Three trim levels are available, GL, GLS and GLX, along with four engines, a 2.0-liter four cylinder, a 1.8-liter turbo, 1.9-liter TDI turbodiesel, and a VR6 narrow-angle V6. Five-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions ($875) are available.
Retail prices: GL ($16,850); GL TDI ($18,145); GLS ($17,800); GLS TDI ($18,850); GLS 1.8T ($19,350), GLS VR6 ($20,100); GLX VR6 ($24,450).
The base GL is available with either the 115-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine or Volkswagen's excellent 1.9-liter TDI diesel. The mid-level GLS offers a choice of the 2.0-liter, the 1.9-liter TDI, the new 1.8-liter turbo or the VR6. The top-of-line GLX is only offered with the VR6.
The big news for 2001 is the introduction of the 1.8 T engine. It uses a turbocharger, intercooler and five-valves per cylinder for improved high-rpm breathing to develop 150 horsepower and 155 pounds-feet of torque. Volkswagen's remarkable VR6 narrow-angle V6 produces 174 horsepower and 181 pounds-feet of torque.
For the first time in years, Volkswagen is offering a Wolfsburg Edition ($19,600). New for 2001, the Wolfsburg Edition is based on the GLS 1.8T, and adds a special package of features and colors meant to appeal to Volkswagen's most demanding enthusiasts. It comes with a sports suspension, 16-inch BBS wheels, bolstered sports seats, and a special leather steering wheel, shift knob, boot and brake handle.
GLS offers an optional Partial Leather Package ($850) that adds leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and hand-brake lever, heated windshield nozzles and heated seats.