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Follow-Up Test: 2000 Volkswagen Golf GLS 1.8T
A 1.8 Makes it Great
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By Miles Cook
Date posted: 04-16-2000
What a difference an engine makes. That's always the case when a car is infused with more get-up-and-scoot by the pleasantries of a more powerful motor. But in the case of the VW Golf GLS 1.8T, the difference is dramatic. When we last visited this car we looked in on two versions, the GTI GLX with a V6 and a GLS five-door hatchback with the standard 115-horse four-banger that left us wanting for more in the passionate driving department. While the GTI GLX was far more fun to drive, it was not cheap, busting the $22,000 barrier with nary a blink.
That's part of the beauty of this Golf GLS — it's nearly as fun to drive as a GTI but costs about two grand less and you get two extra doors to boot. Drop the automatic gearbox from the option sheet and the price gets even cheaper. That's not to say the Golf 1.8T is low-buck at nearly 21 bills, but it has enough value that if you can swing it, you'll end up with a fun-to-drive machine that has loads of practical worth, too.
But first let's talk about the fun stuff. The 1.8-liter, DOHC inline four-cylinder has been available in the Passat for the past two years and a derivative of this engine is available in the Audi A4. A five-valve-per-cylinder valvetrain arrangement, this turbo-boosted mill is also intercooled for a high-density air charge, a basic ingredient of power. With a long stroke to help further the cause for more torque, this beefy little four-pot makes 150 horsepower at 5,700 rpm — well more than 1 horsepower per cubic inch from its 109-cube displacement. Most engines have a torque peak at a specific engine speed. This one peaks almost through the entire operating range! From 1,750 all the way up to 4,200 rpm you've got 155 foot-pounds at your disposal making for possibly one of the flattest torque curves of any car on the road.
Mated to what some members of our staff felt was a somewhat slushy four-speed automatic transaxle, the Golf's mighty little turbo motor was still an unexpected thrill to squirt through traffic on the slog back and forth to work. "This car offers considerably more power down low than I expected," commented editor-in-chief Chris Wardlaw. He further detailed the fun he had while driving this car, "After a brief bit of turbo lag, the motor makes enough oats to light up the front tires if you're in the middle of a left-hand turn."
Other editors found unexpected fun with the combination of this snappy engine and fuddy-duddy little five-door hatch body. Senior features editor Brent Romans said, "This engine is so cool. In the A4, 150 horsepower sounds rather average, but put it in a Golf and — bam! — instant fun. Sure the auto trans and the extra weight of the five-door layout sapped some acceleration, but this car still has plenty of pop. In fact I would say the automatic is almost an advantage here. It's well matched to the engine's low-end torque, so as soon as you step on the throttle from a stop, the torque converter stalls the revs to around 1,500-2,000 rpm, which is where the engine really makes all of its torque."
Aside from the engine, the car is much like the '99 we tested. But some editors developed more of a liking to the GLS than the '99 road test would have you believe. For example, staffer Erin Mahoney loves the Golf's looks. "The exterior design of this car is absolutely darling. Golfs never fail to catch my eye on the road with their funky, utilitarian hatchback design." She also loved the way it drove. "I love the turbocharged engine. Mated to the standard transmission it's even better. But in this Golf with the automatic it's still quite enjoyable."
Glowing praise was aplenty. But as with the '99 test car, this example was not perfect either. In fact, nearly every editor who drove the car noted the Golf's much too sensitive brake pedal. "The brakes were really touchy," quipped staffer Ed Hellwig. Wardlaw recorded the problem in the exact same fashion, further noting, "To me it seemed nothing would happen upon initial depression of the pedal and then all of a sudden they would grab excessively as I pressed just slightly harder. They're not nearly as progressive as those in our long-term Passat."
Although we were pleased with the general ambience of the Golf's interior, some were annoyed with the radio and center stack layout. "The crappy stereo controls are mounted too low and offer very poor tactile feel. I dare a VW interior designer to use this system during the L.A. morning rush hour," said one irritated editor after a tough ride into work.
There's also the subject of the somewhat soft suspension tuning that we noted provides a pleasing ride, but compromises handling. The Golf grips the road well enough, but if you're looking for more sporting intentions, the GTI is a good bet. Incidentally, the GTI's standard engine is now also the 1.8T inline four.
The Golf GLS 1.8T is quite a nice piece of automotive machinery. Our only concern is the car's price. At well over 20 bills, the car costs significantly more than other small cars like a Focus ZX3, a Sentra SE, or a 2001 Civic. However, the Golf is one of the few vehicles that are available in a five-door hatch configuration. For people on a budget, we wouldn't say the Golf is the only option out there. But if you can ante up the tariff, you wouldn't be wasting your money.
Both editors Wardlaw and Mahoney summed up their overall opinions of this car with glowing praise. Chris said, "Overall it's an impressive little car, with good performance, stout construction, upscale interior ambience and the functionality that only a five-door hatch can offer."
Erin might even buy one someday. "I have to say that I really love the peppy Golf GLS with the turbocharged engine. I've determined that a Golf is one of my strongest choices for my next purchase as it offers all the fun and hipness of a Jetta but with added utility and a tad less trendiness." Hey, Erin, can we take a spin around town?
See all the Ratings: 2000 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr GLS Turbo Hatchback Road Test Scoreboard
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