1989 This is the Model Guide for the model year 1989. Please see the Color Guide for more information on colors. For additional mechanical info, please see the Engines and Transmissions section for specific dates of installation, models, and codes used. See the Brochure Rack for brochures for these, and many other VWs, in this model year and others. Additional technical details and photographs are available.

A2Resource > Model Guide > 1989

General:

Mexican plant begins production August, 1988. It is the only place Golfs and GTIs are built (some leftover 1988 USA-built models are remade into 1989s). Gas-engine rear drum brakes go to 200mm (from the 180mm of all previous rear drums). Diesel engines retain 180mm drums. Also, a new handbrake design with a vinyl boot (leather on Carat and GLI) replaces the older, plastic cover design. Switch to bigger wiper splines. No wiper arm wings as in previous year GTI/GLIs. Cruise control and MFA stalks get bigger tumb grips for sliders. California emissions laws require stricter engine management standards, and as a result, all 8v models sold in California include Digifant 1, with enhanced engine diagnostic features and EGR systems. 16v systems already have this functionality, and as a result only get an EGR system and an easier way to access existing diagnostic features (Check Engine Light). Golf and GTI 16V made in Mexico. They get Central Electric 1 (same as Mexican-built Jetta GLs). Shares many components with Jetta which were previously different, including dashboard, electrical system, wiper system, carpet, seats, interior trim, many colors, and more.

Golf/Golf GL:
Price: $8,465 for base Golf, $9,170 for GL 2 door, and $9,380 for GL 4 door
No changes from last year.	Options: radio prep ($165) sunroof ($395) air conditioning ($805) power steering ($275) automatic transmission ($505) California emissions ($95) floor mats (GL only, $50) AM/FM stereo cassette radio with 6 speakers (AKTIV) and cassette storage box (GL only, $585) metallic paint (GL only, $165) split rear seat (GL only, $150) cruise control (GL only, $225)

Golf GL  Wolfsburg Edition:
Standard over Golf GL: power steering split folding rear seat 4 speaker stereo radio 14-inch "Zandvoort" alloy wheels and 185/60/14H tires Diagonal blue-stripe interior trim Star Blue Metallic exterior	Options: Sunroof Air Conditioning Cruise Control Automatic Transmission California emissions

GTI 16v:
Price: $13,650
New gray velour interior (just like Jetta GLI 16v Recaros, but on Sport Seats, with "GTI" logo).	Options: radio prep ($165) sunroof ($395) air conditioning ($805) power package: windows, locks, mirrors ($605) cruise control California emissions ($95) AM/FM stereo cassette radio with 6 speakers (AKTIV) and cassette storage box ($585) metallic paint ($210) floor mats ($50)

Jetta/Jetta GL:
Price: $9,690 for base 2 door, $9,910 for base 4 door, and $11,120 for GL 4 door
Changes from last year: Most (but not all) Jetta GLs produced in Mexico. Some still built in Germany. Also for 1989, the Base model Jetta gets new upholstery and door panel trim, and a black-painted trunk filler panel, like the GL. The Jetta Diesel also returns to the USA for 1989, initially as an unannounced production run of 200 cars to test market response, then as a full-fledged option. Power steering, Height adjustable driver's seat and illuminated vanity mirrors standard on GL.	Options: 52hp 1.6l diesel engine (base only) power steering (base only, $280) passive restraints (base only) radio prep ($215) air conditioning ($805) sunroof ($395) power package: windows, locks, mirrors ($705) cruise control (GL only, $225) alloy wheels (GL only, $460) automatic transmission ($505) AM/FM stereo cassette radio with 4 speakers (base only, $520) California Emissions (includes 105hp engine on base model) ($95) metallic paint ($165)

Jetta GL Wolfsburg Edition:

Additions over Jetta GLI 16v: 14-inch "Zandvoort" alloy wheels and 185/60/14H tires Diagonal blue-stripe interior trim rear headrests AKTIV 6 speaker stereo radio body color outside mirrors Star Blue Metallic exterior There was also a second version available (according to VW, this one only came in Canada), with the same interior, but  the exterior paint was either Star Blue Metallic or Alpine White. It had, in addition to the above: power/heated mirrors rear spoiler fender flares sunroof power steering (standard on US models) ski sack 4 spoke wheel delayed dome light

Options: Air Conditioning Sunroof Power Package Cruise Control Automatic Transmission California Emissions

Jetta Flair (Canada only):

The Jetta Flair includes special interior trim that matches the gray velour and leatherette bolsters on the previous year's GLI Recaro seats (gray and leatherette), but on a standard seat. It also is available in a special color, Pewter Metallic (LA7Y).

Jetta Carat:
Price: $15,140
Changes from last year: ABS now optional.	Options: Sunroof ($395) Different Alloy wheels ($210) Antilock Brakes ($995) Automatic transmission ($505) California emissions ($95)

Jetta GLI 16v (GTX 16v in Canada):
Price: $14,770
Changes from last year: Black stripes on the bumpers rather then red stripes as in previous years, and new, gray-colored full velour Recaro seats.	Options: radio prep ($215) sunroof ($395) Air Conditioning ($805) power package ($705) Antilock Brakes ($995) AM/FM stereo cassette radio with 6 speakers (AKTIV) and cassette storage box ($585) California emissions ($95) metallic paint ($165) cruise control ($225)

Jetta GLI 16v  Wolfsburg Edition:
Price: $17,500
Additions over Jetta GLI 16v: power windows, locks, mirrors metallic paint (in Helios Blue LA5Y) body colored mirrors 10.1" front brakes, 9.4" rear discs 6 speaker (AKTIV) stereo 15" BBS alloy wheels with low profile tires.	Options: Cruise Control ($225) Antilock Brakes ($995) California emissions ($95)