Jetta GL model which comes 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, starting for the 2000 model year, of a dealer-insta1led, in-dash CD player); ABS brakes; height and telescoping steering wheel; heated remote mirrors; central remote locking; a center-cut folding key; two power outlets and much more. New for 2000, Volkswagen has added a string attachment to the fuel cap, a brake wear indicator on the dash and a glare repelling gray shade band on the front window. A GLS model adds standard items such as power windows and mirrors, cruise control, and a center armrest. The top-of-the-line Jetta GLX model comes standard with the high-powered VR6 and an exceptional level of equipment and features including automatic climate control; a trip computer with a new display font in dot matrix and a display location in the bottom center of the instrument cluster for easier readability; rain-sensing intennittent wipers; a refined wood decor; leather upholstery; self~imming rearview mirrors; and clear-lens halogen headlamps with integrated fog lamps. Also standard is a luxury package with a power sunroof and larger 16-inch alloy wheels. The Jetta's dynamic design affords sound aerodynamics and a bold European road presence. Built to exacting tolerances with laser welding and space-age bonding agents, it boasts exceptional structural rigidity , a trait essential to crisper handling and control. A 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine is standard in the Jetta. The 2.0 liter's low-block design, cast aluminum oil pan, lightweight valve train and other features give the Jetta good torque response and a smooth performance characteristic. Providing 115 horsepower at 5,200 revolutions per minute, this 2.0 liter delivers its maximum torque of 122 ft. lbs. at just 2,600 rpm, for excellent off-the-line performance and wide power band for mid- and high-end performance. As previously mentioned, the VR6 engine is an option on the GLS trim level, and produces 174 horsepower and 181 ft. lbs. of torque. An optional powertrain on the Jetta GL and GLS is the innovative TDI diesel engine; it's clean, fun-to-drive, and remarkably frugal, with an EPA 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. The low-end torque performance gives the TDI surprising acceleration and good mid-range capabilities. Mated to all engines is a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional four-speed automatic. The Jetta's designers created a car with harmonious proportions, from its aggressive trunk lid to the emphatic C-pillars, all the way to the detail of its VW emblem on a slatted front grille. The Jetta's headlamps, the eyes of a car, are also a distinct design feature in which rectangular clear-lens incorporates all lighting elements, including halogen headlamps, projector fog lights (GLX only), turn signals, and side lights. This technically advanced system maximizes light output and provides an exacting beam of forward illumination. Aside from its dynamic appeal, the Jetta has 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 a body with exceptionally high torsional rigidity . In addition, the Jetta employs very narrow panel gaps at the doors and flaps, ensuring a rigid bodyshell and a solid, one-piece appearance. All Jettas feature a fully galvanized body that allows for an industry leading 12-year limited corrosion protection. Inside the Jetta, Volkswagen has sculpted an environment matching the upper-level distinction of the exterior. Spacious for its compact class, the Jetta's interior offers 75 inches of total legroom. It uses a carefully chosen combination 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.  First and foremost a driver's car, the Jetta's driving position is paramount to the design. The seating position is high, and seats are finn 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. Extra comfort is offered with leather seating and an eight-way electrically adjustable seating position with memory-function that can be activated by pressing a button or by eans of the central locking system's remote control unit (GLX only). In the rear, lockable headrests are available for all three passengers. For storage, Volkswagen's interior designers have provided ample compartments in the doors. Even the glove box is specially designed with a unique shelf compartment for separating manuals and other important documents from the usual clutter . Detailed down to the last touch, even the Jetta's grab handles are built for a quality feel, with each being silicone-dampened to glide back smoothly and noiselessly. The cargo area is also well planned: providing 13-cubic feet of space, it is carpeted and uses non-intruding hydraulic hinges, a chrome shielded lift over, an extra power outlet, and assist handles inside the lid for closing the trunk without touching the exterior . Designed for spirited driving, the Jetta's running gear is revised 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 the Jetta 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 also has been enhanced in the Jetta, with high-volume rubber bushings, gas pressurized shocks, and separate dampers and coil springs to eliminate intrusion into the luggage area, improve spring response, and reduce noise and vibrations into the cabin area. In both the front and rear, stabilizer bars are used for body roll performance. The Jetta's chassis also benefits from power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes (ventilated front) with the latest generation ABS. Active safety in the new Jetta comes from its precise handling, the security of front- wheel-drive, advanced ABS braking, and other accident avoidance aids like daytime running lights (DRL ). For protection when an accident can't be avoided, the 2000 Jetta offers 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 the Jetta' s exceptionally rigid body structure that includes energy absorbing crumple zones. In a severe crash, these defomlation 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 Jetta uses 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 tear 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 Jetta utilizes 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 Jetta 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 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 Jetta, 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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