September 2000 Volume 81 Number 9 "serving the protectors"
Motoring
By Jim Burnett

Delightful Beetle Attracts the looks

The new Volkswagen Beetle cruises effortlessly on the freeway, has plenty of power for overtaking and boasts excellent braking, cornering and steering. Everything about this new Beetle is delightful. As well as getting lots of looks and driving superbly, it is well-built and crammed with features.

But it’s not a car for the masses, as its predecessor once was. The Beetle is a high-tech car of exceptional quality that will remind many of their youth.

While previous “bugs” had a flat four-cylinder, air-cooled engine mounted at the rear, the new model has an advanced in-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine mounted in the front. The 2.0-litre engine produces 85kW at 5200rpm and 170Nm at 2400 rpm.

With the exception of the front and rear mudguards and bumpers – which are constructed of dent-resistant polycarbonate – the entire body is made of galvanized steel. VW’s confidence is such that it provides a 12-year anti-perforation corrosion warranty.

The cab-forward design has the front windscreen up to one metre forward of the steering wheel. This not only creates a feeling of space but also enhances safety. Front seats are very comfortable and, along with the front seat belts, offer height adjustment. The driving position is further enhanced by tilt-and-rake adjustment on the steering column.

Items such as the large central speedometer, front-passenger grab handle and rear-passenger straps are reminiscent of the old Beetle. An illuminated display showing the time and outside temperature sits above the internal rear-view mirror.

Many will like the illuminated vanity mirrors in both front sun visors and the standard dash-mounted vase – complete with white gerbera.

The modern audio system features a single CD player and six speakers, which produce good sound quality. Other standard features include:

• Air conditioning.
• Power windows.
• Power-heated mirrors.
• Remote central locking with immobilizer.
• Taking safety seriously, VW has included:
• Anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution.
• Driver and passenger airbags.
• Seat-mounted side airbags
• Front seat-belt tensioners.
• Force limiters.

Wide opening doors and a simple latch in the top side of either front seat provide easy access to the two-person rear bench seat. It’s reasonably comfortable and offers two headrests, but adults will find it slightly restrictive.

The rear cargo area is accessed through a lift-up, hatch-style door, but offers limited space. For ample golf clubs and luggage space, however, just fold the rear seat forward. A 50/50 split-fold rear-seat design would have been beneficial.

The auto version tested by the Police Journal is no sports car but performed well through the Adelaide Hills with three adult passengers.

The only available options are:

• Automatic transmission.
• Metallic paint.
• Alloy wheels.
• Sunroof.
• Leather upholstery.

The Beetle enters the market at $34,690. Although not cheap, it is well equipped with safety and standard features.

Golf -- What's Not To Like?

Everything about the VW Golf is likable. It is fabulous to drive, very comfortable and equally at home around town or on the highway.

The 1.6-litre GL hatch – tested by the Police Journal – offers an excellent interior and surprising on-road performance. The small, thick steering wheel, stubby gear lever and delightful gear change give Golf a sporty feel.

The standard 1.6-litre engine produces 74kW and provides spirited performance for its size. Even with a full load it had no trouble maintaining speed up Willunga Hill. VW quotes sparing fuel use of 8.1 litres/100km (city) and 5.3 litres/100km (highway).

Affordably priced at $25,990, this four-door five-seater possesses not only German quality but also most of the standard features of the Beetle.

It has a short, wide stance enhanced by wide track and flared wheel arches. Golf – like the Beetle – has a fully galvanized body and 12-year warranty.

Given its outside dimensions, it is deceivingly roomy. It seats four adults comfortably, or five with some squeezing.

Large windows offer excellent, all-round visibility, and the car has an airy feel. Seats are very comfortable and finished in modern fabrics. The driver’s seat offers height adjustment, and to ensure a good driving position the steering column has height-and-rake adjustment.

All switches and gauges are well placed and back-lit at night with soft, red lights over blue backgrounds. It features many courtesy lights and grab handles, as well as five three-point seat belts.

With eight speakers, the single CD/radio sounds superb.

Golf’s generous cargo space offers the versatility of a 60-40 split-fold rear seat. Standard features include:

• Air conditioning.
• Dual airbags.
• ABS.
• CD player.
• Central locking.
• Power windows and mirrors.

Test vehicles by Solitaire Automotive, Medindie, SA.

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