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 VW GOLF AND JETTA GET TURBO POWER
Isn't it just amazing how Volkswagen AG, Europe's number one automaker (and fifth-largest in the world), manages to sell so many versions of the Golf hatchback?
First of all, the Golf comes in both two- and four-door versions. Beyond that, the range starts with a base model powered by relatively sluggish 2.0-litre
four-cylinder engine (115-horsepower) matched to a sick shift, and stretches to a leather-upholstered model in sporty GTI trim complete with VW's 174-hp. VR6 engine. Can you say pocket rocket?
Then there's the Golf TDI (turbo direct injection). This diesel-powered car spins up just 90 hp., yet manages to get about 1,200 km. to a tank of diesel fuel. And now VW has begun to offer yet another engine for the Golf (and its sedan sibling, the Jetta). You know the engine, too. It's a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-banger (150-hp) that does service as the base engine in both the VW Passat and Audi A4.
This is a very good powerplant, a very smooth turbo that, because it's compact and well-engineered, cranks out the power quickly with virtually no turbo lag. VW claims 0-100 km/h times in the 8.2-second range. Clearly it's a very good upgrade from the 2.0-litre four-banger.
(So what's turbo lag? It refers to the delay in producing power in some turbocharged engines once the driver pushes hard on the throttle. Turbochargers produce extra engine output by using exhaust gases to turn a device with fins that in turn pushes extra air into the combustion chamber. More air equals more power. But the process of getting that extra air often takes a few beats-especially with larger turbochargers. Thus turbo lag.)
Prices? The base Golf 1.8T with five-speed manual sells for $23,700, while the GTI 1.8T starts at $25,850. Add $1,100 for a four-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the Jetta 1.8T goes for $25,250. Even the least expensive models come equipped with an eight-speaker cassette stereo, anti-lock braking, height and telescoping steering wheel, heated remote mirrors, power door locks and windows, cruise control and even a pair of power outlets and a centre armrest. The GTI 1.8T adds alloy wheels, sport seats, foglamps and a power glass sunroof.
Which is to say there really isn't a stripper model in the entire VW lineup. That's by design. VW officials promote their products as having "affordable world class German engineering." The idea is to position Golfs and Jettas as a cut above rivals of similar size-Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus and others.
Apparently the strategy is working. Last year VW sold 42,000 cars in Canada, for an 11 per cent gain over VW sales in '98. Overall, VW sales were the highest since 1984.
Leading the VW sales charge is the Golf, arguably among the world's most rational cars. Has been for decades. So no wonder it's the third-best-selling car in history. Only the Beetle (first) and Corolla (second) have proven more popular.
The hatchback design gives it a versatility unmatched by any four-door sedan. Want to load a mountain bike? No problem. A modest stereo stand or a stuffed easy chair? Slide it on in. All this is possible because the rear seats split and fold flat out of the way. There is an amazing appetite for cargo back there. Call it a mini-station wagon, if you will.
You might recall that for 1999 VW re-invented the Golf and Jetta for the fourth time in its quarter-century history with new stying and engineering. The addition of the 1.8-litre turbo four hasn't ushered in further styling and engineering refinements, although later this year VW will offer an optional sports suspension with this model. The latter includes stiffer springs, shocks and a larger rear stabilizer bar.
But such a relatively new model as the Golf certainly doesn't need any major upgrades. The materials and switchgear look, feel and operate in a way that reflects a commitment to craftsmanship. For instance, there are removable rubber liners at the bottom of the map pockets and there's a first-aid kit tucked into the left-rear wheel well. The striking blue back-lighting of the instrument panel is also a real night-time standout.
On the other hand, the rear seats are snug for adults, even though the fronts are firm and roomy if a bit flat in shape. For some strange reason VW insists on using rotary seatback
rake-adjustment knobs which are hard to reach and even harder to turn. The audio controls are too small, too. And because they are located low in the centre console, just below a small storage bin, they are awkward to use. Cupholder design needs some work, too. A steering column that tilts and telescopes helps the driver find the perfect driving position.
From the outside the sheetmetal has a modern, clean look to it. It's a design well-suited to a sporty commuter car that is very quiet at highway speeds and surprisingly supple, poised and balanced in aggressive driving.
Still, for my money, the ride is a bit softer than I'd expect, but that's a concession to comfort. It's certainly not mushy, however. Let's call it civilized. But I would like the steering to be a big quicker. The brakes? Extremely good in every way.
Some consumers have found themselves surprised at the sticker prices of Golfs and Jettas, but when you take the measure of these models be sure to compare them against comparably equipped rivals. If you do, the results might surprise you.
 2000 GOLF GLS 1.8T
Engine: (front-engine/front-wheel drive) 1.8-litre I4 with five valves per cylinder operated by dual overhead cams; electronic engine management/sequential fuel injection; 150 hp at 5,700 rpm; torque rated at 155
lbs-ft at 1,750-4,200.
Transmission: five-speed manual or optional electronically controlled automatic
($1,100).
Steering: power-assist rack and pinion.
Brakes: power-assisted front disc/rear drum w/four-wheel
anti-lock.
Tires: 195/65R15 all-season radials.
Wheelbase: 2,511 mm (98.9 in).
Fuel economy (100 litres/km): 9.3 city/7.1 hwy. or 24/31 mpg.
Price (MSRP base): $23,700.
Key standard features: five doors (including hatch), dual power side mirrors, full-size steel spare tire, steel wheels, wheel locks, AC, cruise control, power windows/door locks, remote central power locking, dual front illuminated vanity mirrors, AM/FM stereo cassette w/8 speakers, 60-40 split folding rear seat, tilt/telescopic steering, dust/pollen filter.
J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Study (number of owner-reported problems in first 90 days; lower number is
better):
VW vehicle line: 223 (industry average 167)
Performance in 0-100 km/h: 9.7 seconds
Consumer Reports Predicted Reliability: New.
Safety/security: dual front/side airbags; anti-lock braking; fair rating for headrest effectiveness; three stars/three stars rating for driver/passenger front crash protection; no rating for front/rear side crash protection; average rating for collision insurance claims; average rating for comprehensive insurance claims; better than average rating for theft insurance claims;
anti-theft device.
Warranty:
Basic & powertrain: 2 yrs./40,000 km.
Major components: 5 yrs./80,000 km.
Corrosion perforation: 12 yrs.
Roadside assistance: 2 yrs./Unl. km.
Maintenance: 2 yrs./40,000 km.
Pros
* Lots of zip from 1.8-litre turbocharged four-banger
* High quality design and materials
* Good road manners
* The room of a mini-station wagon
Cons
* Awkward location/size of some secondary controls
* Less than razor-sharp steering
* Marginally useful cupholders
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