As with the other Auto 2000 concepts, Volkswagen's car focused on fuel economy through the use of efficient engines and streamlining, and many of its features were to end up in series production.

[1] They put forth 110 million Deutsche Mark for a program to develop the "car for the year 2000," with strict limitations on fuel consumption and weight.

The three-door hatchback used the chassis of the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 and was of a particular design, with a tall kammback rear end and a front without a traditional grille.

A supercharged version of the same developed 60 PS (44 kW); both these engines were fitted with Volkswagen's 4+E manual transmission, a five-speed 'box with a very long fifth gear to maximize economy.

[2] The Auto 2000 was one of the first to feature Volkswagen's Stop-Start technology, allowing the car to save a considerable amount of gasoline in city driving.