The 2000 Volkswagen Jetta

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.

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 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.

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 stated, 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-installed, in-dash CD player); ABS brakes; height and telescoping steering wheel; heating 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 intermittent wipers; a refined wood décor; leather upholstery; self-dimming 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 remarkable 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.

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