Volkswagen offers more engine options for its compact than other manufacturers. Four engines are available for the Golf: 115-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-4; 180-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-4; 200-horsepower 2.8-liter VR6; 90-horsepower 1.9-liter TDI turbocharged diesel inline-4.

GL two-door ($15,295) is extremely well equipped for a small car, with standard air conditioning, cruise control, power windows, power heated mirrors, a premium sound system with CD player, and neat woven-cloth upholstery. Golf GL comes standard with the 115-horsepower engine and 5-speed manual transmission, but is available with a 4-speed automatic ($16,170). The two-door Golf GL TDI features the diesel engine and comes with a 5-speed manual ($16,720) or four-speed automatic ($17,905). The four-door version of each of these cars retails for an additional $200.

GLS ($17,520) is only available as a four-door and comes with a power sunroof, 15-inch alloy wheels, and velour upholstery with matching door trim and a center armrest. A five-speed manual transmission is standard in both the GL and GLS. A four-speed automatic costs $875 to $1185, depending on model and engine choice.

Options on GL and the GLS include the Monsoon Audio System with eight speakers ($325). Also available is the Electronic Stabilization Program ($280), a system that uses sophisticated sensors and microprocessors to stabilize the vehicle in a sudden emergency maneuver. A third option, currently offered on the GLS and available later in the model year on the GL, is the Cold Weather Package ($150) with heated front seats and heated windshield washer nozzles.

GTI is the hot-rod of the line and comes only in the two-door body style. It's comes with the 1.8 T engine and is available with the manual transmission ($18,910) or Tiptronic automatic ($19,985). It's also available with the 200-hp VR6 engine and 6-speed manual gearbox ($21,775). The Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) is an option on the 1.8 T model and standard on the VR6. GTI 1.8 T comes standard 16-inch alloy wheels, while 17-inch alloy wheels are an option on the 1.8 T ($400) and standard on the VR6.

Options on both the GTI 1.8 T and the VR6 include the Cold Weather Package; the Leather Package ($900), which includes leather upholstery and items in the Cold Weather Package; and the Luxury Package ($1,240), consisting of a power sunroof and the Monsoon sound system. Available as an option only on the VR6 is the Technology Package ($755), which includes electronic climate control, a self-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers.